Two painkillers sit in nearly every medicine cabinet in Ireland: paracetamol (brands like Panadol) and ibuprofen (brands like Nurofen). They are not the same, and the right one depends on what is causing your pain. Here is a plain-English guide from our pharmacy team.
What is the difference?
Paracetamol eases pain and brings down a temperature. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (an NSAID), so as well as easing pain and fever it also reduces inflammation and swelling. That difference is what usually decides which one suits you.
When paracetamol is usually the better choice
- Headaches and most everyday aches and pains
- Fever, including in children
- If you have a stomach ulcer, asthma that is triggered by anti-inflammatories, kidney problems, heart failure, or you are pregnant — paracetamol is generally the safer option
When ibuprofen is usually the better choice
- Pain with clear swelling or inflammation — sprains, strains, back pain, period pain, toothache and dental pain
- It is best taken with or just after food
How much can you take?
Always read the leaflet in the pack, as strengths vary. As a general guide for adults:
- Paracetamol: one or two 500mg tablets, up to four times in 24 hours. Never take more than eight 500mg tablets (4g) in 24 hours, and leave at least four hours between doses. If you weigh under 50kg, or drink alcohol regularly, you may need a lower dose — ask us.
- Ibuprofen: when you buy it without a prescription, the usual dose is 200–400mg up to three times a day, with a maximum of 1200mg in 24 hours. Take it with food.
Do not take more than one product containing the same medicine at once — many cold and flu remedies already contain paracetamol.
Who should be careful with ibuprofen?
Check with a pharmacist or your GP before taking ibuprofen if you have a history of stomach ulcers or indigestion, asthma, high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney or liver problems, or if you are in the last three months of pregnancy. Ibuprofen can also interact with other medicines — including blood thinners such as warfarin, certain antidepressants (SSRIs), aspirin, and some blood-pressure medicines — where it can raise the risk of bleeding or affect the kidneys. If you take regular medication, have a quick word with us before using it.
Can you take paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
They work in different ways, so a pharmacist or doctor may sometimes advise taking or alternating both for stronger pain relief. Do not do this routinely without advice, and for children do not give both at the same time unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
Painkillers for children
Children’s doses are based on age and weight, not the adult amounts above. Use the children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen product for their age, follow the syringe or spoon provided, and ask us if you are unsure.
When to ask your pharmacist
Pop in or message us if your pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, comes with a high fever, or if you are already on regular medication. We are happy to help you pick the right option.
References
- Health Service Executive (HSE). Paracetamol. hse.ie
- Health Service Executive (HSE). Ibuprofen. hse.ie
- British National Formulary (BNF), Paracetamol and Ibuprofen monographs. NICE/BNF.
- Stockley’s Drug Interactions (NSAIDs – anticoagulants, SSRIs, antihypertensives). Pharmaceutical Press.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your pharmacist or GP. Reviewed by the pharmacy team at Laois Pharmacy.
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Related reading: Can You Take Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Together?
