When we feel bad we always go to paracetamol, or is it ibuprofen? Today we are going to find out what is used at home, whether or not they can be mixed or intercalated, which one is more effective depending on the ailment, as well as some adverse effects from continued use over time.
Both ibuprofen and paracetamol are two very common painkillers around the world and both are on the list of safe drugs, but that does not free them from adverse effects due to continued use over time or due to adverse reactions in some people.
Both drugs are used for minor pain such as malaise, sore throat, fever, menstruation, etc. But we always have the same question, which one do we have to take? Depending on the cause of the pain, one will help more than the other.
What we should never do is mix the two at the same time or exceed certain doses, if we do not want to suffer liver toxicity or cardiovascular risk, among other adverse effects of these combined medications. We will take a closer look at all this below.
What does each one work for? And which is better?
We are going to learn to identify what each of these two drugs is for, in this way we can know which one is best for us according to the ailment we have, otherwise, it could be insufficient. Even so, no medication should be administered without a prescription, since it could trigger an adverse reaction that could put our lives at risk.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol has been one of the best-selling drugs in our country for years and its active ingredients help to calm mild or moderate pain and lower fever. It does not have an anti-inflammatory like paracetamol, but it is very effective in reducing mild pain and lowering mild feverish states.
It is usually good for common colds, low back pain, headaches, toothache (without extraction), bone pain, etc. It must be a very occasional medicine, for more intense and prolonged pain, you must consult a specialist.
Ibuprofen
It is among the 10 best-selling drugs in Spain, and it does not surprise us, since its anti-inflammatory power is usually very effective for moderate pain. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory with analgesic and antipyretic action.
This medicine is indicated for menstrual pain, contracture, helps in high fever processes , reduces inflammation from a blow, twist, tooth (with extraction without infection), etc. Like paracetamol, it must be a specific drug and must not be maintained over time. If the pain does not subside, it is best to consult a specialist doctor, since ibuprofen has several adverse effects.
Recommended dosage and adverse effects
It is important to know what maximum doses can be taken in a day of both ibuprofen and paracetamol, as well as the adverse effects. Regarding medications, it is best to avoid self-medication and always consult a specialist.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol takes between 40 and 60 minutes to work and lasts for about 4 hours. The ideal is to take it every 8 hours, but it can be taken every 6 hours if we feel very bad. The maximum dose per day should not exceed (in healthy adults) 4 grams per day. They are usually sold in sachets or pills of 500 or 600 milligrams.
With regard to adverse effects, paracetamol does not usually cause gastrointestinal problems, but it can be toxic if we exceed the daily amount. It should not be taken by those with liver failure or kidney problems . It should not be mixed with alcohol, no drug should be mixed with alcoholic beverages or narcotics. Pregnant women can take it, in very small doses and under medical recommendation, BUT, there is no zero risk.
Ibuprofen
This medicine begins to work within 300 minutes of being ingested and usually lasts up to approximately 6 hours. The most recommended dose is 400 milligrams every 8 hours for a mild or moderate ailment, but, nevertheless, the most sold quantity is 600 milligrams. The toxic dose begins when 1,200 milligrams per day are exceeded, and that implies gastrointestinal adverse effects.
It should not be mixed with alcohol or drugs, nor should it be consumed on an empty stomach. Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from consuming ibuprofen during their pregnancy. Taking several doses continuously over time causes cardiovascular problems. It should not be taken by those with heart problems, stomach ulcers, and other intestinal ailments. It should not be mixed with other medications such as anticoagulants, or if we are treating otitis, cough, lung infection, skin lesions, etc.
Do not mix, just collate
Ibuprofen and paracetamol should not be mixed, believing that we can be perfectly in a matter of 30 minutes. What we can and is quite common, is to intercalate, that is, take ibuprofen and paracetamol at 4 or 6 hours, or the other way around. This combination should never exceed 3 or 4 days , otherwise there may be adverse effects or our cold may be something more serious.
Paracetamol is metabolized in the kidneys, while ibuprofen does so in the liver. Interleaving is not the best option either, but it is much safer than mixing both drugs in one or several doses.
By mixing both drugs in a single dose, we are increasing the risk of poisoning and adverse effects, beyond gastrointestinal effects, for example, kidney problems, ulcers, burns to the mucous membranes of the stomach, internal bleeding, blood clots. blood, etc.
Therefore, in conclusion, if we have pain, general malaise, fever, sore throat and the like, the best is paracetamol, since it is much safer and has fewer adverse effects. While, if it is a physical pain such as a muscle, a fall, a tooth, migraine, etc. the best is paracetamol for its anti-inflammatory effect.
Neither of the two should exceed the doses that we have explained previously, and if we intersperse, as is the most common case, we should not exceed 3 grams a day and space the combination as we feel better, but never extend these treatments more than 4 days.
As for hangovers, don’t use any of these medications . Paracetamol is metabolized in the liver, just like alcohol, and enough work and suffering already takes the liver to increase toxicity. Ibuprofen is not good either, as it damages a digestive system and an organism that is already weak and dehydrated from alcohol.
