Medications
Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen: Which Is Right for You?
How the two most common pain relievers differ, which works better for which kind of pain and who should be careful with each.
Side by side
| Ibuprofen | Acetaminophen | |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Yes | Yes |
| Fever | Yes | Yes |
| Inflammation | Yes | No |
| Stomach | Can irritate | Gentle |
| Kidneys and blood pressure | Can affect | Usually fine |
| Liver | Rarely an issue | Harmful in overdose or with heavy alcohol |
Which to choose
- Sprains, strains, toothache, period pain: ibuprofen often works better, if safe for you.
- Headache, fever, general aches: either works.
- Older adults, kidney disease, stomach problems, heart disease: acetaminophen is usually safer.
- Pregnancy: acetaminophen is generally preferred; avoid ibuprofen in later pregnancy. Ask us first.
Using them safely
- Follow the label dose and maximum daily amount.
- Take ibuprofen with food.
- Check combination cold and flu products, which often contain acetaminophen.
- Do not take ibuprofen with other anti-inflammatories such as naproxen or aspirin unless advised.
- Use for the shortest time needed.
How we can help
If you are taking pain relievers often, we look for the cause of the pain and the safest treatment for your health conditions. We can also review all your medicines for interactions.
Questions people ask
Can I take ibuprofen and acetaminophen together?
For short periods, many adults can take them together or alternate them. Ask us if you have health conditions.
Is ibuprofen bad for my kidneys?
Regular use can harm the kidneys, especially with dehydration, kidney disease or some blood pressure medicines.
How much acetaminophen is too much?
Follow the label; many adults should not exceed 3,000 mg a day, and less if you drink alcohol regularly or have liver disease.
Talk it through with Lydia
Reaching for pain relievers often? Let us look at what is behind the pain. See a board-certified nurse practitioner virtually anywhere in Virginia, in our Woodbridge office, or straight to your front door in much of Northern Virginia.
Visits start at $85, and every membership comes with a 30-day trial.
Prefer to ask first? Text us at (571) 402-2102 or message us on WhatsApp.
