Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are two of the most common over-the-counter medications to treat pains and the fever.
However, they both differ in how they work, how fast they work and how long they last in the body, who they can be given to and the chances of side effects and bad drug interactions.
That being said, no more taking them interchangeably. From now on you will take the medicine you really need and not the first one you have on hand.
How do they differ and which of them is better to use in each case?
Paracetamol
As you already know, Paracetamol can be marketed as Gelocatil, Efferalgan, Lumado, or Termalgin among others. Its main utility is antipyretic Y analgesicthat is, it is used to relieve fever and pain.
The first thing we could highlight about Paracetamol is that has fewer contraindications than ibuprofen and it does not cause the stomach problems that the second one could generate.
It is not recommended for people who suffer alcoholismoh liver problems, because consumed in excess, Paracetamol can cause liver damage. Also, anyone who has kidney problems should take this medication with caution and under proper medical supervision.
We can consume this medicine alone, with water, juice and even milk. It is not necessary to take it on a full stomach.because it does not generate too many stomach problems.
When should we use Paracetamol?
We must use this medicine to relieve fever or try occasional mild or moderate painas indicated by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products.
In this way, the use of Paracetamol would be appropriate to treat headaches, low back pain, bone pain and control fever. It can also be used for illnesses caused by the flu.
ibuprofen
We can find Ibuprofen in pharmacies under the name of Espidifen, Neobrufen, Nurofen or Saetil, among others. Its main utility is analgesic, antipyretic Y anti-inflammatory.
Since Ibuprofen can cause stomach complications, its use is contraindicated for people who suffer Stomach problems such as ulcers, colitis or gastrointestinal bleeding. Neither should people who suffer Heart problems.
Due to its adverse effects on the stomach, It is convenient to consume it after having eaten some food.
When should we use Ibuprofen?
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this medication is often used to treat pain that is related to some type of inflammationor that are not too acute to make use of Paracetamol.
In this way, its consumption would be recommended to treat arthritis, injuries such as sprains or strains, muscle pain, sore throat caused by inflammation, menstrual pain, and dental and gum pain.
On the other hand, due to its antipyretic and analgesic properties, it can also be used to treat headaches and lower feveralthough in these cases it will always be preferable to use Paracetamol because it generates fewer problems in the stomach.
Only in case the pain or fever does not disappear with Paracetamol, Ibuprofen should be used. In some cases, the doctor may recommend combining both drugs.
Conclution
- Both drugs can be used to relieve pain and fever, but it will always be preferable to use Paracetamol because has fewer side effects.
- Only ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory propertiesso it is the option that we must take to alleviate problems derived from inflammation.
In any case, it is advisable to consult a doctor who can prescribe the medicine and the dose that best suits our needs and who can clarify all the doubts we have about its use.
