I was wondering: which is better for basic pain relief, products with ibuprofen or acetaminophen? Or is it eventually up to the brand (i.e., generic ibuprofen tablets against Advil)?
2006-12-20 05:54:08 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
It depends on the type of pain and the amount of ibuprofen or acetaminophen in the drug.
For things like headaches, sinus issues, etc., acetaminophen works better for me.
For things like arthritis/joint pain, muscular pain, ibuprofen works better.
2006-12-20 05:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by LadyJag 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The brand (generic vs. name brand) doesn't matter, they are chemically the same. Ibuprofen is harder on the lining of the stomach, especially when used over long periods of time. You shouldn't take it on an empty stomach. I have had good success with taking Acetaminophen for head aches and fevers and I take Ibuprofen for muscle aches and joint pain. When taking Ibuprofen, I take 600 or even 800 mg, which I was prescribed. I do so by taking four of the generic 200 mg tablets so I don't have to buy the prescribed medication.
2006-12-20 06:01:03 · answer #2 · answered by Lucky Lenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IMHO I prefer ibuprofen, and I've found the generic brands are just as good as name brands. Make sure to check the latest news regarding proposed stronger FDA warnings about the side effects of both ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
2006-12-20 06:03:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that they both do essentially the same thing. Generics are exactly the same as the brand name products as far as how much acetaminophen or ibuprofen is in them. I am not sure if one is specifically better than the other.
2006-12-20 05:57:59 · answer #4 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all generics are fine- you don't need advil. just get generic ibuprofen, it's the same potency. for most people, ibuprofen works better, but it can cause more stomach irritation than acetaminophen. since both are relatively cheap and readily available without a prescription, my suggestion woul be to buy a little of both and see which one works better.
2006-12-20 06:21:02 · answer #5 · answered by belfus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tylenol or generic acetaminophen is both safe and effective for just about everyone for dealing with the occasional headache, muscle soreness, fever reduction, etc.
Advil is awesome for relieving bad menstrual cramps, though I'm not sure why it works better than Tylenol.
Tylenol for some reason, makes me feel lethargic if I take it when I'm menstrual.
Your experience may be different. Always drink a full glass of water with your pills. Your liver and kidneys said so.
2006-12-20 06:30:50 · answer #6 · answered by vicarious_notion 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ibuprofen
2006-12-20 06:01:18 · answer #7 · answered by Jamie G 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on many things.. are you using it for relief of inflamation, as a fever reducer, or for headaches? The generic shouldn't matter, the only real difference there is packaging and the coating of the capsules. Tylenol can be very hard on your liver and overdose is one of the leading causes of liver failure in the United States, so if you are a big consumer of Alcohol, stick with ibuprofen and take it with food so it won't harm your stomach.
2006-12-20 06:14:43 · answer #8 · answered by cleanguy4cleanfun 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ibuprofen is better because it doesnt have the health risks that Acetominophen does. Its also better for joints and muscle aches then Acetominophen. The only thing to worry about Ibuprofen is that you can get an upset stomach so take it with food. Brand doesnt matter. To FDA standards it has to be equivalent, so walmart brand is just as good or they couldnt sell it as Ibuprofen.
2006-12-20 06:32:43 · answer #9 · answered by big pappy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ibuprofen is better for pain, acetaminophen is better for fever. If you have a really high fever, 102 or so, then you can alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen every 3 hours....always check with your doctor....
2006-12-20 06:05:23 · answer #10 · answered by SM M 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋