Key takeaways: 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.
Morphine is a stronger opioid drug. Other examples of strong opioids include diamorphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone and buprenorphine. Opioid medicines come in many forms including tablets, capsules, liquids, skin patches and injections.
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.
Indeed, most packets of Nurofen and ibuprofen tablets contain the exact same dose of the same active chemical, so are virtually the same product but at a hefty price difference. Both products are effective anti-inflammatory agents, offer relief for mild to moderate pain and are antipyretic (fever reducing).
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.
Taking paracetamol with other painkillers
It's safe to take paracetamol with other types of painkiller that do not contain paracetamol, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or codeine. Do not take paracetamol alongside other medicines that contain paracetamol.
Ibuprofen has many different brand names, one of which is Nurofen. You can get ibuprofen in many formats, and can find products containing ibuprofen sold in supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores. You'll also find ibuprofen formulations designed for both adults and children.
Naproxen. Naproxen (Aleve) is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions. Similar doses of Naproxen tend to last longer than other non-prescription pain relievers.
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.
Acetaminophen is generally a safe option to try first for many types of pain, including chronic pain.
Ibuprofen, the main ingredient in Nurofen, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), sometimes called an anti-inflammatory. It helps relieve pain by blocking chemicals called prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain signalling throughout the body.
Is it safe to give paracetamol and ibuprofen together at the same time? The quick answer is yes, you can.
Ibuprofen is used in a very similar way to paracetamol; it treats pain but can also be used to treat fever. The main difference is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation. Ibuprofen is a type of drug called a non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID).
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.
Examples of narcotics are codeine, morphine, and oxycodone. Other medications are sometimes used to treat pain. These include antidepressants, anticonvulsive medicines, local painkillers like nerve blocks or patches, and ointments and creams.
Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are both NSAID pain relievers that are fast and effective at providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, and fighting a fever. Ibuprofen works in as little as 20 minutes, whereas naproxen needs about an hour to take effect.
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. Ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Naproxen. Another anti-inflammatory drug, which works much like ibuprofen. Some studies show this may be a better choice than ibuprofen for people at risk for heart disease.
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.
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. If you're applying ibuprofen to your skin, it should start to work within 1 to 2 days.
“It's not without risk, but you can feel pretty safe taking it for about three days,” she says. “Take no more than 400 to 600 milligrams, three times a day, with food. Otherwise, it can ruin your stomach.” And just because you can get ibuprofen over the counter doesn't mean that it shouldn't be treated like medication.