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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
When it comes to aches and pains they can make life hard, hitting at any moment. But taking the right over-the-counter medication can make a big difference. However many people are unsure when they should turn to paracetamol and when ibuprofen would work better. And should you ever double up and take both? Doctors at the London Clinic have looked at the way both of the common medications work and given their advice on which is better to help with everything from arthritis and join pain through to headaches and high temperatures. This is what they say: What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen? Paracetamol and ibuprofen are both painkillers, taking away symptoms of pain. But they have different mechanisms of action, different drug interractions to be aware of, and are broken down differently. Paracetamol Paracetamol - otherwise known as acetaminophen - is a mild pain killer but it also reduces fevers. It should be used to reduce pain caused by toothache, headaches, joint and muscle pain - such as mild arthritis pain. Paracetamol does not need to be taken after food and can usually be safely taken with other medications. It is possible to take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time, as they work in the body in different ways. It is available in a variety of forms but is most commonly taken as a 500mg capsule or 500mg tablet. However it can be taken as a liquid for children and can even be given intravenously in hospitals. It is safe for children to take paracetamol at the appropriate dose for children. Can it be taken in pregnancy? It can also be taken for pain relief in pregnancy as there is no evidence to suggest that paracetamol is harmful to take during pregnancy. It's also safe for breast-feeding mothers to take paracetamol. When not to take paracetamol However if you suffer from liver or kidney problems it is important to consult your doctor before taking paracetamol, since paracetamol is predominantly broken down by the liver. There are also a number of drugs that if you are taking then you should avoid taking paracetamol as well: Carbamazepine Treatment for epilepsy and nerve pain Warfarin Blood thinner Phenytoin Anti-epileptic medication Metoclopramide Common treatment for heartburn, nausea and vomiting Paracetamol side-effects Side effects a result of taking paracetamol are rare but the most common are: Allergic reactions, these can cause swelling and a rash Blood disorders Heart irregularities – low blood pressure (this happens most commonly when paracetamol is given intravenously) Paracetamol overdose Overdose of paracetamol is potentially very harmful, and anyone who thinks they may have taken too much paracetamol should seek urgent medical attention. Since paracetamol is mainly broken down by the liver, overdose can lead to acute liver damage. When taking cold remedies, it's important to be aware that these commonly contain paracetamol too. Taking both cold treatments and extra paracetamol tablets for example should be avoided, to prevent the risk of accidental overdose. Ibuprofen Ibuprofen is
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