Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen: Which must you choose?

They’re the commonest ache relievers you should purchase over-the-counter at any pharmacy, however acetaminophen and ibuprofen have necessary variations. So, which one must you use?

Haley Morrissey, a scientific pharmacist for OSF HealthCare, has a basic rule of thumb.

“When you have muscle or skeletal ache or irritation, go along with ibuprofen,” Haley stated. “If IT’s only a common headache, acetaminophen is sweet.”

 

Nevertheless, everybody reacts in another way to medication, so you might discover that one works higher for you than the opposite. And, it’s best to converse together with your main care supplier earlier than you begin taking both one.

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are each ache relievers that may scale back fevers. They’re each out there in pill, gel cap and liquid type. So, what’s the distinction?

What’s acetaminophen used for?

Acetaminophen – whose hottest model title is Tylenol – has some issues IT excels at.

“Acetaminophen is nice for fevers, complications and gentle to average aches and pains,” Haley stated.

You’ll be able to take acetaminophen each 4-6 hours, and the utmost dosage is 4,000 mgs per 24 hours. Nevertheless, it’s best to converse together with your doctor about correct dosing for you.

What’s ibuprofen used for?

Ibuprofen shares acetaminophen’s capability to stop your mind from creating the chemical compounds that assist create ache and fever. Nevertheless, ibuprofen has one other perform, as properly.

Ibuprofen – extra generally often called Advil or Motrin – is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, which implies IT helps scale back irritation and swelling on the supply of an damage. Acetaminophen can not do this.

As with acetaminophen – or any drug, actually – it’s best to converse together with your Health Care supplier about correct dosing earlier than you start taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen might be taken each 4-6 hours, and the utmost dose for a 24-hour interval is 1,200 mgs.

IT’s necessary to notice that the utmost dose for ibuprofen is way decrease than the utmost dose for acetaminophen, so getting them blended up might be dangerous for you.

How is acetaminophen dangerous for you?

Utilizing an excessive amount of of any drugs might be dangerous for you, and acetaminophen isn’t any exception.

Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver, so overdosing or taking massive quantities of acetaminophen over an prolonged time frame can significantly harm your liver. Keep away from acetaminophen when you’ve got liver points.

How is ibuprofen dangerous for you?

Pregnant girls ought to keep away from ibuprofen as a result of IT can intrude with the event of their child. However, acetaminophen is protected to take whenever you’re pregnant.

The most typical concern with ibuprofen is abdomen irritation. IT interferes with the chemical compounds that defend your abdomen lining, which might result in upset abdomen or heartburn. For those who endure from gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD) or another abdomen points, you in all probability ought to keep away from ibuprofen.

Whereas neither ache reliever is a blood thinner, ibuprofen can gradual your blood platelets from clotting, which might make bleeding worse. If you’re on an anticoagulant, it’s best to in all probability keep on with acetaminophen

Can you are taking them collectively?

As a result of each ache relievers work a bit of in another way, they will safely be taken collectively. Some folks even alternate which one they take, which is protected, too.

Final Up to date: March 19, 2024