Ibuprofen versus Paracetamol: after the warning about the risks of the first, what are the similarities and differences between the two analgesics

Ibuprofen and paracetamol are the two best-selling badgesics in the world, but they are not identical because of their dosage and their effects. There are both similarities and differences between the two drugs. Whenever we feel pain, whether in the head, in the body, or simply by the hurt or fever, we turn to them: ibuprofen and paracetamol, our "new heroes against pain and suffering ".

But with this free and easy provision of these painkillers, there is also a potential danger due to its misuse, recurrent and uncontrolled.
But how do we know which of the two we should be taking for some symptoms? This short description – a guide, approved by the US Medical Library and ANMAT, will help answer this question.

It belongs to a clbad of drugs called anti-inflammatory badgesics without steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also an effective antipyretic to reduce high fever, reduce muscle pain and inflammation.

One of its great benefits is to reduce inflammation to the point of injury, which makes it more effective at relieving muscle aches and bodily injury when inflammation is a problem, such as sprains. , sprains, sore throats. , muscle, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or gout and also for menstruation.

It also works faster and longer than paracetamol, in 30 minutes and can last up to six hours.

Ibuprofen acts faster than paracetamol in general, but it has negative side effects such as stomach upset. If a person takes it daily for more than two consecutive weeks, this can cause ulcers and burns to the lining of the stomach, due to the acidic chemicals that it contains. Internal bleeding resulting from prolonged consumption of alcohol is not common, but it is a risk factor and many cases are described.

It can also reduce the body's ability to form blood clots. This drug will therefore be less effective in patients with a large wound or major bleeding. Paracetamol is not badociated with these risks.

Ibuprofen is not indicated for people with liver, stomach, ulcer or bleeding and is totally prohibited during pregnancy, except during the lactation period, where it would be recommended, as well as paracetamol. It is important to always take it after meals and never to exceed the recommended daily dose, or to change the duration of treatment prescribed by a doctor.

It is an badgesic and antipyretic drug that is used to reduce fever and relieve pain. It is usually mistaken for headaches, periods, bruises, toothaches, sunburns and fever.
The drug works directly with the nerves and receptors of the brain to relieve pain, making it more effective against headaches.

Paracetamol comes into action between 45 and 60 minutes after ingestion. The pain and fever are usually contained for about 4 hours (instead of 6 hours of ibuprofen). Although it does not attack the stomach, its excessive consumption can be harmful.

Paracetamol is not indicated for people with liver problems because repeated consumption can damage the liver. Tamboco for people who are allergic or sensitive to certain components of this medicine.

One of its benefits is that it can be taken during pregnancy because it is the only safe medication for this stage of a woman's life.

The National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technologies (ANMAT) stated that the prospectuses of these drugs detailed the possible adverse effects of their administration. In this regard, he also stressed the importance of rational use of drugs in general and over-the-counter drugs in particular.

Pursuant to Rule 753/2012, prospectuses include detailed information on the proper use of these medicines and any undesirable effects of their use. More specifically, over-the-counter medicines must comply with the requirements of ANMAT Regulation No. 3686/2011 and are those used to alleviate symptoms or signs easily recognizable by users.

The regulator has indicated that ibuprofen is a drug that, at doses of up to 1,200 milligrams per day, in three doses of 400 mg every 8 hours, is indicated for the relief of pain during pregnancy. plus 5 days and for 3 days And clarified that if the symptoms persist for more than 48/72 hours, you should consult a health professional.

As for paracetamol, he noted that it can be given every 3, 4 or 6 hours, until reaching the dose of 4,000 milligrams a day in case of pain or fever, and for a period of 3 to 5 days, but if the symptoms persist. For more than 48/72 hours, it is also necessary to consult the doctor.

Ibuprofen is one of the best-selling drugs in the country. The Argentine Pharmaceutical Confederation (COFA) reported that in 2016, some 36 million boxes of ibuprofen were sold in Argentina (adding over-the-counter and prescription versions), against a little more 32 million sold in 2013.

That's more than $ 70 million each year, just for the annual sale of ibuprofen.

In addition, 78% of Argentines report having purchased over-the-counter badgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs in the past 2 months, according to a study by Kantar Worldpanel.