Paracetamol or ibuprofen: which is better to take?

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are probably the most common drugs on the home medicine shelf in almost everyone. But although both can be used to relieve various types of pain, they have different properties and, therefore, it is not always the same to choose one or the other.

In addition, there are situations in which the drugs cannot be used, such as in the case of pregnancy, liver problems or heart disease, for example.

Thus, the best way to find out which medication is best for relieving some type of pain is to consult a general practitioner before using either of the two remedies.

When to use Paracetamol

Paracetamol is an analgesic remedy that reduces pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances released when there is pain or injury. That way, the body is less aware that it is in pain, creating a sense of relief.

In cases of fever, paracetamol also has an antipyretic action that allows to reduce body temperature and, therefore, can be used to fight fever in different situations, such as colds or flu.

• Main commercial brands: Tylenol, Acetamil, Naldecon or Parador. It should be used to: relieve headaches without a specific cause, fight fever or reduce pain unrelated to swelling and inflammation. Maximum dose per day: you should not eat more than 4 grams per day, it is advisable to take only up to 1 gram every 8 hours.

Unlike most medications, Paracetamol is safe to use during pregnancy, and should be the analgesic of choice for all pregnant women. However, in some cases, it can be contraindicated during the first 3 months of pregnancy, and you should always consult the obstetrician beforehand.

When not to take

Although the use of Paracetamol seems harmless, this medication can cause injuries and severe changes in the liver when used in excess or for a long time. Thus, people with liver problems should only take this medicine with the indication of a doctor who knows their medical history.

So, before using paracetamol, one can try to use more natural options to lower the fever, such as Macela or Willow-white tea. See how to prepare these teas and other natural remedy options to reduce fever.

When to use Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen also has a similar action to Paracetamol, helping to relieve pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins, however, the effect of this medicine is better when the pain is associated with an inflammation, that is, when the pain site is you find it swollen, as in the sore throat or muscle pain, for example.

• Main commercial brands: Alivium, Motrin, Advil or Ibupril. It should be used to: relieve muscle pain, decrease swelling or reduce pain caused by inflamed areas. Maximum dose per day: you should not take more than 1200 mg of this medicine per day, it is advisable to take up to 400 mg every 8 hours.

When used for a long time, Ibuprofen can irritate stomach muscosa, resulting in severe pain and even ulcers. Therefore, this remedy should be taken after meals. But, if you need to take it for more than 1 week, you should talk to your doctor to start using a stomach protector to protect against the formation of ulcers.

Also check out some natural remedies that can replace ibuprofen and help relieve sore throat, for example.

When not to take

Because of the risk of causing heart and kidney problems, Ibuprofen should not be used without medical knowledge, especially in the case of people with kidney disease, during pregnancy and in the case of heart disease because it increases the person's risk of having a stroke, so in the first week of treatment.

Can they be used at the same time?

These two remedies can be used in the same treatment, however, they should not be taken at the same time. Ideally, at least 4 hours should be taken between each medication, that is, if you take paracetamol, you should only take ibuprofen after 4 hours, always alternating the two drugs.

This type of treatment, with both drugs, should only be done after the age of 16 and under the guidance of a pediatrician or general practitioner.