When it comes to aches and pains they can make life hard, hitting at any moment. But taking the right over-the-counter medication can make a big difference. However many people are unsure when they should turn to paracetamol and when ibuprofen would work better.
And should you ever double up and take both? Doctors at the London Clinic have looked at the way both of the common medications work and given their advice on which is better to help with everything from arthritis and join pain through to headaches and high temperatures. This is what they say: Paracetamol and ibuprofen are both painkillers, taking away symptoms of pain . But they have different mechanisms of action, different drug interractions to be aware of, and are broken down differently.
Paracetamol - otherwise known as acetaminophen - is a mild pain killer but it also reduces fevers. It should be used to reduce pain caused by toothache, headaches, joint and muscle pain - such as mild arthritis pain. Paracetamol does not need to be taken after food and can usually be safely taken with other medications.
It is possible to take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time, as they work in the body in different ways. It is available in a variety of forms but is most commonly taken as a 500mg capsule or 500mg tablet. However it can be taken as a liquid for children and can even be given intravenously in hospitals.
It is safe for children to take paracetamol at the appropriate dose for children . Can it be taken in preg.