TL;DR
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) helps pain/fever and is gentler on the stomach.
- Ibuprofen helps pain/fever and inflammation but can irritate the stomach and kidneys.
- Do not exceed dosing. Avoid ibuprofen in late pregnancy and with certain conditions.
When to choose which?
- Headache, fever, general aches: either is reasonable; acetaminophen is gentler on the stomach.
- Inflammatory pain (sprain, menstrual cramps): ibuprofen may work better due to anti‑inflammatory action.
- Stomach ulcers, blood thinners, kidney disease:prefer acetaminophen (ask a clinician).
Typical adult dosing
- Acetaminophen: 500–1000 mg every 6–8 hours as needed (max 3,000–4,000 mg/day depending on guidance). Avoid alcohol excess and liver disease.
- Ibuprofen: 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours as needed (max 1,200 mg/day OTC; higher if prescribed). Take with food/water.
Key safety points
- Check combination products (cold/flu) to avoid double‑dosing acetaminophen.
- Avoid ibuprofen in late pregnancy and in certain kidney/ulcer/bleeding conditions unless advised.
- For children, use weight‑based dosing and dosing devices; confirm with your pharmacist.
When to seek medical advice
Persistent fever > 3 days, severe pain, signs of dehydration, confusion, breathing difficulty, or any concerning symptoms warrant medical advice.
Disclaimer
This article is informational and not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow local dosing guidance and product labels.