Paracetamol or ibuprofen, when you are in pain, you never know which one to take. Moreover, it is likely that you do not always know the differences between these common medications, which we all have at home. However, they are not the same products. So where should you go in case of fever or pain?
Paracetamol, as first intention
For Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, the answer is simple. As a first choice, when pain or fever occurs, he always advises taking paracetamol. “It is a medication that has few contraindications, provided the dosage is respected.”
There are in fact rules to avoid exceeding doses:
- 3 g per day for adults;
- 60 mg per kilo per day for children.
“And against pain, against fever, it works very well”
he assures.
Please note, the minimum interval between two doses is 4 to 6 hours (8 hours in cases of severe renal insufficiency). And the duration of treatment is limited to 5 days in case of pain and 3 days in case of fever. If pain or fever persists, or in the event of worsening or new symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Ibuprofen, when it concerns inflammation
Paracetamol as a priority therefore. But ibuprofen is not useless. “Ibuprofen is useful when there is an inflammatory phenomenon. Because ibuprofen is what we call a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. So, it will play specifically on inflammation.”
It is then used against a toothache, menstrual pain or a painful joint.
Please note, the minimum interval between two doses is 6 hours to 8 hours in this case. And the intake must remain short-lived.
“Self-medication with ibuprofen should be limited to 72 hours or 5 days maximum. Otherwise, we consult. And above all, when there are signs of infection, be careful. Because anti-inflammatories can make it flare up. Because they depress our immune defenses.”
Medicines that relieve but do not cure
Also remember that these two painkillers do not treat the cause of your pain. But just provide temporary relief, as the doctor noted recently.
“Paracetamol works mainly by masking pain and reducing fever, but without addressing the underlying cause” indicated our expert in a recent article. The action of ibuprofen, however, also remains temporary.
It is therefore necessary to consult a health professional, in many cases, even if you still have paracetamol and ibuprofen in your drawers.
- If pain persists for more than 48 hours, despite taking painkillers;
- If the fever exceeds 38.5°C for more than 3 days;
- In the presence of associated symptoms: such as vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, etc.