Which is better: ibuprofen or paracetamol?

Do you want to know which is better, ibuprofen or paracetamol?Both ibuprofen and paracetamol are part of the medicine cabinet at work, in places of study and at home. These two essential medicines have become an effective solution for treatingsymptoms of general discomfort. Headaches, discomfort caused by menstruation, and minor colds are some of the cases in which we usually turn to them so that we can continue with our daily routine. However, as with all medicines, it is important to know how and when to use them. In fact, the president of SEFAC, the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Society of Community Pharmacy, made statements to the newspaper “El Mundo” making it clear that they cannot be treated assimilar medicinesand that, therefore, depending on the patient's needs it will be better to use one or the other.

Differences between ibuprofen and paracetamol

In both cases, it should be borne in mind that we are talking about analgesic medicines and that, although they can be used interchangeably, they do not manage to eliminate all discomfort on their own and, as with most treatments, it may be necessary to use both to help relieve symptoms. Ibuprofenis a medicine that, in addition to working as an analgesic, is also used as ananti-inflammatoryand antipyretic. However, in the case ofparacetamolwe are talking about anantipyreticand analgesic medicine. For this reason, doctors advise the use of ibuprofen to treat mild or moderate pain such as migraine episodes. Likewise, it should be known that, in each case, these medicinesact using different organs of the body: paracetamol the liver and ibuprofen the kidney. For this reason, ibuprofen is contraindicated for patients with liver disease and paracetamol for those suffering from kidney disease. In fact, ibuprofen is gastroerosive whereas paracetamol is not, which is why the use of ibuprofen is also not recommended in patients with a history of ulcers and gastric diseases. In addition, paracetamolis often combined with other medicinessuch as antihistamines and decongestants. By contrast, ibuprofen is combined with medicines designed to reduce inflammation and mild discomfort, as happens with many tablets or lozenges to soothe a sore throat.

When to use ibuprofen

The first thing to bear in mind is that ibuprofen can be used in children, adolescents and adults as long as it is taken at the recommended dose. Thanks to all its functions, ibuprofen is indicated for treating a wide range of conditions and complaints, such as:

• Acute or chronic rheumatic pain
• Dental pain
• Muscle contractures
• Lower back pain
• Headache

This medicine can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. It is not advisable to take more than 3 doses a day. In the case of minors, it is important to consult a paediatrician.

When should I use paracetamol

Like ibuprofen, paracetamolis indicated for the symptomatic treatment of moderate pain and discomfort in both children and adults at the recommended doses. Likewise, it can also be used in the same cases as ibuprofen, but with a greater effect against symptoms such as fever. In the same way, the use of paracetamol should not be prolonged for long periods of time in order to avoid possible health problems. For this reason, if the pain or fever persists for more than 3 days, it will be necessary to stop self-medicating and see a specialist.

The best painkillers

• Medicines with paracetamolis a medicine that works as an analgesic and antipyretic for rapid relief of symptoms such as fever and mild pain. It is also indicated for treating muscle, headache, dental or menstrual pain.
• Medicines with ibuprofenas an active ingredient works by reducing occasional mild or moderate pain and easing the discomfort of fever. It is indicated for adolescents over the age of 12 and for adults.

It is also necessary to know that, although ibuprofen and paracetamol are considered safe medicines for regular use, it is very importantnot to overuse themand to use them only at the recommended doses when pain or troublesome symptoms appear and for a short period of time. Knowing their uses and differences will allow us to use them correctly so that they provide clear relief for the small mishaps of everyday life. Remember that at Farmaciasdirect you canbuy your non-prescription medicines onlineat a discount.Bibliography

• Martínez, J. L., & González, E. (2019). Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ibuprofen and paracetamol in the management of acute pain.Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 15(2), 87-98.
• Pérez, A. (2020). Ibuprofen versus paracetamol: a review of their pharmacological properties and adverse effects.Chilean Medical Journal, 148(7), 872-880.
• Autor, A. (2018). Comparison of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of ibuprofen and paracetamol in patients with chronic pain.Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 22(4), 189-198.
• Autor, A. (2017). Evaluation of the cardiovascular safety of ibuprofen and paracetamol in patients with chronic diseases.Journal of Clinical Cardiology, 10(3), 123-135.