Latest news with #ibuprofen
Telegraph
09-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Ibuprofen vs paracetamol: Which is better for you?
Which painkiller do you reach for when you've got a throbbing headache or a stiff, achy knee? Chances are it's paracetamol, if you live in Britain. We buy 6,300 tonnes of this cheap, easy-to-find medication every year, according to an estimate from the University of Oxford, and most of us have a packet in the bottom of our bags, or the back of our cupboards. Pharmacists often recommend paracetamol to treat minor ailments, yet some clinical trials indicate that it's no better than a placebo when it comes to treating back pain or arthritis. Step forward ibuprofen, the other cheap, white painkilling pill on our shelves that we're less likely to pick up: this less-loved treatment does in fact take the edge off in a real way, evidence suggests, at least when it comes to pain in your lower back – and it could even lower your risk of dementia and Parkinson's. The truth is, 'both paracetamol and ibuprofen are good for treating different things,' says Aldrin Gomes, a professor at the medical school at the University of California, Davis. Ibuprofen is 'an anti-inflammatory drug', and therefore works on issues to do with inflammation, such as joint pain and toothaches. Paracetamol has its place too: it is a more effective weapon against sore heads and throats, as well as fevers. Prof Gomes recently published a book about all of the unexpected effects of ibuprofen, called The Comprehensive Guide to Ibuprofen: The Good, The Bad and The Unexpected. There is so much more to both of these drugs than meets the eye, he says. Here is how they differ, which is best for what, and why they should only be taken when you absolutely need them. The surprising benefits of ibuprofen One recent study from the University of Cambridge has found that taking ibuprofen could lower the risk that someone develops dementia by at least 14 per cent, while it has been shown in multiple studies that it can also lower your risk of Alzheimer's, a form of dementia. 'One piece of research, with participants who were all veterans, found that those who used ibuprofen rather than paracetamol for more than five years, were 40 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer's,' says Prof Gomes. Those in the study were engaging in occasional use rather than habitual use, but were taking it at least once a month. 'It's not a smoking gun, but it's a pretty strong correlation,' Prof Gomes adds. Recent findings also indicate that people who take ibuprofen have a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, and that paracetamol might actually have an adverse effect on cognitive performance, whereas no such impact was seen in people who take paracetamol. Both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are linked to inflammation in the body, and it's by working on this same mechanism that ibuprofen is a much more effective treatment for joint pains and strains than paracetamol is. The risks It's not that there are no downsides to ibuprofen, however. Taking it, and taking it regularly in particular, can reduce the diversity of your gut microbiome, and a vibrant gut is important to preventing Alzheimer's in itself (as well as bowel cancer, cardiovascular disease and mood disorders). More information is needed to fully understand the costs and benefits that come with painkillers. There are also other side effects – and you may find them surprising. 'Of a 100 people who take ibuprofen, three will get diarrhoea,' says Prof Gomes. For paracetamol, 'the figure is somewhere between one and ten,' he says, but with either drug, 'you'd be much more likely to blame a symptom like that on what you've eaten, even though they're both known to commonly cause diarrhoea,' he adds. Long-term paracetamol use, meanwhile, has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. One 2015 study found that people who take at least 15 paracetamol pills a week were at a 68 per cent higher risk of a cardiovascular event – in other words, a heart attack. Ibuprofen is not in the clear either. Taking it regularly can also lead to an increased risk of heart attacks 'by a small amount', according to a University of Oxford study. Both pills are considered safe to take in their recommended doses for up to a fortnight at a time, Prof Gomes says. 'But once you start taking ibuprofen every day for three weeks or a month, the evidence suggests that you're increasing your risk of a stroke by at least 30 per cent.' Of those who take it consistently for months on end, '25 per cent will get chronic high blood pressure,' Prof Gomes adds. Regularly taking paracetamol, meanwhile, 'can lead to major liver damage', and this is 'especially bad when someone is also drinking alcohol', says Prof Gomes. It can also cause anaemia, 'as it interferes with the body's production of red blood cells'. There is increasing evidence that paracetamol used in pregnancy 'can cause neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD in children,' Prof Gomes says. Paracetamol's effects last for a shorter period of time, he adds, making it less suitable for children (who may be more prone to waking up in the night with coughs and colds), and more likely to be taken more frequently than is considered safe. How do ibuprofen and paracetamol work? Both paracetamol and ibuprofen work to kill pain by blocking the signals from your body that tell your brain that you're in pain. 'Ibuprofen blocks two very important enzymes, called COX-1 and COX-2. These break down lipids [fats in your body] into prostaglandins, which are chemicals that are involved in pain,' Prof Gomes explains. If you block these enzymes then you block pain, 'as well as inflammation,' he says. Paracetamol doesn't block prostaglandins in the same way, which means that the drug isn't anti-inflammatory. It does interfere with the chemical signals involved in feeling pain, however, as well as with the part of your brain that handles temperature regulation, which is why it can also be helpful for fevers. 'Another difference is that paracetamol is processed by the liver, while ibuprofen is processed by the kidneys,' Prof Gomes adds. Given its anti-inflammatory properties, ibuprofen works best on pain that involves inflammation, such as back pain, period pain, arthritis and toothaches. Paracetamol works best for 'simple pain without inflammation,' says Dr Gomes: cuts, scrapes, headaches and stomach aches, as well as high temperatures. Both can be used in combination – for example, you might want to take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time to handle the aches and pains as well as the fevers that can come with a bad cold. It's important not to take both unnecessarily, however. So which is best – ibuprofen or paracetamol? On the whole, 'I would generally recommend that people take ibuprofen rather than paracetamol,' says Prof Gomes. However, even though its use has been associated with a reduced risk of diseases like Alzheimer's, 'you should only take either paracetamol or ibuprofen if you absolutely need it,' he says. 'Research shows that over time, taking painkillers can actually cause your body to produce more pain in the long term, even if it's eased for a while.' For that reason, as well as all the other side effects that can come with these drugs, Prof Gomes and experts like him now recommend that people take the smallest dose possible that works for them, rather than the dose stated on the packet. 'People who weigh 120lb [between 8 and 9st] or less might find that a dose of 100mg, or around half a standard ibuprofen pill or a fifth of a paracetamol tablet, might be enough to ease their symptoms.' Prof Gomes himself weighs around 160lb, or just over 11st, and 'I also take 100mg, because I find that it works for me too,' he says. 'It's worth experimenting and seeing how little you actually need.' Despite the protection against Alzheimer's that taking ibuprofen regularly might offer, 'I also wouldn't recommend that you take it unnecessarily for this reason either,' he adds. 'The benefits need more exploration, but we do know that taking painkillers regularly can worsen your health in the long run.' If possible, it's best to rely on alternatives to pain relief medications, such as hot water bottles, massages and deep breathing, Prof Gomes says. 'It's like going to the gym. If you can withstand the pain without taking painkillers, then you will become better at managing it in the long-term.' FAQs Can you take ibuprofen and paracetamol together? 'Yes,' says Prof Gomes. He recommends that people take the smallest possible dose of both. 'It can be better to have smaller amounts of both than a larger amount of one, as they are processed in different parts of your body,' he says. Which one is better for back pain, ibuprofen or paracetamol? 'Ibuprofen will generally be better for back pain, due to its anti-inflammatory properties,' Prof Gomes says. Which painkiller is best if you have a cold or flu? Paracetamol is best for easing the high temperature or fever that comes with a cold, as well as for relieving any pain such as a headache or sore throat. You can also small amounts of both paracetamol and ibuprofen if you're suffering from sinus pressure or a sinus headache since ibuprofen specifically targets inflammation. However, don't take both unnecessarily. Is ibuprofen bad for your gut? Yes, taking ibuprofen regularly can reduce the diversity of your gut microbiome so it's important not to take ibuprofen unless you really need it. Which painkiller is best for period pain?
Health Line
24-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Is It Possible to Overdose on Ibuprofen?
Taking too much ibuprofen can result in an overdose. This can cause dangerous side effects such as damage to your stomach or intestines. In rare cases, an overdose can be fatal. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (OTC NSAID) used to relieve inflammation, fever, and mild pain. People take this medication to treat: headaches back pain toothaches arthritis menstrual cramps fevers Brand names for ibuprofen include Motrin and Advil. You should always take ibuprofen exactly as directed on the label or as recommended by a doctor. If you think that you or someone you know has overdosed on ibuprofen, contact your local poison center or your local emergency services. In the United States, you can reach the poison center by calling 1-800-222-1222. Recommended dosage Your recommended dose of ibuprofen depends on your age. For adults The recommended dosage for adults is one to two 200-milligram (mg) tablets (400 mg per dose) every four to six hours. Adults should not exceed 3200mg in 24 hours. Adults over 65 years old should take as little ibuprofen as possible to manage their symptoms. Older adults have a higher risk of kidney and gastrointestinal side effects. For children To determine the safe dosage for children, you need to know the child's weight and the formulation of ibuprofen you're using. Ibuprofen for children is available in: infant drops liquids chewable tablets Liquid measurements are given in milliliters (mL). Make sure to read the label and measure carefully. Never give your child more than four doses in one day. The following chart shows how much ibuprofen a child can consume depending on their weight. Weight 50-mg/1.25-mL infant drops dosage 100-mg/5-mL liquid dosage 50-mg/1 chewable tablet dosage 12 to 17 pounds 1.25 mL (50 mg) Ask your doctor Ask your doctor 18 to 23 pounds 1.875 mL (75 mg) Ask your doctor Ask your doctor 24 to 35 pounds 2.5 mL (100 mg) 5 mL (100 mg) 2 tablets (100 mg) 36 to 47 pounds 3.75 mL (150 mg) 7.5 mL (150 mg) 3 tablets (150 mg) 48 to 59 pounds 5 mL (200 mg) 10 mL (200 mg) 4 tablets (200 mg) 60 to 71 pounds n/a 12.5 mL (250 mg) 5 tablets (250 mg) 72 to 95 pounds n/a 15 mL (300 mg) 6 tablets (300 mg) over 95 pounds n/a 20 mL (400 mg) 8 tablets (400 mg) For babies Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months old. For infants ages 6 months to 1 year, the safe dose of the infant formulation depends on their weight. Weight 50-mg/1.25-mL infant drops dosage under 12 pounds Ask your doctor before administering this medication. 12 to 17 pounds 1.25 mL (50 mg) 18 to 23 pounds 1.875 mL (75 mg) Drug interactions Certain medications can increase your risk of having an overdose of ibuprofen. According to research, do not take any of the following medications with ibuprofen without first talking with your doctor: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can interfere with the metabolism of NSAIDs while also increasing pain and bleeding antihypertensives, which are medications for high blood pressure that may increase the risk of kidney damage aspirin, which may increase the risk of serious side effects diuretics (water pills), which increase the risk of kidney failure when combined with ibuprofen lithium, which increases the risk of toxicity methotrexate, which increases the risk of toxicity anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin, because they can increase your risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding Mixing ibuprofen with alcohol can also increase your risk of having serious side effects, like stomach or intestinal bleeding. Symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose Not everyone will experience symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose right away. Some people won't have any visible symptoms at all. If you do experience symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose, they're usually mild. Mild symptoms may include: tinnitus (ringing in the ears) heartburn nausea vomiting stomach pain diarrhea dizziness blurred vision rash sweating Severe symptoms can include: difficult or slow breathing convulsions hypotension (low blood pressure) seizures little to no urine production severe headache bleeding in the stomach coma What should you do if you suspect an overdose? If you or someone you know has taken more than the maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen, contact your local poison center. In the United States, you can reach the poison center by calling 1-800-222-1222. You can call this number 24 hours a day. Stay on the line for further instructions. If possible, have the following information ready: the person's age, height, weight, and gender how much ibuprofen was ingested when the last dose was taken whether the person also took other drugs, supplements, or had any alcohol You can also receive guidance by using the poison center's webPOISONCONTROL online tool. TIP Text 'POISON' to 202-677-7600 to save the contact information for poison control to your smartphone. If you can't access a phone or computer, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not wait until symptoms start. Some people who overdose on ibuprofen will not show symptoms right away. Treating an overdose At the hospital, doctors will monitor breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs. A doctor may insert a tube through the mouth to look for internal bleeding. You may also receive the following treatments: medications that make you throw up decontamination of the stomach with activated charcoal benzodiazepines to control seizures breathing support, such as oxygen or a breathing machine (ventilator) intravenous fluids antihypertensive medications to reduce blood pressure Children who consume more than 400 mg/kilogram (kg) of ibuprofen are at a higher risk of overdose and will likely require hospitalization. If they consume 100 mg/kg or less, they may be monitored at home. Complications of an ibuprofen overdose An overdose of ibuprofen can cause severe problems in the gastrointestinal tract. These include: inflammation bleeding ulcers stomach or intestinal perforation, which can be fatal liver or kidney failure Taking high doses of ibuprofen over long periods of time can also increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Takeaway Taking too much ibuprofen can result in an overdose. With prompt medical treatment, you're likely to recover from an ibuprofen overdose. However, some people develop liver, kidney, or stomach issues. People with a prior history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding should not take NSAIDS like ibuprofen. Always read product labels carefully and take the smallest amount of ibuprofen possible that will help relieve your symptoms. An adult should not take more than 3,200 mg of ibuprofen per day. A safe dose for children is much less than that. If you or someone you know has taken more than the recommended dose, call your local poison center or your local emergency services. If you experience symptoms of an ulcer after taking ibuprofen, stop taking ibuprofen and call a doctor.
Health Line
09-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
The Link Between Ibuprofen and Ulcers
Long-term ibuprofen use can increase your risk of bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestines. If you take ibuprofen regularly, you can take steps to prevent peptic ulcers and protect stomach health. Peptic ulcers are slow-healing sores that can develop in your stomach lining, the beginning or top part of your small intestines (duodenum), or your esophagus. If you have a peptic ulcer, you'll usually experience some degree of abdominal pain. This pain can range from mild to severe and tends to come and go. Some people describe this pain as dull, while for others, it has more of a burning sensation. You might feel this pain anywhere from your belly button to your chest. Other symptoms include: Peptic ulcers can develop for a few reasons. One common cause is the frequent use of nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. Another is infection. Read on to learn how ibuprofen affects your stomach and what you can do to lower your risk of ulcers. Can ibuprofen cause stomach ulcers? Your body produces hormones called prostaglandins, which help heal tissue damage and injury, play a role in ovulation and labor, and help gut muscles contract and relax. These hormones also benefit your stomach in two main ways. They help repair and heal any damage to the lining of your stomach. They also protect your stomach from damage through the production of stomach mucus, which helps counter the effects of the stomach acid that helps break down your food. Stomach acid is very strong — strong enough to wear down your teeth and bones. If your body doesn't produce enough prostaglandins, this acid can easily damage your stomach lining. This is where ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can pose a danger. If you have an infection or injury, your body produces prostaglandins to help you heal. In some cases, though, your body may produce too much of these hormones. High levels of prostaglandins can lead to pain, swelling, and other inflammation. Ibuprofen relieves these symptoms by reducing the amount of prostaglandins your body can produce. But over time, the drop in prostaglandins can leave your stomach more vulnerable to damage. Ulcers don't develop overnight You probably won't develop an ulcer after taking ibuprofen for a few days in a row. Still, regular doses of ibuprofen daily for weeks or months will increase your chances of developing a peptic ulcer. take ibuprofen with other NSAIDs take ibuprofen with some other medications, such as corticosteroids, blood thinners, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have a history of stomach ulcers have an H. pylori infection are older than 65 have three or more servings of alcohol a day smoke cigarettes Reducing your risk Most people can safely take ibuprofen to relieve short-term symptoms, such as fever, menstrual cramps, or body aches and pains. When taking ibuprofen or any other medication, you can reduce your risk of unwanted side effects by reading the label and following the directions closely. These tips can also help lower your chances of developing an ulcer: Take the smallest possible dose: Does your medication bottle say, 'Take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours?' It never hurts to start with one tablet and pay attention to your symptoms before taking more. Avoid taking too many doses: When taking ibuprofen around the clock to relieve pain that remains for a few days, like menstrual cramps, it may help to set a timer for each dose. If you take your next dose too soon, you may take more ibuprofen than planned and exceed the daily recommendation. Take ibuprofen for no more than a few days at a time: If you have persistent fever, aches, or other symptoms, it may be worth asking your healthcare professional about other options for treating your pain. Keep in mind, too, that NSAIDs to treat migraine pain and other headaches could lead to medication overuse headaches. Medications that help prevent peptic ulcers Many people take ibuprofen regularly to treat arthritis and other conditions that cause chronic pain and inflammation. If you need to take an NSAID long term, consider asking your doctor about medication to help protect against ulcers. The following medications could make a difference: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which help lower stomach acid production H2 blockers, which also help lower stomach acid production misoprostol, which helps boost the production of stomach mucus These medications may not work well for everyone and may cause some side effects, including constipation and diarrhea. Also, long-term use of PPIs may increase your risk of fractures and infection. Your care team can offer more guidance on whether these medications are a good option for you. Bottom line Most people won't get an ulcer from taking ibuprofen occasionally, especially when sticking to the dosing directions on the label. Taking several doses of ibuprofen a day for a few weeks or longer may raise your risk of peptic ulcers, especially if you take other NSAIDs at the same time. If you use ibuprofen to manage ongoing pain and inflammation, a good next step involves asking a doctor about medications that can lower your ulcer risk. They can also offer more guidance on other options for pain relief.
