When you feel unwell with aches, pains, or fever, you may instinctively reach for paracetamol or ibuprofen. But which one should you take? Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, superintendent at Chemist Click, has settled the debate in an exclusive interview with the Mirror.
Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen: Key Differences
Kanani explained that paracetamol is more effective at reducing fever, making it a good choice for headaches accompanied by high temperature. 'It's almost like a double-whammy — you get rid of your headache and bring your temperature down,' he said.
Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is an anti-inflammatory drug, making it slightly better for body aches. 'If you feel that you have more body aches, that's your main symptom, then ibuprofen is probably slightly better,' Kanani noted.
Common Misconception About Taking Both
Many people believe they must choose one or the other, but Kanani revealed that paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken together. 'If you feel that one isn't enough, you can take ibuprofen as well as paracetamol. A lot of people don't know that it's not one or the other — you can put them together as they work in different ways,' he said.
Safety Warnings
The pharmacist cautioned that some people are allergic to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs. He advised checking with a healthcare professional before taking ibuprofen, especially for those with certain medical conditions.
When Painkillers Aren't Enough
Kanani noted that paracetamol and ibuprofen offer little relief for coughs and nasal congestion. For a blocked nose, a decongestant is more appropriate; for a chesty cough, an expectorant; and for a dry, tickly cough, a cough suppressant. Always check the packaging and leaflet when combining cold and flu medicines, as they may not be compatible with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
