What is the Difference between Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other Painkillers?
If you're looking for relief, these over-the-counter painkillers are your main options. While they all relieve pain and fever, they work differently in your body and have unique risks.
Aspirin and ibuprofen
Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are both anti-inflammatory drugs. They work by blocking the body's natural chemicals that trigger pain, fever and—most importantly—swelling and inflammation. This makes them excellent choices for problems where swelling is a factor, such as headaches, sprains or arthritis. Aspirin also has the unique benefit of being a mild blood thinner, which is why it's often recommended by doctors to help prevent heart attacks in lower doses.
Both medications block certain protective chemicals and can be hard on the stomach lining, but because aspirin also works as a blood thinner, ibuprofen is considered safer. In fact, many doctors and pharmacists no longer recommend using aspirin for pain relief. In both cases, the risk of stomach issues can be decreased when the medication is taken with food.
Do not take aspirin if you are under 16 years old (due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome). Also, avoid both aspirin and ibuprofen if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have active stomach ulcers or bleeding, or have severe heart, liver or kidney disease. Always speak to a doctor first if you are taking blood thinners, blood pressure medication or other anti-inflammatories (like Naproxen).
Tylenol
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) works differently. It relieves pain and reduces fever by changing how the brain perceives pain, rather than reducing inflammation in the body. Because it doesn't fight swelling, it is not considered an anti-inflammatory.
The main advantage of acetaminophen is that it is gentler on the stomach than aspirin or ibuprofen. However, acetaminophen carries a significant risk: taking too much can severely damage the liver. You must be careful not to exceed the recommended dose and be aware that it is often hidden in many cold and flu products.
Acetaminophen is the leading cause of sudden liver failure in the United States. Never take more than the recommended dose in a 24-hour period.
Taking pain relievers safely
Before taking any pain reliever, especially if you have other health conditions or are giving it to a child, it is best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist. They can review your medical history and current medications to recommend the most effective and safest product for you, and confirm the correct dosage.
Should you consider administering any over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to an infant or child to treat a fever, teething symptoms or for any other reason, always consult with your child’s pediatrician.
Long-term use
If you find yourself relying on painkillers regularly, it’s time to consult your primary care provider. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and refer you to the right specialist. Whether you need orthopedic care, surgery for back issues, have unexplained joint pain, or chronic pain, our doctors are here to help.
