Paracetamol or ibuprofen, when you are in pain, you never know which one to take. Besides, it is likely that you do not always know the differences between these current drugs, which we all have at home. However, these are not the same products. So which are you to direct in case of fever or pain?
Paracetamol, in first intention
For Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency artist and medical director of True Medical, the answer is simple. As a first intention, when pain or a fever occurs, he always advises to take paracetamol. “”It is a medication that has little contraindications, provided you respect the dosage. “.
There are indeed rules, so as not to exceed the doses:
- 3 g per day for adults;
- 60 mg per kilo and 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 the event of severe renal failure). And the duration of treatment is limited to 5 days in the event of pain and 3 days in case of fever. If pain persists or fever, or in the event of worsening or new symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Ibuprofen, when this concerns inflammation
Paracetamol in priority therefore. But ibuprofen is not useless. “”Ibuprofen is interesting when there is an inflammatory phenomenon. Because ibuprofen is called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. So he will play specifically on inflammation “.
It is then used against a rage of teeth, menstrual pain or a joint that hurts.
Please note, the minimum interval between two doses is 6 hours to 8 hours in case. And the taking must remain short -lived.
“”Ibuprofen self -medication must 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-inflammatory drugs can flambé it. Because they deprive our immune defenses. “
Drugs that relieve but do not care
Also remember that these two painkillers do not treat the cause of your pain. But simply provide temporary relief, as the doctor recently noted.
“Paracetamol acts mainly by masking pain and lowering fever, without however tackling the underlying cause” indicated our expert in a recent article. The action of ibuprofen, on the other hand, remains also temporary.
It is therefore necessary to consult a healthcare professional, in several cases, even if you still have paracetamol and ibuprofen in your drawers.
- If pain persists for more than 48 hours, despite taking analgesics;
- If the fever has exceeded 38.5 ° C for more than 3 days;
- In the presence of associated symptoms: such as vomiting, breathlessness, confusion, etc.