Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, while acetaminophen is not. Both are available over the counter, but ibuprofen is preferred for long-term use. Acetaminophen has few side effects but can cause liver damage if not taken as directed, while ibuprofen is gentler on the digestive system and is often recommended for chronic pain. Both drugs are prescribed by doctors for more severe pain and are often combined with other medications. People should check labels to prevent accidental overdose.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are commonly recommended medications for pain relief or fever reduction. While both are effective pain relievers or analgesics as well as effective fever reducers or antipyretics, the main difference between them is that ibuprofen also acts as an anti-inflammatory while acetaminophen does not. Ibuprofen is also generally preferred over acetaminophen when long-term use is required. Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are usually available over the counter (OTC), and while they cause few side effects, these potential side effects differ.
Sold as generic drugs and under brand names, ibuprofen and acetaminophen have become widely known for offering toothache, body aches, and headache relief. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is the active ingredient in well-known remedies such as Tylenol® and Excedrin®. It works by blocking chemicals that send pain messages and cool the body. Ibuprofen, marketed under US brand names such as Advil® and Motrin®, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that stops the body’s production of chemicals that cause pain and reduces fever and swelling. Paracetamol is not an NSAID.
Acetaminophen is generally mild and has few side effects. As such, it is considered safe for a wide variety of people, including children, pregnant women, and people experiencing stomach irritation from aspirin. It can, however, cause liver damage if not taken as directed. Significant liver damage can result when taken with alcohol. There are also some drug interaction risks, typically with blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin®.
Ibuprofen is also gentler on the digestive system than aspirin, and because it’s an NSAID, it’s safer than a steroid drug when taken long-term for pain relief. Due to its effective anti-inflammatory properties, it is often recommended for people suffering from chronic pain due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. There are, however, risks of heart attack and stroke for people who take ibuprofen for long periods of time. People with a history of such conditions should consult a doctor before using the drug.
Both drugs are also prescribed by doctors, usually in higher doses than those available over the counter, to relieve more severe pain. Patients with chronic pain due to migraine, arthritis, or traumatic injury, for example, may be given higher concentrations of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms. Doctors also prescribe these drugs to manage pain associated with conditions such as gout or psoriasis.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often combined with other nonprescription medications to provide relief for a variety of common health issues. People are advised to check the labels on such over-the-counter products before taking additional pain relievers to prevent accidental overdose. Medication combinations designed as sleep aids, allergy medications, cold remedies, and those that target specific ailments such as menstrual cramps or the flu often contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
