While M.D. Express is here to treat you seven days a week, sometimes you still need a little relief. It’s essential to have the right tools for treating everyday injuries at home. When in doubt, you should always make sure to talk to your medical provider about what’s right for you.
The use of over-the-counter pain medicine is common and quite helpful for those needing home treatment, though many people aren’t sure which kind is best. Here, the focus will be on ibuprofen and acetaminophen – the differences between the two, what they’re used for and when it’s best to use each.
Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen: What are they?
According to WebMD, ibuprofen (or Advil, a common brand name for it) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and works by blocking the body’s production of substances that cause inflammation, effectively helping to decrease swelling, pain or fever.
Acetaminophen (or Tylenol, its common brand name), on the other hand, belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers), as said in this article. Unlike ibuprofen, acetaminophen doesn’t help with inflammation, but it does work by increasing the pain threshold in a person. This means it requires a larger amount of pain to develop before you feel the discomfort.
What are they used for?
Ibuprofen is commonly used for:
- Headaches
- Dental pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle aches
- Arthritis
- Minor aches/pain from colds or the flu
The common uses for acetaminophen are:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Arthritis
- Backache
- Toothache
- Colds
When to choose each
Ibuprofen is best used for headaches, joint and muscle pain, sprains, fevers and other conditions caused by inflammation. However, avoid using ibuprofen if you have kidney problems because it can lead to kidney complications if taken too much.
Acetaminophen is best used for headaches, fever and pain not caused by swelling since it isn’t an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. Excessive use can cause liver damage, though, so don’t take it if you already have liver issues.
While both drugs are helpful in different ways and can be used to treat various home injuries, you should always make sure to talk to your medical provider about what’s right for you.
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If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:
If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.
Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.
MD Express Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is busy.
If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368
