If you wonder if you have to take paracetamol or ibuprofen and you have no previous health problems or the doctor has never told you otherwise, the quick answer is to take paracetamol until you can consult a doctor or pharmacist. Why? Well, because paracetamol has fewer side effects and an action similar to ibuprofen, since both are analgesic and antipyretic. The only thing that distinguishes them is that ibuprofen has an anti-inflammatory action that acetaminophen does not. But if you have more time for reflection, it is better to analyze both the disorder that leads you to medicate and your health (previous ailments) to see if paracetamol or ibuprofen is better for you.
What is paracetamol for
- It is usually indicated to treat headaches and symptoms of the cold or flu.
- You can take it if you have a fever (it is of choice, since ibuprofen also has an antipyretic action and may depend on whether you have other health problems).
What is ibuprofen for
- Ibuprofen is part of the drugs known as NSAIDs, that is, they are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or, what is the same, they are not derived from cortisone.
- Its main recommendation is to treat ailments related to inflammation, since they inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are the substances responsible for inflammation and pain. In this case, you can take it for muscle pain or injury (bumps, bruises, sprains …), menstrual, dental or gum pain, arthritis, etc.
- You can also take it if you have a fever (it is the choice, since the seemstamol also has an antipyretic action and may depend on whether you have other health problems).
When NOT to take paracetamol
- Paracetamol is metabolized through the liver, so if you have liver problems it would not be recommended.
- And you should not take it either if the doctor has advised against it on any occasion.
When NOT to take ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen is metabolized through the kidney, so in kidney problems it should not be taken. In addition, it affects the stomach, so the doctor may recommend not taking it or doing it together with a gastric protector.
- Nor should it be consumed if you have suffered a heart attack or some type of cardiovascular accident such as a stroke, as it would increase the risk that it could recur.
- In case of taking anticoagulants it is also not recommended.
- Do not take it if your doctor has previously advised against it.
Are you advised against ibuprofen for aggravating cases of coronavirus?
No, the World Health Organization has denied that ibuprofen has adverse effects in those patients who have taken it while suffering from coronavirus (it has also pointed out that taking it has not provided any benefit).
How to take paracetamol
- It's best to take it on an empty stomach if you don't have stomach problems and with a good glass of water. This way it will be better absorbed.
- If you take it with food, avoid those with a lot of pectin, a type of fiber typical of apples, citrus, carrots, aubergines … which would delay its effect.
- If you take it while using oral contraceptives, you may notice that your periods are more irregular as it causes more estrogen to be absorbed.
What dose of paracetamol is usually indicated
It will depend on the indication of your doctor. Usually, paracetamol doses between 500 mg and 1 g are prescribed, and it is not advisable to exceed 3 g daily.
How to take ibuprofen
Ideally, do it during meals, since it affects the stomach less. If it cannot be, it would be advisable to go with a glass of cow's milk.
What dose of ibuprofen is usually indicated
It is always better if the doctor indicates it. Doses of 400 to 600 mg are usually recommended and it is not usually recommended to exceed 1,200 mg of ibuprofen per day. It is better to start by using a lower dose and increase it if necessary.
Can you combine the use of paracetamol and ibuprofen?
Yes, if the doctor does not advise against it. This is usually done if the fever cannot be controlled. In these cases they are administered alternately every 4 hours.
