When you’re dealing with pain, whether it’s a headache or period cramps, do you consciously reach for ibuprofen or paracetamol, or just grab whatever’s available?
Ibuprofen and paracetamol are both common painkillers, but they serve different purposes. Dublin-based pharmacist Ashley Ó Dubháin shared his expertise on TikTok under the handle @ashthepharmacist to clarify the distinctions between the two.
In his post, Ash advised: “Should you be taking paracetamol or ibuprofen? In an ideal world, neither, but sometimes the pain just can’t be managed without. Use this video to learn when you should be taking the two of these, when you shouldn’t, what doses to take, and if they can be used together.”
He pointed out that while both medications are for “reducing pain, but not in the same way”, paracetamol is typically used for “headaches, fever and mild pain” and is “gentle on the stomach”, making it a preferable option for those with stomach issues. However, he cautioned against its use if you have “liver issues”.
If your discomfort stems from inflammation, paracetamol may not provide relief. In such cases, ibuprofen could be a viable alternative for conditions like muscle pain, period cramps, and swollen joints due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
But Ash cautioned: “If you have issues with your stomach or gut,” these should be avoided. He further warned: “Also, if you have kidney or heart problems, you can’t take this.”
To simplify, Ash suggested that generally, for pain in the “head and up”, he would opt for paracetamol, while for “shoulders and down”, he would choose ibuprofen.
For adults, Ash explained that the typical dosage is 400mg of ibuprofen three times a day after meals, and two tablets or 1,000mg of paracetamol four times a day as needed. This information is purely educational, and specific doses should be determined based on age and strength by referring to the packet instructions.
The pharmacist also mentioned that both medications can be taken together, with the NHS confirming: “Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given together but you should stagger the doses. Each one will take 30 minutes to 1 hour to work. Wait 1 hour after the first medicine to see if they need the other. For example if they still have a high fever and are distressed or if they are still in pain.”
The NHS also states that paracetamol is suitable for children over two months old, while ibuprofen can be administered to children over three months old who weigh more than 5kg.
It’s crucial not to exceed the doses indicated on the bottle. With any pain relief medication, only take as directed and ensure you read the instructions, as dosages can differ based on strength.
If you’re uncertain about whether you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol, or if you have concerns or observe anything unusual, consult a pharmacist or doctor.