There are many opinions on the best pain relief practices. The thing most can agree upon is that when pain hits, we want it gone fast. Over-the-counter pain relievers are a great option for alleviating any sort of discomfort.
Deciding which pain reliever is right for the type of pain you are experiencing can be tricky. The main two pain relievers people reach for are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If you didn’t know any better, you may think they are interchangeable, but these two drugs help in different ways.
Acetaminophen works exclusively in the brain by reducing the impact of pain receptors. Ibuprofen can work in the brain, and throughout the rest of the body, to reduce pain and break a fever caused by inflammation.
What Is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is a drug that is prescribed to ease pain and fevers by changing the way the brain senses pain and by cooling the body temperature. According to Medicine Plus, acetaminophen falls under two classes of medications: analgesics (pain reliever) and antipyretics (fever reducer). Analgesics reduce pain signals in your nervous system, rather than attack the site of the pain. This kind of medication is processed through your kidneys.
The most common brand name for acetaminophen is Tylenol. Other alternative brand names you may recognize are Paracetamol, Alvedon, and FeverAll.
When Can I Take Acetaminophen?
The Mayo Clinic notes that the most common uses for acetaminophen are to relieve minor aches and pains. Such things that may prompt the use of acetaminophen include:
- Arthritis pain
- Backache
- Headache
- Toothache
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle aches
How Much Acetaminophen Can I Take?
There are many ways to take acetaminophen, but the most common forms are consumable tablets or capsules. The typical adult dosage of Tylenol is two, 325 mg pills every 4 to 6 hours, and no more than 5 doses in 24 hours. The daily maximum is 4,000 mg, which is why an acetaminophen overdose is so rare.
Healthline advises that there is a long list of drugs that acetaminophen can negatively interact with. You should always follow the instructions associated with the specific medication you are taking, or consult with your doctor.
Acetaminophen Side Effects
Few side effects are associated with acetaminophen, but you could experience the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
It is important to note that because acetaminophen is processed in the kidneys, it may not be a good option for anyone suffering from kidney-related complications.
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a class of medication called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Medicine Plus says NSAIDs are used to reduce fevers and relieve minor aches and pains by “stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.” NSAIDs are processed through your liver.
Ibuprofen has several notable brand names such as Advil, Motrin, and Addaprin.
When Can I Take Ibuprofen?
The reasons to take ibuprofen, as described by The Cleveland Clinic, would be for any kind of pain that goes hand-in-hand with inflammation. Inflammation often causes swelling, redness, heat, or loss of function at the source of the pain. Thus, ibuprofen is best used in the following cases where inflammation is causing the discomfort:
- Back and neck pain
- Earache
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Sinus infections
- Toothache
How Much Ibuprofen Can I Take?
Ibuprofen comes in many different forms. The dosage will vary depending on the form of medication you are taking, but you should always consult with a doctor before consuming. Ibuprofen is most commonly found in tablets and capsules that can be taken orally.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital says the typical dosage for adults (aged 12 years and up) is 400 mg every 6 hours, with no more than 4 doses in a 24-hour period. The daily limit is 1,200 mg.
This drug can negatively interact with many other drugs. Taking ibuprofen with other kinds of NSAIDs, like aspirin or naproxen (Aleve), can increase your risk of side effects. You should talk to a doctor before mixing ibuprofen with certain steroids, antibiotics, antidepressants, diabetes medications, or medicines for high blood pressure.
Ibuprofen Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with a standard dosage of ibuprofen are:
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Stomach pain (which may be avoided if it is taken with food)
Prolonged overuse of this NSAID can lead to more severe side effects, such as:
- Blood clots
- Heart attack
- Liver disease
- Stomach ulcers
- Stroke
It is important to note that because NSAIDs are processed through the liver, ibuprofen may not be a good choice for anyone experiencing liver issues or liver damage.
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?
The National Health Service confirms ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be taken together.
The two can be taken every 6 hours (with no more than 4 doses in 24 hours). Because they are different types of drugs that are processed in different areas of the body, they help to strengthen the impact of one another when taken together.
Experiencing Pain?
You should always consult with a medical professional before taking any kind of medication. If you are experiencing pain and believe you may be in need of such pain relievers, or advice from a medical professional, Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine’s clinical staff can help! We have clinics across Colorado’s Denver metro area that are open 7 days a week. Click here to reserve your spot for a visit online or walk-in to be seen for your pain today.