Side-by-side: ibuprofen compared to acetaminophen (paracetamol)
Summary: Ibuprofen (ibuprofen) is a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines (NSAIDs) medication indicated for Mild to moderate pain (headache, dental pain, muscle aches, backache). Acetaminophen (acetaminophen (paracetamol)) is a Analgesics / Antipyretics medication indicated for Mild to moderate pain (headache, toothache, muscle ache, backache, arthritis). They belong to different classes and work via different mechanisms.
| Attribute | Ibuprofen | Acetaminophen |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | ibuprofen | acetaminophen (paracetamol) |
| Medicine class | Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines (NSAIDs) | Analgesics / Antipyretics |
| Prescription status | OTC | OTC |
| Pregnancy category | C | B |
| FDA approved | 1974 | 1951 |
| Half-life | 1.8–2 hours (allows 4–6 hour dosing) | 1.5–3 hours in adults; prolonged in hepatic impairment and overdose |
| Adult dose (typical) | OTC pain/fever: 200–400mg every 4–6 hours; max 1,200mg/day OTC (1,200mg/day without physician); Prescription dosing: 400–800mg every 4–6 hours; max 3,200mg/day; Dysmenorrhea: 400mg every 4 hours at onset of pain; begin 1–2 days before menses; Arthritis: 1,200–3,200mg/day in 3–4 divided doses | OTC dosing: 325–650mg every 4–6 hours; maximum 3,000mg/day (OTC) or 4,000mg/day (under physician supervision); IV (Ofirmev): 1,000mg every 6 hours or 650mg every 4 hours; max 4g/day; Extended-release (Tylenol 8-Hour): 1,300mg every 8 hours; max 3,900mg/day; Liver risk patients / elderly: Max 2,000mg/day (chronic alcohol use: 2,000mg/day maximum) |
| Forms | Tablets, Liquid-filled capsules, Oral suspension, Chewable tablets, IV solution | Regular-strength tablets (325mg), Extra-strength tablets/capsules (500mg), Extended-release tablets (650mg), Oral liquid/suspension, Suppositories, IV injection (Ofirmev) |
| Common side effects | GI upset (nausea, dyspepsia, heartburn) — 10–20%, Abdominal pain, Dizziness | Rare at therapeutic doses — remarkably well tolerated, Mild nausea (uncommon), Rash (rare allergic reaction) |
| Cost tier | — | — |