Difference Between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen (With Table)

Today, Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are mostly found in our medicine cabinet. OTC medicines are used without a prescription from your family doctors or pharmacist because they are effective and safe to use by following the label’s directions. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are the two examples of OTC pain reliever medicines.

Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen

The main difference between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen is that Acetaminophen is a drug class of Analgesic and Antipyretic and is used as a pain reliever and fever reduction drug. On the other hand, Ibuprofen is a class of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used as pain relievers, fever reduction, and inflammation from arthritis and joint pain.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever drug in oral tablets, oral capsules, oral suspension, chewable tablets, oral elixir, oral solutions, rapid mild tablets, effervescent tablets, and extended-release oral tablets and caplets. It works with the CNS (Central nervous system) to help relieve fever, sore throat, and pain.

Ibuprofen is a pain reliever and inflammatory drug that comes in oral capsules, oral suspension, oral tablets, chewable tablets, and concentrated oral drops. Ibuprofen is helpful in back pain, earache, menstrual cramps, muscle sprains, redness, heat pain, swelling, sinus infection, arthritis, joint pain, and toothache.

Comparison Table Between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen

What is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is a drug widely used for pain relievers. Acetaminophen is used for medication of adults and children of 6 months and older. It is also known as an analgesic (helps in pain relievers) And Antipyretic (helps in fever reduction). Acetaminophen works with the central nervous system (CNS) by sending signals to reduce pain in the body.

Acetaminophen works as an inhibitor of the COX enzyme, which produces prostaglandins. It comes in various forms, like oral tablets, oral suspension, oral capsules, chewable tablets, rectal suppositories, effervescent tablets, extended oral tablets, caplets, and the brand name of Tylenol. It also has other brand names such as Acephen, FeverAll, Mapap, and NeoPAP.

Acetaminophen has some common side effects like Vomiting, Headache, Trouble sleeping, Nausea, and serious side effects like liver damage, kidney damage, and allergic reactions. Acetaminophen has a drug dosage of 650mg in 4-6 hours and a maximum of 3250mg daily. People can use it at any age, but Acetaminophen needs a prescription from a doctor for a younger child of 2 years.

What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is widely used for back pain, arthritis, joint pain, menstrual drugs, and heat pain. Ibuprofen is used for medication of adults and children of 6 months and older. It is also known as (NSID) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (help with pain, inflammation, and fever).

It is a non-selective inhibitor of the COX enzyme that reduces inflammation and pain in arthritis and joint pain. The standard dose of Ibuprofen is 200mg to 400mg every 4-6 hours and a maximum dose of 1200mg daily.

Ibuprofen is also recommended during back and neck pain, earache, menstrual cramps, sinus infection, muscle strains, toothache, and muscle sprains. Ibuprofen comes in various forms: oral tablets, chewable tablets, oral suspension, oral capsules, and concentrated oral drops. Besides the brand name Advil, it has other brand names like Elixsure, Ibuprom, Ibutab 200, and Midol.

Ibuprofen has some common side effects like Nausea, Trouble Sleeping, pain above the stomach, heartburn, and serious side effects like kidney damage, liver damage, heart attack or stroke, stomach bleeding, and edema. Ibuprofen has a drug dosage of Ibuprofen. This drug can be used in children, infants (for 6 months or older), and adults.

Main Differences Between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen

1. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen drugs are used in pain relievers and fever reduction but Ibuprofen drugs are also used in inflammation during arthritis and joint pain.
2. Acetaminophen has brand class of Analgesic and antipyretic. On the other hand, Ibuprofen has the brand class of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. Acetaminophen has the brand name of Tylenol whereas Ibuprofen has the brand name of Advil, Midol, Motrin, and Nuprin.
4.  The standard dose of Acetaminophen drug is 650 mg every 4-6 hours. On the other hand, the standard dose of Ibuprofen is 200mg to 400mg every 4-6 hours and a maximum dose of 1200mg in a day.
5. Acetaminophen has side effects like vomiting, headache, trouble sleeping, and Nausea. On the other hand, Ibuprofen has side effects like nausea, pain above the stomach, and heartburn.
6. Acetaminophen has serious side like liver and kidney damage, whereas Ibuprofen has serious side effects on the heart like a heart attack or stroke.

Conclusion

Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are OTC (over-the-counter) drugs widely used in pain relievers and fever reduction, but their dosage and drug classes are different. They also come from different drug brands, but their works are almost similar in function.

Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen drugs have some form of oral tablets, oral capsules, and oral liquid. Both have side effects like nausea, trouble sleeping, etc. excess usage of these drugs has serious effects on liver damage, kidney damage, and heart attack. If your health condition is serious, consult a doctor before using Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen drugs.

References

1. https://journals.lww.com/pec-online/fulltext/2000/12000/acetaminophen_and_ibuprofen_dosing_by_parents.3.aspx
2. https://academic.oup.com/bja/article-abstract/104/1/80/263593