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Tylenol vs. Advil - difference in time it takes to work?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/30/2008 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
In a recent post here, i learned that Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is better/safer for UC than Advil (Ibuprofen). I'd been an ardent advil fan as i felt it was effective and fast acting (for Muscle aches, headaches, general pain).

Today i took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol (500 mg each) for major muscle/back pain. After an hour of the same pain, i took a 3rd tablet. It took 1 1/2 hours total to feel it working and the pain to lessen. Whereas Advil worked within 15-30 min. in the past.

I feel that 1 1/2 to take effect is a preposterous amount of time.

Is this normal? or could it be something else?

What has your experience been?

Posted 4/30/2008 9:45 AM (GMT 0)
Be VERY careful taking more than the recommended dosage of Tylenol!! It is very hard on the liver. My daughters doctor doesn't even like for her to take it because of this reason. She said occasional advil is fine. Advil seems to be quite a bit more effective for most pain than tylenol. My son's GI also allows him to take advil occasionally for his headaches as tylenol doesnt' even put a dent in them. So far, neither child has had any problems from occasional advil use, but when my son was taking tylenol on a regular basis, his liver counts went up (of course he was weaning off of pred and taking Imunan, too).

Hope your pain eases quickly and you don't have to even worry about which pain reliever to take!
Posted 4/30/2008 11:01 AM (GMT 0)
They have a quick release Tylonel that works within 15 minutes now. But the norm for regular Tylonel to start working is about 45 minutes to an hour. I won't ever touch Advil again. Even one will start me bleeding but some get lucky and can take the occasional dose.
Posted 4/30/2008 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
Tylenol and Aleve doing nothing for me! I continue to take Advil as it's the only OTC that gives me relief from muscle aches. Since I don't take it often (maybe 6X per year) I don't worry about it.

Sue
Posted 4/30/2008 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
I LOVE the quick release Tylenol! It really works much more quickly. Make sure to take meds with plenty of water - it helps them dissolve more quickly and therefore get into your system faster.
Posted 4/30/2008 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
I thought Advil contained ibuprofen.Maybe it is different in the states.If i were to take advil for more than 2 days i would start losing blood.I remember i had to take some after surgery on my gums and they nearly wrecked me.:):)
Marty
Posted 5/1/2008 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Marty - Advil is ibuprofen in the States too.
Posted 5/2/2008 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
ibuprofen can be irritating to the gut, which is why some GI's are nervous about recommending it to the UC/Chrons crew. (that's why it's recommended advil be taken with food, to mitigate irritation) i think it is ok for occasional use, provided it doesn't bother your colitis. i don't have any problem with advil (in remission or in a flare), though i do try to start with tylenol for minor aches/pains now that i have the UC diagnosis.

tylenol should work within 30 minutes. you shouldn't take more than 1,000 mg's every 6 hours. hope this helps!
Posted 5/4/2008 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks you gus for responding, it just confirmed what i was thinking about the Tylenol vs. Advil issue. This is a question i'm going to ask my GI, as well as test out on my own.

Its not even like i use it so often - ~10x a year?
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