Acetaminophen vs. aspirin vs. ibuprofen

When you walk into your local pharmacy looking for pain relievers, you may be struck by the number of choices.

The many different medications for pain and the array of doses, formulations, names and combinations can be overwhelming. So you will probably have questions, and we have the answers — specifically, about three of the most common pain relievers available over the counter: acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen.

What is acetaminophen used for?

Acetaminophen
(Tylenol) is used for minor aches and pains, such as headaches. It is also used
as a fever reducer.

How does Tylenol work?

We don’t know exactly how Tylenol (acetaminophen) works. We
know it works in the central nervous system by altering the way the body senses
pain, but there are different theories as to how it does this.

One theory is that Tylenol blocks enzymes that help to
produce prostaglandins, which are compounds that signal pain in the body.

Another way Tylenol might work is by activating what’s
called the cannabinoid system in the central nervous system, contributing to a
pain-relieving effect.

A third mechanism of action that’s been theorized is that
Tylenol relieves pain by targeting serotonin and thereby influencing signals
between nerves in the central nervous system.

Is acetaminophen an anti-inflammatory?

No, acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory. Some other pain relievers are classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. As the name implies, these medicines fight inflammation, such as the swelling caused by arthritis. Acetaminophen, however, is not an anti-inflammatory, so it doesn’t reduce inflammation.

Is
Tylenol an NSAID?

No, Tylenol is not an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is a nonsteroidal medication, but it is not an anti-inflammatory.

Is Tylenol an anti-inflammatory?

No,
Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory. It’s effective for pain and fever but not
for reducing inflammation.

Does Tylenol reduce swelling?

No,
Tylenol does not reduce swelling or fight inflammation. Despite working to
inhibit prostaglandins, which can cause inflammation, acetaminophen (Tylenol)
does not help against swelling or inflammation.

Does
acetaminophen thin blood?

Acetaminophen does not have blood-thinning effects. Most NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, will affect blood clotting (coagulation), an effect commonly called “thinning the blood,” but acetaminophen does not cause this side effect. This means it may be the best option for pain relief or fever if you’re already on blood thinner medications.

Acetaminophen does have other side effects, though. If taken at higher doses, or even at regular doses but for long periods of time, it can cause liver damage. People who already have liver or kidney damage should not take acetaminophen. Also, people who drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day should not take acetaminophen unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.

Can children take acetaminophen?

Most
children can take acetaminophen in measured doses according to their weight and
age. However, infants younger than 12 weeks should not be given acetaminophen
unless advised by a doctor.

Is Tylenol good for headaches?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be effective for minor aches and
pains like headaches.
Pain relief is one of the main reasons people take acetaminophen. It can be a
good option for those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs when compared to
other pain medications.

Does Tylenol reduce fever?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be used as an effective fever reducer for adults and children. Unlike some other fever reducers, Tylenol can be given to infants when appropriate and necessary.

NSAID vs. acetaminophen

There are differences between NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is not good for reducing inflammation or the pain caused by inflammation. So if you have a muscle sprain or arthritis, it’s probably better to take an NSAID that can treat the inflammation causing the associated pain. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you choose the best type of painkiller for your particular issue. Some common over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen (sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin) is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that’s found in a variety of medications for pain, fever and inflammation.

Can children take ibuprofen?

Children and infants can usually take ibuprofen according to the label
directions. Be cautious not to exceed the recommended dose.

Is Advil ibuprofen?

Yes,
Advil contains the medication ibuprofen. Advil is the brand name.

Is Motrin ibuprofen?

Yes,
Motrin contains the medication ibuprofen. Motrin is the brand name.

Is ibuprofen an anti-inflammatory?

Yes, ibuprofen is classified as an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory). Because it’s an NSAID, it can help to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Is Motrin an NSAID?

Yes, Motrin contains the medication ibuprofen with is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory).

Does ibuprofen reduce swelling?

As an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory), ibuprofen can help to reduce swelling from conditions such as arthritis and injury to joints and muscles.

Does ibuprofen reduce fever?

Ibuprofen
can be an effective fever reducer. Many people take ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
specifically for the purpose of reducing a fever.

Is ibuprofen the same as Tylenol?

No, ibuprofen is not the same as Tylenol (acetaminophen). While both
ibuprofen and Tylenol are pain relievers and fever reducers, they are two
different types of medications.

Is Advil acetaminophen?

No,
Advil does not contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is sold under the brand
name Tylenol. Advil contains ibuprofen, which is a different medication.

How does aspirin work?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine that is used to relieve pain, fever and inflammation. Aspirin works by inhibiting an enzyme that helps to form prostaglandins, which are chemicals in our body that produce these symptoms.

Is aspirin an NSAID?

Yes, aspirin is classified as an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory).

Is acetaminophen aspirin?

No, acetaminophen is not aspirin. While both acetaminophen and aspirin
help to reduce pain and fever, these are two different medicines.

Is Tylenol aspirin?

No,
Tylenol is not aspirin. Tylenol contains the medication acetaminophen, not
aspirin. These are two different medicines.

Is ibuprofen aspirin?

No,
ibuprofen is not aspirin. Ibuprofen and aspirin are both effective for pain,
fever and inflammation. However, they are different medications.

Does ibuprofen have aspirin in it?

No,
ibuprofen does not have aspirin in it. Some combination medications will have
two pain relievers together, but usually not ibuprofen and aspirin combined. Be
sure to read labels carefully, especially those on over-the-counter cough and
cold medicines.

Naproxen vs. ibuprofen

Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and are frequently taken for inflammation, pain relief and fever reduction. Ibuprofen is sold under the brand names Motrin and Advil. Naproxen is sold under the brand names Aleve and Naprosyn. Naproxen lasts longer than ibuprofen and should not be taken more than every 12 hours.

Can you take aspirin and Tylenol together?

Use caution if you are considering taking aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) together. You can always check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you’re unsure about combining these medications. If you are on daily aspirin, Tylenol may be recommended when you have pain or fever because it is not an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). NSAIDs have similar side effects, and taking two or more at the same time can be dangerous, so aspirin should not be taken with another NSAID.

Can you take naproxen with Tylenol?

Taking naproxen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) at the same time may be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. However, it may be better to alternate the doses between the two. Because naproxen is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) and Tylenol is not, the side effects will be different. But if your pain is severe enough that you need two medicines, consult your healthcare provider to make sure there isn’t a better alternative for you. And if you do alternate, you need to make sure you’re taking the correct medicine at the correct time so you don’t take too much.

Can I take ibuprofen with Tylenol?

It’s generally safe to take ibuprofen with Tylenol at the same time because ibuprofen is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not.  In fact, there is a combination ibuprofen-acetaminophen product on the market (Advil Dual Action).

Other medicines that contain common painkillers

Many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines contain acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen, and taking multiple doses of one of these pain relievers can be dangerous. If you’re taking one of the combination medicines, read the label carefully so you don’t accidentally take too much acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen overall and cause serious side effects.

It’s tempting to assume that because a medicine is sold over the counter, it must be safe. But these commonly used medications can cause some serious side effects. However, when used as advised, these pain medications can be powerful tools to help relieve pain, fever and inflammation. If you find you need to use higher doses or need to use these meds more frequently, consult your healthcare provider.

Published January 2023.

Sources:

1. https://tuftsjournal. tufts.edu/2008/04/professor/01/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/
3. https://cen.acs.org/articles/92/i29/Does-Acetaminophen-Work-Researchers-Still.html
4. https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/know-the-difference-between-your-pain-relievers/
5. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/pain-relievers-the-pros-and-cons-of-4/index.htm
6. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0301/p1199.html
7. https://www.stlouischildrens.org/health-resources/dosage-tables/acetaminophen-tylenol-dosage-table
8. https://doi.org/10.1021/jm0613166
9. https://www.hss.edu/pediatrics-difference-between-tylenol-advil-aleve.asp
10. https://source.wustl.edu/2007/07/aspirin-the-mighty-drug/
11. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=reye-syndrome-90-P02620
12. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/05/can-i-take-tylenol-and-a-daily-aspirin-at-the-same-time/index.htm
13. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/where-to-turn-for-pain-relief-acetaminophen-or-nsaids
14. https://www. ada.org/publications/ada-news/2020/march/fda-approves-combination-ibuprofen-acetaminophen-drug-for-us

Over-the-counter pain relievers: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help relieve pain or lower a fever. Over-the-counter means you can buy these medicines without a prescription.

The most common types of OTC pain medicines are acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Pain medicines are also called analgesics. Each kind of pain medicine has benefits and risks. Some types of pain respond better to one kind of medicine than to another kind. What takes away your pain might not work for someone else.

Taking pain medicines before exercising is OK. But do not overdo the exercise just because you have taken the medicine.

Read labels to learn how much medicine you or your child can take at one time and during the whole day. This is known as the dosage. Talk to your pharmacist or your child’s health care provider if you are not sure about the correct amount. Do not give children medicine that is meant for adults.

Other tips for taking pain medicines:

• If you take pain relievers on most days, tell your provider. You may need to be watched for side effects.
• Do not take more than the amount recommended on the container or more than your provider tells you to take.
• Read the warnings on the label before taking the medicine.
• Store medicine safely and securely. Check the dates on medicine containers to see when you should throw them away.

ACETAMINOPHEN

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a non-aspirin pain reliever. It is NOT an NSAID, which is described below.

• Acetaminophen relieves fever and headaches, and other common aches and pains. It does not relieve inflammation.
• This medicine does not cause as many stomach problems as other pain medicines do. It is also safer for children. Acetaminophen is often recommended for arthritis pain because it has fewer side effects than other pain medicines.
• Examples of OTC brands of acetaminophen are Tylenol, Paracetamol, and Panadol.
• Acetaminophen prescribed by a provider is usually a stronger medicine. It is often combined with a narcotic ingredient.

PRECAUTIONS

• Adults should not take more than 3 grams (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a single day. Large amounts can harm your liver. Remember that 3 grams is about the same as 6 extra-strength pills (500 mg each) or 9 regular pills (325 mg each).
• People with liver disease should usually not take more than 2 grams (2,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a single day. Check with your provider for guidance on what is safe for you.
• If you are also taking pain medicine prescribed by your provider, talk to your provider or pharmacist before taking any OTC acetaminophen.
• For children, follow package instructions for the maximum amount your child can have at one time and in a single day. Call your child’s provider if you are not sure about the instructions.

ASPIRIN and NSAIDS

• Aspirin and NSAIDs relieve fever and pain. They also reduce swelling from arthritis or a muscle sprain or strain.
• When taken for a short time (no longer than 10 days), aspirin and NSAIDs are safe for most people. They can cause stomach upset or even ulcers in some people.
• Children under age 18 years should not take aspirin due to a risk for Reye syndrome.
• Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
• Other NSAIDs are prescribed by your provider.

PRECAUTIONS

• DO NOT give aspirin to children under 18 years of age. Reye syndrome can occur when aspirin is used to treat children who have viral infections, such as chickenpox or the flu.

Talk to your provider or pharmacist before using aspirin or any over-the-counter NSAID if you:

• Have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach or digestive tract bleeding.
• Take other medicines, especially blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin),clopidogrel (Plavix), apixiban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
• Are taking NSAIDs prescribed by your provider, including celecoxib (Celebrex), nabumetone (Relafen), or others.

Medicines for pain non-narcotic; Drugs for pain non-narcotic; Analgesics; Acetaminophen; NSAID; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; Pain medicine – over-the-counter; Pain medicine – OTC

• Pain medications

Aronson JK. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:236-272.

Dinakar P. Pain management. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds.  Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 52.

House SA. Pain. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn’s Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2023:35-42.

Updated by: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

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Provided by Lexicomp ^® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: USA

Advil Dual Action [OTC]

What is this drug used for?

• Used to relieve pain.
• This drug may also be used for other indications. Consult your doctor.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

• If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
• If you are allergic to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• If you have had nasal polyps or inflammation in your mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat, unusual hoarseness, or difficulty breathing while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.
• If you have any of the following health problems: gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney problems.
• If you have heart failure (weak heart).
• If you have recently had a myocardial infarction.
• If you have liver disease.
• If you are taking an NSAID, a salicylate such as aspirin, or pemetrexed.
• If you are unable to conceive or are testing to see if you are able to conceive.
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking this drug. If you take this drug after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it may harm the fetus. If you are 20 to 30 weeks pregnant, take this drug only as directed by your doctor. Do not use this drug after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
• When used during pregnancy, the drug may have a harmful effect on the fetus. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

• Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
• There is an increased chance of bleeding. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• This medicine contains acetaminophen. During the use of acetaminophen, liver disorders were recorded. In some cases, these disorders have required liver transplantation or have resulted in death. The majority of liver problems occurred in patients taking more than 4,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen per day. Often, patients used not 1, but several drugs containing acetaminophen.
• This drug may increase the risk of heart and blood vessel problems such as myocardial infarction and stroke. These effects can be deadly. This risk may be increased if you have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. However, the risk may be increased even for people who do not have or are at risk of developing heart disease. The risk may occur during the first weeks of using this drug and may increase with higher doses or long-term use. This drug should not be used immediately before or after coronary bypass surgery.
• This drug may increase the chance of developing severe and sometimes deadly stomach or intestinal problems, such as ulcers or bleeding. The risk is increased in the elderly and in people who have previously had ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. Such disturbances can occur suddenly.
• The risk of developing heart failure increases with the use of drugs of this kind. People with heart failure have an increased risk of myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and death. Consult your doctor.
• People who have had a heart attack and are taking this type of drug are at increased risk of having another heart attack and dying from a heart problem. People who took drugs of this kind after their first myocardial infarction were also more likely to die one year after myocardial infarction than those who did not take such drugs. Consult your doctor.
• Other drugs of this kind have been associated with severe and sometimes fatal reactions. In most cases, this reaction was accompanied by symptoms such as fever, rash, inflammation of the lymph nodes, and dysfunction of various organs such as the liver, kidneys, blood, heart, muscles, joints and lungs. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
• This drug may increase the chance of a very bad brain disorder called aseptic meningitis. If you experience headache, high fever, chills, severe nausea or vomiting, neck stiffness, rash, photophobia, drowsiness, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you are 60 years of age or older, take this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as this drug, may interfere with the release of an egg (ovulation). This can negatively affect the ability to get pregnant. As a rule, the process of ovulation is restored after stopping this drug. Consult your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is necessary to consult whether the drug poses any risk to the child.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Signs of liver problems such as dark urine, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea or abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Signs of kidney problems, including not passing urine, changes in the volume of urine, blood in the urine, or rapid weight gain.
• Signs of elevated potassium levels such as feeling of an abnormal heartbeat, confusion, feeling weak or dizzy, feeling faint, feeling numb or tingly, or short of breath.
• Signs of high blood pressure, such as a very severe headache, or dizziness, or loss of consciousness, or blurred vision.
• Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling of the arms or legs.
• Pain or pressure in the chest or a fast heartbeat.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, difficulty speaking or thinking, problems with balance, sagging on one side of the face, or blurred vision.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Black, tarry or bloody stools.
• Vomiting blood or coffee grounds.
• Feeling extremely tired or weak.
• Tinnitus.
• Severe back pain.
• Vision change.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Swelling of the gland.
• Possible severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). This can lead to severe health problems, which can be permanent, and sometimes death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as redness, swelling of the skin with blistering or peeling (with or without fever), redness or irritation of the eyes, and sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
• Heartburn.
• Gas formation.
• Dizziness.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if medicine causes nausea.
• Follow the instructions exactly. Do not exceed your daily dose of acetaminophen. If you are not sure what your daily dose of acetaminophen is, ask your doctor or pharmacist for it. Some people may take this drug in doses up to 4,000 milligrams (mg) per day as directed by their doctor. Some patients (eg, those with liver disease and children) require a dose reduction of acetaminophen. If you have exceeded your daily dose of acetaminophen, contact your doctor immediately, even if you do not feel worse.
• It is not recommended to use other medicines containing acetaminophen. Carefully study the instructions for medicines. Taking acetaminophen in excessive amounts can lead to liver problems.
• Consult your doctor before drinking alcohol.
• If you smoke, please consult your doctor.
• If you have asthma, check with your doctor. You may be more sensitive to the drug.
• This drug may affect the results of some lab tests. Tell all your health care workers and laboratory staff that you are taking this drug.
• Do not take the drug in higher doses than prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount of the drug increases the risk of serious side effects.
• Do not take this drug for longer than the length of time your doctor has prescribed.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

• If you are taking the drug regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you can.
• If it’s time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose and then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.
• In most cases, this drug is used as needed. Do not take the drug more often than prescribed by your doctor.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep out of the heat.
• Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

• If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
• Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
• Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
• Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
• If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last revision date

2020-12-08

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© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors, 2023. All rights reserved.

Date last updated

Monday, December 12, 2022

here’s what you need to know about the most popular painkillers

If your first reaction to a headache is to rummage through your first aid kit for painkillers, then you’re not alone: ​​almost everyone does.

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However, according to experts, before taking aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol, you need to know something about these drugs.

Paracetamol

What it is: One of the most popular pain relievers, paracetamol works by blocking an enzyme in the brain involved in pain transmission, explains Deborah Lee, MD, London. “This drug dampens sensation and prevents the release of pain-causing substances,” she says.

When to take: Deborah recommends using paracetamol to relieve mild to moderate headache, toothache, muscle and joint pain, and hangovers. “It’s also often prescribed as a postoperative pain reliever,” says Dr. Li.

Are there any side effects: As Deborah explains, at the recommended dose, the drug is unlikely to cause any serious problems.

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Ibuprofen

What it is: ibuprofen belongs to the group of NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. “It works by lowering the levels of hormones in the body that cause pain and swelling,” explains Deborah.

When to take: Ibuprofen, according to Dr. Li, should be used to relieve mild to moderate pain such as toothache or migraine. It is also effective in reducing inflammation and swelling caused by arthritis.

Are there side effects: Experts agree that ibuprofen should always be taken with food and never on an empty stomach. “If you take ibuprofen for a long time, then you may be prescribed a medicine to protect the gastric mucosa, such as omeprazole,” says pharmacist Abbas Kanani.

Aspirin

What it is: Like ibuprofen, aspirin blocks pain at its source. Aspirin enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, but acts only where it finds specific substances that are produced in response to injury.

When to take it: Aspirin is effective in relieving pain and thinning the blood, so it may be prescribed to lower a patient’s risk of heart attack or stroke, explains Abbas Kanani.

Are there any side effects: Aspirin is less effective than ibuprofen and, according to experts, is more likely to hit the gastrointestinal tract.

How often do you take painkillers?

The most common questions about popular painkillers

Are there any general rules for taking?

According to Dr. Li, there are four main principles: take them as directed, do not skip doses, do not add extra doses, and never break pills unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Will “brand” drugs be more effective?

“No, and you shouldn’t fall for advertising gimmicks. Buying a cheaper, unbranded alternative is a smart idea,” says Deborah.

What is the best thing to take for a headache?

“Paracetamol and NSAIDs, including aspirin, are equally effective when it comes to relieving tension headaches,” explains Dr. Lee.

What is the best pain reliever for back pain?

“Ibuprofen will be much more effective than paracetamol in this case.