Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common over-the-counter pain relievers in our medicine cabinets. We use both medications for many things, such as getting rid of headaches or reducing a fever. However, acetaminophen and ibuprofen work differently, and it is important to know which medication to use when you need to alleviate pain, as they are not interchangeable.
Acetaminophen is an analgesic, which means it reduces pain signals within the nervous system and not at the site of the pain itself. It can reduce pain for conditions such as:
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Osteoarthritis
Acetaminophen can have many side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and isn’t a great pain relief option for people who have issues with their liver.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are the chemicals that cause inflammation. It reduces inflammation symptoms such as swelling, redness, heat, pain, and/or loss of function at the site or source. Ibuprofen can relieve pain for conditions such as:
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Menstrual cramps
- Sinus infections
- Back and neck pain
- Earaches
- Toothaches
Common side effects of ibuprofen include:
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Taking ibuprofen at high doses or for a long time can increase the risk of more serious side effects, such as:
- Blood clots
- Kidney damage
- Heart attack and/or stroke
- Ulcers
Ibuprofen is metabolized by the kidneys and isn’t a great pain relief option for people with kidney issues.
Most research suggests that acetaminophen and ibuprofen bear similar results when used to control fevers in adults. However, ibuprofen works better as a fever reducer for children. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your child’s age and weight before giving them ibuprofen.
The recommended max dosage for adults taking acetaminophen is 3,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day, and 2,400 milligrams of ibuprofen per day.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also be hidden in several over-the-counter medicines, including cough and cold medications, if you are taking more than one medication. Read the drug labels carefully for active ingredients and use the medications that fit your symptoms and type of pain you have, so you don’t go over the recommended dosage.
If you are experiencing pain and would like help determining which medication is best for relieving your pain, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.