Most of us have paracetamol and ibuprofen in our medicine cabinet at home. But how are they different? Do we need both on standby? And how do we know which one to take for our specific needs? The simple answer is they work in different ways and have different effects. Understanding these differences can help you make the right call next time you're in pain or have a fever. We spoke with nib Group Medical Advisor, Dr Hamish Black, to give you the information you need.
What is paracetamol?
Paracetamol reduces the feeling of pain, rather than treating the cause of it. Hamish says paracetamol is safe and well-tolerated by people of all ages when you take the recommended doses. This medicine comes in different forms, such as:
Tablets or capsules
Powders
Liquids.
What is the best way to take paracetamol?
The best way to take paracetamol is to follow the instructions on the packet and take the right dose. You should take paracetamol at least four hours apart and not go over the recommended dose in 24 hours.
What are the side effects of paracetamol?
Here’s a quick list of the common side effects of paracetamol:
Feeling tired or drowsy
Feeling itchy
Breaking out in a rash
Nausea.
If you experience other changes to your body when taking paracetamol, let your doctor know.
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces the chemicals in your body that produces inflammation and triggers pain. You can use Ibuprofen to:
Relieve pain caused by inflammation
Bring down a fever
Reduce swelling and redness.
What is the best way to take ibuprofen?
Like with paracetamol, the best way to take ibuprofen is to follow the instructions on the packet. For people who are prone to an upset stomach, then it could be a good idea to take ibuprofen with food. Hamish advises that, as with any medication, take ibuprofen at the recommended dose and for a short time. If ibuprofen isn’t easing your pain or fever, seek medical advice.
Are there any side effects?
Not everyone has side effects but, if they do, the most common include:
An upset stomach
Headaches or dizziness
High blood pressure
Fluid retention.
If you experience serious side effects, like shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.
What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen?
The main difference between the two is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation and paracetamol doesn’t.
What brand of paracetamol and ibuprofen should you use?
Hamish sees no advantage in using brand names, like Nurofen or Panadol, over generic versions. There’s also no point in paying more for pain relief that claims to target specific areas of the body as they all have the same ingredients.
What can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen for?
There are many reasons why you might take paracetamol or ibuprofen. You might take paracetamol for:
Headaches
Back or muscular aches
Toothache
Aches and pains from a cold.
And you might take ibuprofen for:
Reducing a fever or inflammation
Toothaches
Sinus pain
Sore throat or colds and flu
Back or muscular aches and pain
Arthritis or joint pain.
Is paracetamol or ibuprofen better?
The answer isn’t that simple and comes down to what kind of pain you’re trying to treat. For example, if you have joint pain then ibuprofen may be the better pain relief option in the short-term. But if you’re treating a minor headache, then paracetamol might be a better solution for you. Always read the leaflet in the packaging to see what kinds of ailment the medicine can treat. And if one doesn’t work, try the other or consult your GP.
Is it safe to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Because they work in different ways, you can use them together to be more effective for certain conditions and situations. For example, treating sinus pain or pain after a surgery. It can be a good idea to stagger the doses so you can keep track of the effects. Each one will take between 30 minutes and an hour to work so you can wait for an hour after the first medication to see whether you still have symptoms. If so, take the second medication.
When should you not take paracetamol or ibuprofen?
There are risks with taking either medicine if you fall in a certain group of people. You shouldn’t take paracetamol if you:
Are allergic to paracetamol
Take other medicines that have paracetamol
Have taken the recommended dose within a 24-hour period.
On top of that, ibuprofen is not generally recommended if you have a history of:
Stomach ulcers
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Asthma
Heart problems
High blood pressure
Diabetes or kidney disease.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen while pregnant?
You can take paracetamol while you’re pregnant, but it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor first. But, you shouldn’t take ibuprofen while pregnant.
Can children have paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Both medicines are safe for children and have few side effects when administered correctly for a short period of time. But you should avoid giving either medicine to your child for more than 48 hours without seeing a doctor. Paracetamol isn’t recommended for babies under one month and ibuprofen for babies under three months. As with adults, the medication you choose may depend on the condition you’re treating. If your child is in pain due to swelling, like when they’re teething, then ibuprofen might be more effective. Always read the label and give your child the correct dose for their weight.
What are the risks of long-term use?
According to Dr Hamish Black, there are two reasons why taking either medicine consistently over a long period isn’t a good idea. “Firstly, the pain may be from a new condition that has not been diagnosed, and so seeing your GP early makes sense,” he says. “Secondly, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen on a daily basis for pain can lead to a rebound headache when stopped – the so-called analgesic headache.” If you’re still experiencing pain and are continuing to take over-the-counter pain medication after three consecutive days, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor to make sure there isn’t an underlying cause that needs to be explored.
The bottom line
No matter which medicine you choose, the most important thing is to follow the recommended dosage. If these common painkillers aren’t doing the trick, see a doctor without delay. Have a health concern and not sure where to turn? Then talk to your doctor! If you’re an nib member, you can access telehealth services with a medical doctor or nurse practitioner through our partner hub.health. A qualified health professional can answer your questions about which medicine is right for your pain.
The information on this page is general information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Do not use the information found on this page as a substitute for professional health care advice. Any information you find on this page or on external sites which are linked to on this page should be verified with your professional healthcare provider.
