Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are probably the most common medicines on the shelf of home remedies from almost the entire world. But while both can be used to relieve various types of pain, they have different properties and so it is not always the same to choose one or the other.
In addition, there are situations where medications can not be used, such as in pregnancy, liver problems or heart disease, for example.
Thus, the best way to know which medicine to relieve some pain is to consult a general practitioner before using any of the two medicines.
When to use Paracetamol
Paracetamol is an analgesic remedy that reduces pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances released when there is pain or injury. This way, the body becomes less aware that it is experiencing pain, generating a sense of relief.
In cases of fever, paracetamol also has an antipyretic action that allows to reduce body temperature and, therefore, can be used to combat fever in different situations, such as colds or flu.
- Main commercial brands: Tylenol, Acetamil, Naldecon or Parador.
- It should be used to: relieve headaches with no specific cause, fight fever, or reduce pain unrelated to swelling and inflammation.
- Maximum daily dose: do not take more than 4 grams per day, being advised to take only 1 gram every 8 hours.
Unlike most medications, Paracetamol is safe to use during pregnancy and should be the analgesic of choice for all pregnant women . However, in some cases, it may be contraindicated during the first 3 months of gestation, and you should always consult your obstetrician first.
When not to take
Although the use of Paracetamol seems harmless, this medicine can cause liver damage and serious changes when used in excess or for a long time. Thus, people with liver problems should only ingest this medicine with indication of a doctor who knows their medical history.
Thus, before using paracetamol, one can try to use more natural options to lower the fever, such as Macela tea or White Willow. Here's how to prepare these teas and other natural remedies to reduce fever.
When to use Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen also has a similar action to Paracetamol, helping to relieve pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins; however, the effect of this medication is best when pain is associated with inflammation, ie when the site of pain is swollen, such as in sore throat or muscle aches, for example.
- Major trademarks: Alivium, Motrin, Advil or Ibupril.
- It should be used to: relieve muscle pain, reduce swelling or reduce pain caused by inflamed sites.
- Maximum daily dose: not more than 1200 mg of this medicine should be taken per day and it is advisable to take up to 400 mg every 8 hours.
When used for a long time, Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach muscle, resulting in severe pain and even ulcers. Therefore, this medicine should be ingested after meals. But if it is necessary to take for more than 1 week, you should talk to the doctor to start using a stomach shield to protect against ulcer formation.
Also check out some natural remedies that can replace ibuprofen and help relieve sore throat, for example.
When not to take
Because of the risk of heart and kidney problems, Ibuprofen should not be used without medical knowledge, especially in the case of people with kidney disease, during pregnancy and in case of heart disease because it increases the person's risk of having a stroke. in the first week of treatment.
Can they be used at the same time?
These two remedies can be used at the same time to treat various problems, however, this combination should only be done after age 16 and under the guidance of a pediatrician or general practitioner.
The most common situation of using these two medicines is to take the medicines with 4 hours interval between each. In this way it is possible to treat fever, sore throat and headache at the same time, for example.
