Compare Indocin vs. Tylenol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats pain and swelling.

Indocin (indomethacin) works well for mild to moderate pain and swelling, but it shouldn't be used long-term since it has some serious side effects.

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4.2/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforIndocin
Relieves pain and fever.

Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen) effectively reduces fever and relieves pain, but it doesn't lower inflammation and swelling.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 1002 reviewsforTylenol
Upsides
  • Effective option to relieve mild to moderate pain and swelling.
  • Treats inflammation problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and acute gout attacks.
  • In studies, Indocin (indomethacin) was more effective than Tylenol for treating osteoarthritis pain.
  • It works as well as Celebrex for treating an acute gout attacks.
  • Available in capsules, long-acting capsules, suppositories, and as a suspension. All forms, except the suspension, are available as generic medications.
  • Works well to relieve pain and fevers.
  • Good for menstrual cramps, toothaches, body aches, and mild arthritis pain.
  • Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen) causes less upset stomach, ulcers, bruising, and bleeding than other pain medications like aspirin and Advil.
  • Doesn't cause kidney damage and is also safe to use if you have heart problems or if you're pregnant.
  • Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen) has been used for a long time and is generally safe for short-term use.
Downsides
  • Indocin (indomethacin) can cause serious heart and stomach problems. The risk goes up the longer you take it, but problems can happen at any time. Don't take Indocin (indomethacin) any longer than your doctor recommends.
  • Indocin (indomethacin) raises your risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other blood-thinning medicines.
  • There are similar medicines that you don't have to take as often and can work just as well.
  • Not a good choice if you have kidney, liver, or stomach problems.
  • Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen) doesn't treat some kinds of pain as well as other medications like Advil.
  • Drinking alcohol while taking Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen) can damage your liver.
  • To avoid hurting your liver, you need to keep track of the total amount of acetaminophen you are taking since it's a very common ingredient in pain and cold combination medicines.
  • Heavy alcohol drinkers and people with liver problems should avoid using Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen) since it can cause serious liver damage.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Liquid
  • Suppository
  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Suppository
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$284.87
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Lowest price
$44.15
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Reviews
26 reviews so far
73%
saidit'sworth it
77%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Indocin (indomethacin)?

Leave a review
1002 reviews so far
77%
saidit'sworth it
37%
saiditworked well
3%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen)?

Leave a review
Side effects
15possible side effects
  • Nausea
    33%
  • Swelling after surgery
    22%
  • Headache
    14%
  • Dizziness
    14%
  • Bleeding after surgery
    11%
  • Vomiting
    10%
  • Constipation
    5%
  • Itchy skin
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Lightheadedness
    3%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Sleepiness
    2%
  • Excessive sweating
    2%
  • Lack of appetite
    2%
  • Fainting
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack or stroke
    • History of heart disease
    • High blood pressure
    • Smoking
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
    • Age 65 or older
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Serious allergic reactions
    • Asthma
    • Allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs
  • Worsening kidney or liver function
    • Current kidney problems
    • Current liver problems
  • Bleeding or bruising
    • Blood-thinning medicines
    • Low blood platelet count
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Accidental overdose and death
    • Medication administering errors
    • Injection formulation
    • Exceeding the recommended maximum daily limits
  • Liver damage
    • Drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day
    • Taking with other Tylenol-containing medicines
    • History of liver disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Indocin (indomethacin)
Learn more about Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen)