TYLENOL® ( acetaminophen) is thought to work by elevating the body's overall pain threshold, so that you feel less pain. It starts working fast, but won't irritate your stomach.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen ( MOTRIN®), naproxen (ALEVE®) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, ASPIRIN®), work within the body by blocking the production of substances, called prostaglandins, which are involved in the development of pain and inflammation.