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Gastrointestinal Risks and Analgesic Choice

TYLENOL® does not irritate the stomach the way naproxen sodium or ibuprofen can1-4

Graphic of the gastrointestinal tract.

TYLENOL® does not inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), an important enzyme in GI mucosal protection1-5

  • NSAIDs may increase the risk of GI bleeding in some patients with comorbidities or other risk factors4,6,7

  • Aspirin heart therapy and antiplatelet therapy can also increase GI bleeding risks4,6,7

Watch how NSAIDs’ inhibition of COX-1 can increase GI risk8

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Woman holding a bottle of TYLENOL® PM reading instructions and dosing information.

An appropriate analgesic option

Consider TYLENOL® for patients at higher risk for GI complications1-5

Package of TYLENOL® Extra Strength Caplets and a #1 Doctor Recommended seal in front of a desk.

TYLENOL® is the #1 doctor-recommended brand of pain reliever

The safety profile and efficacy of acetaminophen are well established

References

1. Hoftiezer JW, O’Laughlin JC, Ivey KJ. Effects of 24 hours of aspirin, Bufferin, paracetamol and placebo on normal human gastroduodenal mucosa. Gut. 1982;23(8):692-697.
2. Blot WJ, McLaughlin JK. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. J Epidemiol Biostat. 2000;5(2):137-142.
3. Naproxen. MedlinePlus. Updated March 15, 2022. Accessed March 19, 2023. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681029.html
4. Frech EJ, Go MF. Treatment and chemoprevention of NSAID-associated gastrointestinal complications. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2009;5(1):65-73.
5. Data on file. TYLENOL® Professional Product Information. McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division. Fort Washington, PA; 2014.
6. Abraham NS, Hlatky MA, Antman EM, et al; ACCF/ACG/AHA. 2010 expert consensus document on the concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and thienopyridines: a focused update of the ACCF/ACG/AHA 2008 expert consensus document on reducing the gastrointestinal risks of antiplatelet therapy and NSAID use: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Expert Consensus Documents. Circulation. 2010;122(24):2619-2633.
7. Kovac SH, Saag KG, Curtis JR, Allison J. Association of health-related quality of life with dual use of prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Arthritis Rheum. 2008;59(2):227-233.
8. Bhatt DL, Scheiman J, Abraham NS, et al; American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Clinical Expert Consensus Documents. ACCF/ACG/AHA 2008 expert consensus document on reducing the gastrointestinal risks of antiplatelet therapy and NSAID use: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Clinical Expert Consensus Documents. Circulation. 2008;118(8):1894-1909.