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.
Ibuprofen typically works better for this kind of pain relief, due to the anti-inflammatory 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.
Paracetamol is thought to reduce the intensity of pain signals to the brain and reduce fever. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol has minimal effect in relieving inflammation.
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 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.
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.
An easy pill to swallow for the one in three who don't know the difference anyway, but ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory firepower blows paracetamol out of the pharmacy. Just use the lowest effective dose, and use sparingly.
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).
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.
It is commonly stated that, unlike the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it is a weak inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins.
Paracetamol works similarly to ibuprofen by blocking the production of prostaglandins and COX enzymes in the body - chemicals that promote pain, inflammation and fever. However, unlike ibuprofen that is primarily metabolised in the kidneys, paracetamol is processed in the liver.
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.
Abuse of paracetamol can cause damage on your liver, while abuse of ibuprofen can cause damage to your stomach or liver. It's safer to take paracetamol if you are pregnant than ibuprofen. (In the case of the latter, you should consult your doctor first, but completely avoid it in your 3rd trimester)
The total recommended dose is 3200 mg per day. Therefore, you can take ibuprofen 800 mg 4 times a day or every 6 hours. As mentioned above, even though the maximum daily dose of prescription ibuprofen is 3200 mg, it is potentially harmful to exceed 800 mg per dose.
Paracetamol can be given every 4-6 hours - MAXIMUM FOUR DOSES IN 24 HOURS. Ibuprofen can be given every 6-8 hours - MAXIMUM THREE DOSES IN 24 HOURS.
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).
Giving paracetamol with other painkillers
However, do not give paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time. You need to give these medicines 1 at a time (unless your child's doctor or nurse gives you different instructions).
No, in most cases anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) don't help healing. In fact, in some cases it may even delay healing.
The painkilling effect of ibuprofen begins soon after a dose is taken, but the anti-inflammatory effect can sometimes take up to 3 weeks to get the best results.
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.
Acetaminophen or aspirin
Unlike ibuprofen, over-the-counter acetaminophen has not been linked to heart problems. Nagda recommends it to some of her patients—especially elderly ones—who aren't good candidates for anti-inflammatory medicines.