You have a terrible cold. It has given you an awful headache and you've been blowing your nose all day. You've taken Nyquil as prescribed but decide that the throbbing pain in your head has got to go. So you take a maximum dosage of Tylenol. Both are over-the-counter medicines; they're harmless, right? Wrong.

The above scenario doesn't seem unrealistic and that is precisely how presumably harmless over-the-counter medications can become deadly. According to the CDC, 150 Americans die each year by accidentally taking too much acetaminophen. Better-known as Tylenol, it is also the active ingredient in a variety of medications. For example, Nyquil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief contain more acetaminophen than a single dose of extra strength Excedrin.

Many people also don't know that all pain relievers are not created equal. In fact, plenty of us think that Tylenol and Advil are interchangeable. Because acetaminophen and ibuprofen are over-the-counter drugs, people consider them safe. In most cases and low doses, they are. But there can be exceptions, especially after extended use or heavy doses.

In reality, the two over-the-counter pain killers have different active ingredients and specific benefits attached to them - as well as unique health concerns. In an effort to explore the differences between the two, we will discuss the pros and cons of both.

Acetaminophen

Pros: Of the two medications, acetaminophen is easier on the stomach and doesn't carry the same risk factors for heart attacks as long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen does. It's a better choice for minor headaches and sprains and has very few side effects.

Cons: Too much acetaminophen can lead to liver complications. The biggest problem is the hidden risk of getting more of this medication than you think you are taking.

Acetaminophen is an ingredient in more than 600 different products,. They include generic and store-brand pain relievers, fever reducers and sleep aids as well as cough, cold and allergy medicines. To avoid accidental overdosing, read the labels of the products you take regularly and calculate your total dosage. For most people, 4,000 mg a day is the upper limit, although that may be too high for some people.

Also, be extremely mindful of how much acetaminophen you give to young children. Be sure to use the right dosage according to your child's age and only as directed. But make sure you're not using more than one product with acetaminophen in it.

Ibuprofen

Pros: It is effective at reducing pain and lowering a fever. And, unlike acetaminophen, it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which means it helps with inflammation but is non-narcotic and non-addictive. Ibuprofen is good for treating headaches, toothaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injuries.

Cons: Taking a lot of ibuprofen at once or using it regularly for a long time increases the risk of heart disease, ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also can be hard on the kidneys or cause blood pressure problems.

The good news is occasional use doesn't cause these problems. If you're a regular user, don't stop cold turkey. Talk to your health care provider if you're concerned or have questions. If you're having issues with the side effects, your doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor like Nexium, Prilosec or others can help.

To ensure safety and long-term health, don't exceed recommended dosages for either over-the-counter pain reliever and help your family members to follow this same guideline.

Our goal is to help you to be more informed and better able to make the best choice the next time you are faced with choosing between ibuprofen and acetaminophen. That's only part of the reason you can depend on MountainStar Healthcare 24/7.

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