Due to their availability and wide range of uses, paracetamol and ibuprofen are two of the most commonly used over the counter medicines. Because of this, these medications are quite regularly taken incorrectly!
In this article, we’ll help you understand the key differences between paracetamol and ibuprofen – when they should or shouldn’t be taken, how to take them, and the different methods of consumption.
Key Differences
These painkillers, perhaps due to their accessibility, are often viewed with an either will do attitude.
However, they do have different strengths, and can also have different, potentially negative effects on the body. When considering which to take, consider your condition, circumstances and the potential risks.
Let’s take a look at a few key distinctions between the two:
- Paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach, while it is best to take ibuprofen with food, or soon after
- Abuse of paracetamol can cause damage on your liver, while abuse of ibuprofen can cause damage to your stomach or liver
- It’s safer to take paracetamol if you are pregnant than ibuprofen. (In the case of the latter, you should consult your doctor first, but completely avoid it in your 3rd trimester)
- Ibuprofen has a much longer list of side effects than paracetamol
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a painkiller used to treat aches, pains and reduce fevers. Yet, despite it being so common, no one is actually sure about how it works. The most accepted theory is that paracetamol blocks pain messengers in the central nervous system.
Paracetamol Uses
Paracetamol is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions that cause pain and high temperatures. However if there are underlying causes such as inflammation or an infection, paracetamol won’t have an effect on them. Some of the conditions treated by paracetamol include:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Toothaches
- Colds
- Arthritis
Paracetamol Dosage
The exact dosage of the paracetamol you take will vary due to your condition, other medications and the prescriber.
(So always read the leaflet or check with a medical professional if you are not sure!)
The usual dose for adults is one or two tablets, 500mg, four times within a 24 hour period. It is always strongly advised that you leave at least 4 hours between doses as a paracetamol overdose can cause serious side effects.
As paracetamol can be taken without food, you can generally start your dosage when the pain starts.
The strength and dosage required depends on the age and weight of the child, however no form of paracetamol should be given to any child under 2 months of age.
In most cases, a child that needs pain relief over a number of days should be given a dose of paracetamol every 6 hours so as to not risk too much. If however the pain is more random, give them a dose when they experience the pain, and wait 4 hours before the next.
However, especially in the case of children, you should always read the leaflet carefully or consult a medical professional first.
Paracetamol Side Effects & Risks
When taken in correct doses, paracetamol is unlikely to cause any side effects.
However it is possible, especially if you are unknowingly allergic, so if you notice anything unusual when you start the medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
If your reaction is severe, such as anaphylaxis, call 999.
Most people can take paracetamol safely, but there are some cases where you should consult your doctor first.
Check with your doctor if you…
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have had an allergic reaction to medicines
- Take medicine for TB
- Take medicine for epilepsy
- Take warfarin (a blood thinner)
- Drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week
- Would need to take paracetamol regularly
Paracetamol Types/Brands
For adults, paracetamol is usually available as a tablet or capsule.
There are other forms available for those that find them difficult to swallow, such as syrup or soluble tablets that can dissolve in water. There are also suppository and liquid syrup options for children.
Paracetamol can also be administered through an IV drip in a hospital environment by a doctor or nurse.
Common brand names for paracetamol include Panadol, Calpol (commonly for infants), Medinol, Disprol and Hedex.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a common painkiller that also effectively treats inflammation.
Most forms are available in pharmacies and supermarkets, but there are some types for which you’d need a prescription.
Ibuprofen Uses
Due to its ability to treat pain and inflammation, ibuprofen is commonly used to treat pain caused by inflammation, among a number of other aches and pains. These include:
- Period pain
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Strains
- Sprains
- Toothache
It is important to note that with strains and sprains, it’s usually recommended by medical professionals to wait 48 hours before taking ibuprofen, to allow the body to carry out its normal healing process.
If you’ve taken the above into question, and identified that ibuprofen would help your situation, click the button below to order from the Healthera app now!
Ibuprofen Dosage
In most cases, the dosage for ibuprofen is one or two 200mg tablets, 3 times a day, leaving 6 hours between each dose.
When necessary however, you can be prescribed a higher dose of up to 600mg, or slow release ibuprofen for more constant pain. In the case of slow release tablets, you would either take one or two a day with at least 10 hours’ gap in between.
The maximum dosage – volume and frequency – of ibuprofen within a 24 hour period for children depends on the age of the child.
The weight and medical history of the child can also have an effect, so it is advisable that you consult a medical professional before providing your child with any medication.
Ibuprofen Side Effects & Risks
Ibuprofen can cause a number of side effects, some requiring medical attention. It’s important to pay attention to how you are feeling when you start any new medication.
For ibuprofen, the most commonly reported side effects include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Indigestion
If you experience any severe side effects, such as changes to your stool, blood in any bodily fluids, or swelling or breathing difficulties, speak to a doctor immediately.
Don’t take ibuprofen if you have…
- Had a stomach ulcer
- A perforation or bleeding in your stomach
- Liver problems
- Heart disease or heart failure
- Chickenpox or shingles
- Crohn’s disease
The effect of ibuprofen on asthma depends on the type of asthma you have. You should be able to take ibuprofen if you don’t have aspirin-sensitive asthma, as it can trigger an attack or symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is recommended that you speak to a medical professional before taking ibuprofen if you do have asthma.
Check with your doctor if…
- You are over 65 years old – your doctor may prescribe medication to protect your stomach from ulcers if you will be taking it long term
- You are pregnant – if you have taken ibuprofen during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, you will need to tell your doctor
Ibuprofen & Other Medications
Ibuprofen can react poorly with other medication when taken orally, but is usually safe when applied to the skin. If taken orally, it is safe to take ibuprofen with codeine or paracetamol.
Ibuprofen falls under a category of medicines called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Never take ibuprofen with other NSAID medicines as this will increase your risk of experiencing painful side effects. Other NSAIDs include aspirin and naproxen.
Ibuprofen Types/Brands
Ibuprofen is available in a variety of different forms. Which you choose will depend on the type and location of the pain, as well as your age and preferences. These types can be ingestible – tablets, capsules and syrup – or topical – gel, mousse or spray.
Ibuprofen can also be combined with other products to help tackle a range of symptoms – most commonly cold and flu.
Common brand names of ibuprofen include Nurofen, Advil, Brufen and Calprofen.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for information purposes only and is not meant to replace medical advice.
No matter what you read, it is always advisable to speak to a medical professional if you are unsure about the medication you are taking or should be taking.
Once you have, safely, decided to take any medication, ensure that you strictly follow the instructions as per the prescription and/or the leaflet.
