Ibuprofen, (more commonly known as Advil or Nurofen) and paracetamol (aka Panadol) are popular over the counter pain relievers.

Like most people, you probably think that they do the same thing, right? Wrong.

Although ibuprofen and paracetamol are both drugs which reduce pain, the main difference is that ibuprofen also reduces inflammation (swelling), whereas paracetamol doesn’t reduce inflammation, but it can reduce fever.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen possesses analgesic (pain relieving), and anti-inflammatory properties.  It works at the site of pain by blocking the production of the chemicals that cause pain, swelling and inflammation in the tissues of the body.

It is effective for headaches, backache, muscular aches, sports injuries, period pain and dental pain.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol exhibits analgesic (pain relieving) and antipyretic (fever relieving) properties.  It does not possess anti-inflammatory activity.  Because it doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties, you can’t use paracetamol to reduce swelling.

Paracetamol is generally the medicine of choice for people with chronic pain such as osteoarthritis, and pain due to cold and flu symptoms, and fever.

Which to take?

So in summary, It all comes down to what type of pain you have.

Ibuprofen is better as a pain reliever when a there is muscular pain due to injury or inflammation- such as a strain, sprain, or arthritis.

Paracetamol is more effective when it comes to cold and flu symptoms, and fever.

I personally prefer ibuprofen over paracetamol for pain relief especially when it comes to headaches, but remember, different strokes for different folks!

For more advice, talk to your pharmacist!

xoxo

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