Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics. Analgesics are drugs used specifically for pain relief.

It is also an antipyretic, which is a class of drugs that are used to reduce fevers.It is also called paracetamol in some countries.

It’s not completely clear how acetaminophen works, but research suggests that it helps to reduce pain and fevers by inhibiting the COX enzyme. The COX enzymes form prostanoids, which are responsible for our body’s inflammatory reactions to certain conditions.

On the other hand, ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAIDs are drugs used to treat inflammation, fevers, and mild to moderate pain.

Ibuprofen works by reducing the amount of a hormone called prostaglandin in the body, which is released when we are injured or ill and can cause pain and swelling. It does this by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing this hormone.

One of the key differences is that ibuprofen is better at reducing inflammation and swelling. That’s why it is typically recommended as a pain reliever for people who have arthritis.

Who can use acetaminophen and ibuprofen?

While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are considered safe to use for most people, there are a few exceptions. For children who are under 6 months, ibuprofen is typically not recommended.

People with certain medical conditions are also advised against taking both drugs. If you have a history of blood clots, kidney disease, or liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking either medication. Also, both medications should be avoided if you are a heavy drinker.

Which one should you take?

Deciding which of these medications to take depends on several factors. Your age, illness, other conditions you might have, or medications you might be taking, play a big factor in determining which of the two pain relief medications will be better for you.

For illness: Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen work great for illnesses that cause minor pains and fevers, like the cold or flu. “While both are useful for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever, some patients find that ibuprofen has a more powerful effect in reducing the intensity of these symptoms,” says Sanagapalli.

For injuries: Ibuprofen is good for injuries that might result in both pain and inflammation. For example, if you strain a muscle, ibuprofen will be better for you, as it will help with the swelling and inflammation around the strained muscle.

For pain relief: Both drugs are effective for treating pain and fevers. But while ibuprofen can help with inflammation and swelling, acetaminophen can’t. A 2015 review found that when participants were given a standard dose of ibuprofen in different painful conditions, it was more effective at relieving acute pain, migraines, back pain, and osteoarthritis.

When taken orally, ibuprofen takes about 20 to 30 minutes to work, while acetaminophen can take up to an hour. Both pain-relieving effects typically last for about 4 hours.

For fever: Research suggests that ibuprofen might be better for treating fevers. In a 2004 meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of acetaminophen to ibuprofen for treating children’s fevers, scientists found that ibuprofen was more effective than acetaminophen for fevers at 2, 4, and 6 hours after it has been given.