Is acetaminophen just ibuprofen?

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not the same drug, although both are common over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers.

Ibuprofen belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. One of its core functions is to reduce inflammation, such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain caused by arthritis or muscle strains. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, primarily relieves pain and reduces fever, but its anti-inflammatory effects are weak.

Long-term or excessive use of ibuprofen may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney damage. The main risk of acetaminophen lies in the liver; overdose can cause serious liver damage.