Which is better for swelling acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Introduction

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are medications used to treat pain and fever. However, they have some differences.

Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics. Ibuprofen belongs to the drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both drugs decrease pain. Ibuprofen also decreases inflammation.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen come in many different forms, including:

  • oral tablets
  • oral capsules
  • oral suspension
  • chewable tablets

Ibuprofen also comes in concentrated oral drops. Acetaminophen comes in these other forms:

  • oral elixir
  • oral solution
  • extended-release oral tablets and caplets
  • rectal suppositories
  • rapid melt tablets
  • effervescent tablets

You may know acetaminophen as the brand-name drug Tylenol. A common brand name for ibuprofen is Advil. More brand names for these drugs are listed below.

Both drugs may be used in infants, children, and adults. Ibuprofen can be used in people who are 6 months or older. Acetaminophen can be used for people of any age, but you should talk to your child’s doctor before using it if your child is younger than 2 years.

Infants and young children can be given liquid forms and suppositories. Older children, who can chew and swallow more easily, may take the chewable or orally disintegrating tablets. Strength and dosage vary according to age, so always check the product instructions for exact amounts.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available in every pharmacy. They’re relatively affordable. GoodRx can give you an idea of specific prices in stores near you.

The side effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may differ. This is because your body breaks them down differently.

For example, acetaminophen is broken down and removed by the liver. Acetaminophen has a warning about liver damage it can cause that can be fatal (cause death). Liver damage can happen if you take too much in a 24-hour period. You shouldn’t take more than one product that contains acetaminophen at once. For more information, read about the dangers of acetaminophen overdose.

Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is removed from your body by your kidneys. Taking it for a long time can cause kidney damage and stomach bleeding. Using high doses of ibuprofen for longer than recommended can increase your risk of:

  • blood clots
  • heart attack
  • stroke

Check out examples of side effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen below.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can cause dangerous interactions when you take them with certain medications. To reduce your risk, make sure you tell your doctor about all drugs, supplements, and herbs you take.

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can interact with alcohol and the blood thinner warfarin.

Acetaminophen also interacts with:

  • aprepitant
  • carbamazepine
  • cholestyramine
  • dasatinib
  • fosaprepitant
  • imatinib
  • isoniazid
  • lamotrigine
  • metyrapone
  • phenobarbital
  • phenytoin
  • probenecid
  • sorafenib

Ibuprofen also interacts with:

  • aspirin
  • enalapril
  • furosemide hydrochlorothiazide
  • ketoralac
  • lisinopril
  • lithium

Taking either acetaminophen or ibuprofen may cause problems if you have certain health issues. Talk to your doctor before using acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have:

  • a history of blood clots
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease

You should also talk to your doctor before using acetaminophen if you have:

  • glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
  • phenylketonuria

Ibuprofen can cause issues in people who have:

  • a history of bleeding or ulcers in their stomach or intestines
  • asthma, especially if it’s aspirin-sensitive
  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • anemia
  • blood clotting disorders

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen both treat pain, but they work slightly differently in your body. They’re available in different forms and strengths. Each drug can pose different safety issues, especially if you have existing health conditions. If you’re still not sure if one of these drugs is a good option for you, talk to your doctor.

Which is better for swelling acetaminophen or ibuprofen

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Which is better for swelling acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Ever wonder which over-the-counter medicine to give a child experiencing muscle aches or pain from a mild injury? Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve are common pain relievers on drugstore shelves. While all three medications can help alleviate a child's discomfort, the active ingredient in each drug is different. In Tylenol, it's acetaminophen; in Advil and Motrin, it's ibuprofen; and in Aleve, it is naproxen.

Dr. Shevaun Doyle, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS, provides some general information and guidelines about acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • Provides pain relief.
  • May be given to infants.
  • Available as a pill, chewable tablet, liquid, and suppository.
  • May not be used in children with liver abnormalities or medications affecting liver function.
  • In children scheduled for surgery, it may be used right up until surgery.

Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin)

  • Provides pain relief.
  • Works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling.
  • Longer-acting than Tylenol.
  • Available as a pill, chewable tablet, and liquid.
  • Needs to be taken with food or milk.
  • Should not be taken if a child is vomiting, dehydrated, or not eating much.
  • May not be used in children with gastrointestinal or kidney abnormalities or with medications affecting kidney function.
  • May not be used 72 hours prior to surgery.
  • May not be used in patients under six months old.

Naproxen (Aleve)

  • Provides pain relief.
  • Works as an anti-inflammatory.
  • Longer-acting than acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  • Available over the counter in pill form and by prescription in liquid form.
  • May not be used in children with gastrointestinal or kidney abnormalities or with medications affecting kidney function.
  • Needs to be taken with food or milk.
  • May not be used 72 hours prior to surgery.
  • May not be used in patients under two years old.

Proper Dosage is Key

No matter which medication is used, Dr. Doyle advises parents to pay careful attention to dosing. For the liquid form, parents should use the dropper or dosing cup that comes with the product. Kitchen spoons should never be used since they're not uniform in size.

A study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health found that many parents had trouble measuring the proper dose and inadvertently gave their children too much medicine. The research supports the use of oral syringes rather than dosing cups, especially when small amounts of medication are given.

"Some parents mistakenly believe that because a medicine is sold over the counter, it's safer. That's not the case. An overdose can be very serious," Dr. Doyle said. In addition, she notes that the active ingredients in Tylenol and Advil are also found in other medications, such as cough and cold medicines. Parents are advised to read the list of ingredients in all medications a child is receiving to prevent double dosing.

Dr. Doyle also recommends that parents set up a schedule. "It's a good idea to write down the time a medication is given so it's easier to keep track of how much a child is receiving," she says. "If a parent has any questions about which over-the-counter medication to use or the proper dose, it's best to call the child's doctor."

Reviewed and updated May 9, 2022

What is best medicine for swelling?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation. Two drugs in this category, ibuprofen and naproxen, also reduce fever..
Aspirin (Bayer® Aspirin, Ecotrin®, Excedrin®, St. ... .
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, and others).
Ketoprofen (Orudis®).
Naproxen (Aleve®).

Does acetaminophen reduce swelling?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an anti-inflammatory or NSAID. It relieves minor aches and pains, but doesn't reduce swelling or inflammation. Compared to NSAIDs, Tylenol is less likely to increase blood pressure or cause stomach bleeding. But it can cause liver damage.

Does acetaminophen or ibuprofen reduce swelling?

Unlike acetaminophen, ibuprofen acts as an anti-inflammatory drug, which means it reduces inflammation and swelling.

What painkiller is best for reducing swelling?

Aspirin and NSAIDs relieve fever and pain. They also reduce swelling from arthritis or a muscle sprain or strain. When taken for a short time (no longer than 10 days), aspirin and NSAIDs are safe for most people.