Physical Wellness

Ibuprofen vs. Acetaminophen: Which One Is Safe To Choose?

By Shilpa Chakravorty | Update Date: Aug 30, 2016 02:17 PM EDT

Despite the common knowledge that over the counter painkillers can be harmful, thousands of people still rely on them to temporarily get rid of the pain. Thus, this creates the need of choosing pain - killers efficiently.

Today, there are millions of brand names in the market, each vouching that it is the best. Acetaminophen,  of the paracetamol group, is one of the oldest known medicine right after aspirin. Contrary to this, ibuprofen is of the younger genre, which was created in the 1960s and marketed in the '70s.

Ibuprofen can be very useful in reducing bodily inflammation, due to its anti - inflammatory nature. However, acetaminophen does not have any anti - inflammatory nature. So, if a patient suffers from pain, it is better to take an Advil rather than acetaminophen.

A bottle of Advil might not be as effective as acetaminophen because it is ineffective in the treatment of any time of pain, reported Medical Daily.

Moreover, when it comes to any kind of pain, ibuprofen can do wonders for everyone - be it for headaches, cramps or any other pain related issues. Contrary to this, acetaminophen is a safer option, and can be used by both kids and adults.

Unfortunately, although people believe that acetaminophen is safe for regular consumption, yet safe medication is a myth. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen have side - effects pertaining to repeated usage. For example, acetaminophen, when used regularly, even in small doses can raise the risk of stroke and heart attack.

However, this does not mean that one shouldn't consume a pill when he/she is bombarded with a headache or inflammation due to sprained ankle. It does mean that proper caution should be taken, to make sure there is no overdose of the same.

For people planning to grab a pain medication, ibuprofen will definitely be a safe option, if the individual does not suffer from any allergies or kidney complications.

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