Tylenol or Motrin?

When you are overwhelmed with pain or fever, you just want it to go away! But... have you ever thought about when you may choose one over the other? Here's something to consider...

Tylenol, also called Acetaminophen is a fever reducer and pain reliever. It works by tricking the brain's natural thermostat, giving you body the time it needs to mount its defenses. Since it works in the brain, it can also be good at tricking nerves in other parts of the body when sensing pain. That is why you may notice that a lot of pain medicines are combined with tylenol in a single pill.

Motrin, also called Ibuprofen, is fever reducer and anti-inflammatory. It works by preventing swelling and all of the side effects that come with it when a body are is injured directly (from trauma or bacteria) or indirectly (from allergy). You see following injury, your body's blood cells release substances that signal other cells to the area to help, like a 911 call. All of these cells crowded in one area can produce swelling and friction, thus heat and pain (like in a concert: crowding toward the stage, then getting trampled). 

So... next time you find yourself reaching for relief, stop and consider the why: it can make all the difference! HMFMD