Understanding Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve: A Parent’s Guide
A Quick Note: When it comes to over-the-counter medicine, we highly encourage you to talk to your doctor about what you are using or plan to use. It's not a good idea to take advice about medicine on the internet without consulting a medical professional. The information here is designed to give you a great overview of the differences, the main effects, and why or how they work. This is not intended to replace actual medical advice!
When your child has pain or a fever, it’s common to reach for over-the-counter medicine. But which one is best—Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve? Each works differently in the body, has different age guidelines, and comes with important safety points. This guide walks you through what each option does, how long it lasts, and when it may be appropriate so you can make the safest choice.
Key Differences at a Glance
Brand
Active Ingredient
Category
Main Effects
Tylenol
Acetaminophen
Analgesic / Antipyretic
Reduces pain and fever, but not inflammation
Advil / Motrin
Ibuprofen
NSAID
Reduces pain, fever, and inflammation
Aleve
Naproxen
NSAID
Reduces pain, fever, and inflammation; lasts longer per dose
Both Advil and Aleve are NSAIDs, which are especially helpful when swelling is part of the problem. Tylenol is not an NSAID, but it’s effective for lowering fever and easing pain without affecting inflammation.
Age Guidelines and Surgery Considerations
Tylenol can be used in infants (consult a doctor for recommended dose), and in most cases it may be given up until the time of surgery unless your surgeon advises otherwise.
Advil is not recommended for children younger than 6 months. Families should follow their surgeon’s guidance on timing before surgery—many ask families to stop ibuprofen about 3 days beforehand, but instructions can vary.
Aleve (OTC naproxen) isn’t recommended for children under 12 unless a clinician specifically advises it. Prescription naproxen may sometimes be used for pediatric conditions under physician supervision.
Safety Tips Every Parent Should Follow
Always measure carefully. Use the provided cup, dropper, or syringe. Kitchen spoons are not accurate.
Check every label. Many cold or flu medicines already include acetaminophen or an NSAID. Doubling up can cause harm.
Keep a log. Writing down the time of each dose helps prevent giving medicine too soon.
Consider health conditions. If your child has liver disease, consult their clinician before giving acetaminophen; it’s contraindicated in severe or active liver disease. Children with kidney or stomach issues may need to avoid NSAIDs.
Stay hydrated. Ibuprofen and naproxen are not recommended if your child is dehydrated because of the risk to the kidneys.
Store medicines safely. Keep them in original containers, out of reach, with caps closed tightly.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your child has swelling from an injury, an NSAID like Advil or Aleve may help. If you’re treating pain or fever without swelling, Tylenol is often a safe choice. Some families alternate Tylenol with an NSAID to avoid exceeding safe limits for either drug, but this should only be done under your doctor’s guidance.
When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist
Pain lasts for more than a few days or keeps returning.
You notice swelling, warmth, or stiffness in a joint.
Your child avoids using the limb or can’t put weight on it.
Over-the-counter medicine doesn’t improve symptoms.
Our team can help you understand what’s behind the pain, make safe choices about medicines, and design a plan that includes activity, rest, and recovery strategies.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
