Ibuprofen vs Paracetamol

Overview

What is each medicine used for?

Key differences between Ibuprofen and Paracetamol

• Anti-inflammatory effect: ibuprofen has it; paracetamol does not work in the same way on inflammation.
• Stomach bleeding risk: NSAIDs including ibuprofen carry a higher concern than paracetamol for many people, especially with age, steroids, anticoagulants, or SSRIs.
• Kidney and fluid balance: ibuprofen needs more caution if you are dehydrated, have kidney disease, heart failure, or take diuretics or ACE inhibitors/ARBs — speak to a pharmacist or GP.
• Paracetamol’s main acute danger is liver injury from overdose or repeated above-maximum dosing; ibuprofen is not a substitute for respecting paracetamol limits.

Side effects: how do they compare?

• Paracetamol is usually well tolerated at correct doses; rare allergic reactions occur. The critical safety message is staying within daily maximums from all sources combined.
• Ibuprofen commonly causes indigestion or stomach upset; less commonly it contributes to ulcers, bleeding, kidney problems, or blood pressure changes.
• Neither medicine “cures” ongoing pain — persistent symptoms need diagnosis.
• Children’s dosing is age- and weight-based; use the right product and ask a pharmacist if unsure.

Safety and who may need extra GP or pharmacist advice

• Ask before using ibuprofen if you have a history of stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney problems, heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you take warfarin, DOACs, lithium, or steroids.
• Pregnancy: avoid NSAIDs in late pregnancy; always check current guidance for earlier stages. Paracetamol is often used when needed in pregnancy at usual doses — confirm with your midwife or GP if you need it frequently.
• Do not combine ibuprofen with other NSAIDs (for example naproxen) unless a specialist directs this.
• Heavy alcohol use with paracetamol increases liver risk; discuss safe limits with a clinician.

How your prescriber may choose between them

• For many short-lived problems, paracetamol alone is enough; ibuprofen may be added or preferred when inflammation is a main feature and it is safe for the person.
• Clinicians consider age, pregnancy, other illnesses, and the full drug list before recommending regular NSAID use.
• Topical ibuprofen gels may offer local relief with lower whole-body NSAID exposure for some musculoskeletal pains — still check suitability.

When to speak to your GP or pharmacist

• Pain that lasts more than a few days despite appropriate self-care, or keeps coming back.
• Fever in a young baby, or any fever with a rash, stiff neck, confusion, or breathing difficulty.
• Before taking regular painkillers if you have liver disease, drink heavily, or take warfarin.
• If you are unsure how to alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen safely for yourself or a child.

Read the full medicine guides

Each DrugABC medicine page covers uses, how to take it, interactions, pregnancy, and more — for reference alongside what your clinician tells you.

• IbuprofenUses, side effects, dosage topics →
• ParacetamolUses, side effects, dosage topics →

Other comparisons

• Atorvastatin vs Simvastatin
• Omeprazole vs Lansoprazole
• Sertraline vs Fluoxetine
• Ramipril vs Losartan