Most of us will have packets in our houses – but I’ve been asked the question when do you take paracetamol and when do you take ibuprofen?
Both are mild pain killers but they should be used in different ways…
Paracetamol is a standard pain killer, suitable for the majority of people (at appropriate measures), and used for period pain, headaches, tooth pain, cuts and grazes etc
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory so excellent for sprains, joint pain, fevers, flu…. But should never be taken on an empty stomach or if you have stomach pain. It can irritate the stomach lining, and worsen your symptoms.
You can double up and take both if you are feeling seriously unwell – I often recommend taking them at 2 hourly intervals to maximise the pain killing benefits (so paracetamol first, then two hours later, ibruprofen, then 2 hours later paracetamol etc).
As with any medicine, always read the label and be aware that other remedies can include either of these drugs – ie cold and flu sachets. Don’t overdose.
And remember, cost might be different but the drug is the same irrespective of pretty packaging!