The main difference between the two medications is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation, whereas paracetamol does not. According to Hamish, there's no advantage in taking ibuprofen or paracetamol brands such as Nurofen or Panadol over the cheaper chemist or supermarket versions.
The primary difference is that ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), meaning that it treats inflammation. Paracetamol does not. For example, paracetamol can be taken to treat the pain of arthritis, but it will not treat the inflammation which is causing the pain.
Because ibuprofen has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, it is more effective than paracetamol at controlling certain types of pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, period pain, and muscular injuries.
According to recent studies, one standard paracetamol (500mg) and one ibuprofen (200mg) combined may work better than either product alone for acute pain, such as headaches, migraines and sprains. More generally, paracetamol costs less than ibuprofen, and is considered to have fewer adverse side effects.
Both products are effective anti-inflammatory agents, offer relief for mild to moderate pain and are antipyretic (fever reducing). However, the difference between your standard ibuprofen tablet and Nurofen is that with Nurofen you can purchase specific fast acting capsules which promise to treat your pain faster.
The most powerful pain relievers are opioids. They are very effective, but they can sometimes have serious side effects. There is also a risk of addiction. Because of the risks, you must use them only under a doctor's supervision.
If you have mild-to-moderate pain, paracetamol is often the best painkiller to try first. But NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can be better for pain associated with inflammation.
It's one of a group of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and can be used to: ease mild to moderate pain – such as toothache, migraine and period pain.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer), naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin are some of the top-rated over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications.
So that your child's pain is well controlled, it is OK to alternate giving paracetamol and ibuprofen, or even to give both at the same time.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve).
“In general, pain that is associated with inflammation, like swelling or acute injury, is better treated with ibuprofen or naproxen,” says Matthew Sutton, MD, a Family Medicine physician at The Iowa Clinic's West Des Moines campus.
It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine. But do not take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor.
You should start to feel better 20 to 30 minutes after taking ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid. For some types of long-term pain, you'll need to take ibuprofen regularly for up to 3 weeks for it to work properly.
Stronger anti-inflammatories – e.g. Diclofenac (Voltaren Rapid) - While the strongest Diclofenac tablets are only available on prescription – your pharmacist can sell you the Voltaren Rapid 25mg if it is appropriate for your needs. You can purchase Voltaren Rapid 12.5mg tablets from your pharmacy.
The overall impression, particularly the graph with its bright red line for Nurofen and 4 hour time frame, was that Nurofen delivers faster and more effective relief from pain caused by common headaches than does Panadol or paracetamol.
The current recommendations for ibuprofen are to limit daily use to no more than 30 days. Dosing can range from 400 mg to 800 mg up to 4 times a day, with a daily maximum of 3200 mg per day. Above this limit, the negative effects of COX inhibition begin to outweigh the desired benefits of decreased discomfort and pain.
The usual dose for adults is one or two 200mg tablets or capsules 3 times a day. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of up to 600mg to take 4 times a day if needed. This should only happen under supervision of a doctor.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing inflammation and pain.
Acetaminophen is considered the safest OTC painkiller for long-term use because it's thought to have fewer side effects than the other options.
The short answer to this question is 'Yes' for adults. It is generally safe for adults to take both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time. (The advice for children is 'Not unless advised to do so by a health professional').
In order of strength (starting with the weakest) there are: non-opioid painkillers, such as paracetamol. mild opioids, such as codeine. strong opioids, such as morphine.
While both medicines are safe, paracetamol has fewer risks associated with it among groups of people such as the elderly, and those with kidney disease or prone to gastrointestinal bleeding. If you're pregnant, paracetamol is also the safest choice.
More serious side effects include ulcers, bleeding or tears in the stomach or intestine, but these are usually linked to taking NSAIDs at high doses (over 1200mg/day) for long periods of time (more than 3 days at a time).