Tylenol vs. Motrin: When to Use Each

When your child has a fever, is in pain, or just feels crummy (the official medical term for kids' yuckiness), you’re likely reaching for Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Motrin® (ibuprofen). But what’s the difference? Is one better? Can you alternate them? Do you even need them?

Here are some key facts to consider when choosing between products.

Meet the Meds

Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

• Reduces fever and relieves mild to moderate pain
• Acts mainly in the central nervous system to relieve pain and reduce fever
• Can be used every 4–6 hours (maximum 5 doses per day)
• Consult your pediatrician before giving acetaminophen to children younger than 2 years
• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in an infant younger than 3 months requires immediate medical evaluation

Read more: Acetaminophen for Kids: A Parent's Guide

Motrin (Ibuprofen)

• Reduces prostaglandin production to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation
• Lasts longer (every 6–8 hours) (maximum 4 doses per day)
• Ibuprofen is generally used in children 6 months and older. For younger infants, use only if specifically directed by a pediatrician.
• Ask your pediatrician before giving ibuprofen to children younger than 2 years to confirm the appropriate dose

Read more: Ibuprofen for Kids: A Parent's Guide

When to Choose Tylenol

• Your child is younger than 6 months, and your pediatrician has recommended acetaminophen
• They have stomach sensitivity or a history of ulcers
• Your child has an empty stomach (Tylenol is easier on the stomach and can be taken with or without food)
• Acetaminophen may not be appropriate for children with liver disease or certain other medical conditions. Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist before use if your child has liver disease or takes other medicines containing acetaminophen.

When to Choose Motrin

• Choose Motrin if your child has pain associated with inflammation or swelling, such as a sprain.
• You want longer-lasting relief, since ibuprofen is generally given every 6 to 8 hours.
• Your child is at least 6 months old, is well hydrated, and has no medical conditions or medications that make ibuprofen inappropriate.

Ibuprofen may not be the best choice if your child is dehydrated, vomiting repeatedly, has kidney disease, or has a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist if you're unsure.

Can You Alternate Tylenol and Motrin?

Sometimes! If your child remains uncomfortable despite taking one medication, your pediatrician may recommend alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

However, alternating can make it easier to confuse doses or give medication too frequently. Ask your pediatrician for specific instructions and keep a written record of the medication, dose, and time given.

For more information, see our guide to using ibuprofen and acetaminophen together.

Important Safety Notes

• Always use the correct measuring device (no kitchen spoons!)
• Read labels carefully—many cold meds already include acetaminophen
• Never exceed daily max doses
• Contact your pediatrician if a fever lasts more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years or more than 3 days in a child age 2 or older.
• Contact your pediatrician promptly if your child's temperature repeatedly rises above 104°F (40°C), or sooner if your child appears seriously ill.
• Seek emergency care if your child has severe difficulty breathing, cannot be awakened, or has other signs of a medical emergency. Contact your pediatrician promptly for severe pain, unusual behavior, or concerning symptoms accompanying a fever.
• If your child has an allergy to either drug or either drug class, do not use that medication
• Always follow the dosing instructions for your child's weight, age, and specific product. Different formulations may have different directions.
• If your child has a fever but is otherwise comfortable and able to eat, drink, and rest, you may not need to use Tylenol or Motrin. Sometimes, fever can be helpful and is a regular part of being sick. Use medicine when it helps your child feel more comfortable, rather than treating every fever automatically. Consult your pediatrician for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Both Tylenol® and Motrin® are safe and effective when used properly. The right choice depends on your child’s symptoms, age, and what works best for them. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician—or your friendly neighborhood pharmacist 😄

Related: Treating Fever in Kids

Related: First Fever of the School Year

References

The following references were used to compile this information:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026, January 30). Acetaminophen dosing tables for fever and pain in children. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Acetaminophen-for-Fever-and-Pain.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024, September 19). Ibuprofen dosing table for fever and pain. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Ibuprofen-for-Fever-and-Pain.aspx

DailyMed. (2021, May 4). Acetaminophen liquid [Drug label]. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ace5ebac-ec11-4c26-b1e3-954b450ee671

DailyMed. (2024, November 1). Children's Motrin: Ibuprofen suspension [Drug label]. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f2609308-17bf-4bcb-84b2-d17f3fd35958

Hirsch, L. (2025, November). Fever (high temperature) in kids. Nemours KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fever.html

Wade, K. C., & Mathis, C. (2024). Antipyretic strategies: Is fever clearance enough to justify dual therapy? Pediatrics, 154(4), e2024067408. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-067408