Aleve PM vs Tylenol PM – detailed comparison:
Aleve PM
It is the brand name of a combination of diphenhydramine hydrochloride and naproxen sodium.
It was originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on January 16, 2014.
Uses
This over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is used for relieving occasional sleeplessness due to minor aches and pain.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose for adults and children 12 years and older is 1 caplet every 12 hours.
Notes – it is sold in 20, 40, 80, and 160 count tablets and is supposed to be used as needed, rather than every night.
Do not take this medication unless you have time for a full night’s sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. Do not take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- hard stools (constipation);
- headache;
- feeling sleepy;
- belly pain;
- dizziness;
- upset stomach;
- excessive gas;
- loose stools (diarrhea).
Rare side effects may include:
- ringing in the ears;
- swelling in the arms or legs;
- low mood (depression);
- unexplained weight gain;
- severe stomach pain;
- shortness of breath;
- a change in how much urine is passed;
- fast heartbeats;
- severe back pain;
- chest pain;
- mood changes;
- blurred eyesight;
- change in balance;
- trouble speaking.
Contraindications
Before taking this medication, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- experience sleeplessness without pain;
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medication.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine);
- Aleve (naproxen);
- omeprazole;
- ferrous sulfate;
- Ambien (zolpidem);
- Percocet (acetaminophen/oxycodone);
- amlodipine;
- tramadol;
- aspirin;
- Xanax (alprazolam);
- minocycline;
- Aspirin Low Strength;
- Zyrtec (cetirizine);
- Diclofenac;
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine);
- Zoloft (sertraline);
- gabapentin;
- esbriet;
- trazodone;
- hydrocodone;
- prednisone;
- oxycodone.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant since it may cause problems in the unborn baby, especially during the last three months of pregnancy.
It is not known whether this medication passes into human breast milk or if it could negatively affect a breastfed infant. Tell your healthcare provider that you are breastfeeding a baby before using it.
Tylenol PM
It is the brand name of a combination of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine.
Uses
This medication is used for the temporary relief of occasional headaches and minor aches and pains with accompanying sleeplessness.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose for adults and children 12 years and over is 2 caplets at bedtime.
Notes – do not take more than 2 caplets of this product in a 24-hour period. It is not recommended for children under 12 years.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- mild skin rash;
- constipation;
- feeling restless;
- dry mouth;
- trouble concentrating;
- blurred vision;
- mild dizziness;
- dry eyes.
Rare side effects may include:
- restless muscle movements;
- uneven heartbeats;
- little or no urinating;
- feeling light-headed;
- slow or shallow breathing;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- severe dizziness;
- nausea;
- pale skin;
- clay-colored stools;
- unusual bleeding;
- dark urine;
- easy bruising;
- loss of appetite;
- pain in your upper stomach pain.
Contraindications
Before taking this medication, tell your healthcare provider:
- if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to any medication.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.
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Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- Lexapro (escitalopram);
- Ambien (zolpidem);
- Percocet (acetaminophen/oxycodone);
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine);
- trazodone;
- Cymbalta (duloxetine);
- Xanax (alprazolam);
- gabapentin;
- Zoloft (sertraline);
- hydrocodone;
- Tylenol (acetaminophen);
- lisinopril;
- tramadol;
- oxycodone.
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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There are no well-done studies to determine whether this medication is safe to use during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider that you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before using it.
Do not breastfeed an infant while taking this medication since it can pass into breast milk and may negatively affect the nursing infant. It may also slow breast milk production.
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Bottom Line – Aleve PM vs Tylenol PM
Aleve PM (active ingredients – diphenhydramine hydrochloride and naproxen sodium) is a medication that is used for the relief of occasional sleeplessness when associated with minor aches and pains.
Tylenol PM (active ingredients – acetaminophen and diphenhydramine) is a medication that is used for the temporary relief of occasional headaches and minor aches and pains with accompanying sleeplessness.
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References https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/Development https://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials