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.
Ibuprofen (used in Advil or Motrin)
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. Aspirin.
Paracetamol exerts its analgesic and antipyretic effect primarily by inhibition of prostaglandins. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it does not have anti-inflammatory properties and therefore has a different tolerability profile.
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.
Meloxicam is considered a stronger medicine than ibuprofen. Meloxicam is only available on prescription and ibuprofen is available over the counter as well as on prescription. Meloxicam is a long-acting medicine that only needs to be given once a day.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin acts by inhibiting an enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) that contributes to inflammation and are mostly used to alleviate the pain caused by inflammation in patients with arthritis.
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.
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. Ibuprofen is also available in a variety of forms.
It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine.
Voltaren Rapid tablets contain diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory that reduces pain and helps get you back on your feet again. In fact, they have been clinically proven for pain relief.
Paracetamol Uses
Paracetamol is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions that cause pain and high temperatures. However if there are underlying causes such as inflammation or an infection, paracetamol won't have an effect on them.
NSAIDs are not the only way to control muscle and joint pain. By deploying a range of remedies, you may be able to reduce your need for NSAIDs or even eliminate it. These add-ons to pain relievers include heat or cold, physical therapy, exercise, and weight loss—especially if the problem is arthritis.
These are the most common: Pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses or fungi. External injuries like scrapes or damage through foreign objects (for example a thorn in your finger) Effects of chemicals or radiation.
Ibuprofen for adults (Nurofen)
Other brand names: Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel, Ibuleve. Find out how ibuprofen treats pain and swelling (inflammation), and how to take it.
Ibuprofen works on one of the chemical pathways for pain. It reduces the ability of your body to make prostaglandins — chemicals that promote pain, inflammation and fever. With fewer prostaglandins in your body, fever eases, and pain and inflammation is reduced.
Paracetamol has potent antipyretic and analgesic effects, but no anti-inflammatory effect.
Paracetamol works similarly to ibuprofen by blocking the production of prostaglandins and COX enzymes in the body - chemicals that promote pain, inflammation and fever.
“Naproxen [Aleve] and ibuprofen are better for inflammation and muscle strains. A bonus of Naproxen is you can take it twice a day versus every 4 to 6 hours like with acetaminophen. This can be more convenient for many people.”