Headache: ibuprofen or paracetamol?

We have all experienced a headache at some point in life. Although it can be mild, it can also have a strong impact on quality of life. In those situations, what is better: ibuprofen or paracetamol?

Everything you should know about headaches

Headache, or cephalgia, is a painful sensation that can affect any part of the head. It can broadly be classified as:

• Primary headache: the pain itself is the main problem, as in migraine, tension headache or cluster headache.
• Secondary headache: the pain appears because of another cause, such as blood pressure changes or an infection.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of headache, but may include pressure, throbbing, fatigue, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea or sleep changes.

Why does it happen?

Headaches are linked to the stimulation of pain-sensitive nerves in the head, face and neck. Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, muscle tension or infections are common triggers.

How can you prevent headaches?

• Stay well hydrated.
• Sleep enough and keep a regular routine.
• Manage stress.
• Avoid prolonged fasting and identify personal triggers.

What is better for headache: ibuprofen or paracetamol?

It depends on the type of pain and on your personal circumstances. Ibuprofen may be more suitable when there is an inflammatory component, while paracetamol is often used when you need pain relief but anti-inflammatory action is not required.

However, the choice also depends on factors such as stomach sensitivity, liver health, kidney health, pregnancy or other medicines you may be taking.

Remedies to help prevent headaches

In some cases, supportive options such as Forte Pharma Marine Magnesium may be considered as part of a broader routine when muscle tension or fatigue plays a role.

When should you see a doctor for a headache?

Seek medical advice if the pain is very intense, appears suddenly, comes with neurological symptoms, fever, repeated vomiting or keeps coming back frequently. If you have doubts about which option is right for you, our online team of pharmacists can help guide you.

How to prevent headaches

To prevent headaches, it is necessary to pay attention to their origin. At Farmaciasdirect, we have some guidelines that can help you prevent them:

• Establish regular sleep and meal times.

• Manage your emotions and control stress.
• Take care of your posture.
• Avoid certain foods.
• Do not overuse painkillers or screens.
• Control the number of hours you spend exposed to the sun.

If you already have a headache, what is good to take? We explain it below.

What is best for a headache?

Depending on the type of pain, intensity and origin, headaches can be treated in different ways. In general, migraine treatment may include over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

If you are still unsure whether ibuprofen or paracetamol is better for a headache, you can choose Voltaduo, an over-the-counter medicine that combines ibuprofen, which is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, with paracetamol, an analgesic active ingredient. Both work together to reduce pain and make the headache disappear. Take one tablet every 8 hours. It should be used occasionally and not for more than 3 days.

In more severe cases, anti-migraine medicines such as triptans may be recommended. However, these medicines require a medical prescription and are used only for more intense or complicated pain. They are always prescribed by a neurologist and used under their supervision and control.

Other solutions for headaches may include preventive remedies such as the ones below.

Remedies to prevent headaches

In this case, prevention can be supported by food supplements. It has been shown that people with migraines often have poor magnesium absorption in the intestine, meaning their magnesium levels are low. In these cases, magnesium supplements are recommended to help prevent headaches.

At Farmaciasdirect, we recommend Forté Pharma Marine Magnesium. It contains magnesium of marine origin and vitamin B6, helping to improve tiredness, fatigue and the normal functioning of the nervous system. It is also gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free and soy-free. Take one tablet a day, preferably in the morning.

When to see a doctor for a headache

You should see a doctor if:

• The pain does not stop and even increases in intensity.
• Attacks are very frequent.
• There is loss of vision, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizures or fever.
• There is neck stiffness.
• It appears in people over 50 with no previous history.

Now you know what you can take for a headache. Remember that, if you have any doubts, you can consult our team of online pharmacists.