Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs are medicines that are used to relieve pain, and reduce swelling (inflammation). Examples include aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib and meloxicam.
Ibuprofen typically works better for this kind of pain relief, due to the anti-inflammatory effects.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available. 10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
NSAIDs can be very effective. They tend to work quickly and generally have fewer side effects than corticosteroids, which also lower inflammation.
by Drugs.com
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.
What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen? The main difference between the two medications is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation, whereas paracetamol does not.
Paracetamol exerts its analgesic and antipyretic effect by inhibition of prostaglandins. However, unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it does not have any anti-inflammatory properties or associated with any gastrointestinal adverse effects.
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.
Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins. It's what makes Nurofen effective at relieving both pain and inflammation throughout the body. Because of this mode of action, these types of pain relievers can be said to provide pain relief at the site of pain.
Paracetamol has potent antipyretic and analgesic effects, but no anti-inflammatory effect. The rectal route of administration is notoriously unreliable for eliciting an analgesic effect and the oral route is to be preferred.
Taking ibuprofen with other painkillers
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.
Having said that, there is very little difference between the majority of Nurofen products and a standard ibuprofen product - especially because the doses of the active ingredients are the same in both products. However, Nurofen's fast acting tablets do just that, and act faster than your standard ibuprofen product.
adults – can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (200mg) every 4 to 6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 1,200mg (6 x 200mg) tablets in the space of 24 hours. children under 16 – may need to take a lower dose, depending on their age; check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
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.
Naproxen stays active in your body for longer than ibuprofen. This is because it is longer acting. Naproxen can last up to 12 hours. So, to get full 24-hour coverage, you'd only need to take naproxen twice a day (about every 12 hours).
However, one study of 13 weeks found use of combined paracetamol/ibuprofen may increase the risk of bleeding over and above that associated with the individual drugs, suggesting caution should apply to long-term use.
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.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given together, but you can stagger them so that every few hours, if needed, the child can have some medication. For example, you can give paracetamol at 8am, ibuprofen at 11am and paracetamol again at 2pm (i.e. six hours after the first dose of paracetamol).
You can only take 2 paracetamol (500mg) every 4 to 6 hours, and no more than 8 in 24 hours. You shouldn't take any more than this amount.
Causes of an inflammation
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.