With all the drugstore options for pain relief, you might be puzzled by which one to take and when. The two over-the-counter medications that seem the most interchangeable are aspirin and ibuprofen: They’re both non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) pain relievers that have been on the market for years. But hang on, The two are similar but not interchangeable.
“Only aspirin, not ibuprofen, belongs to a group of chemically related compounds called salicylates,” Scaffidi says. “Salicylates are a group of chemicals found in nature that have been used to treat health conditions for thousands of years.” They are naturally found in foods like raisins and apricots, and are sometimes used in toothpaste.
Both aspirin and ibuprofen relieve pain by blocking prostaglandins natural hormone-like substances in the body and this minimizes pain and swelling, Scaffidi says. But that’s where the comparisons end. Here’s when it makes sense to take one over the other or when to look for a third option.
When to use aspirin
High-risk of heart attack: A daily, low-dose of aspirin could help prevent a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association. That’s because aspirin reduces blood clumping and keeps blood flowing to your heart. Of course, consult with your doctor before starting daily or regular aspirin therapy. Note, anyone with an aspirin allergy or history of bleeding (more on that later) should avoid this therapy
When to use ibuprofen
Children under 12: Young people under 12 years old should use ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if they are recovering from the flu or chickenpox. Although aspirin is OK for children over 3 years old, it’s not the safest option for these symptoms and could be deadly for children under 12, That’s because aspirin increases the risk of developing a serious, often fatal condition, known as Reye’s syndrome.
If those categories don’t apply, ibuprofen over aspirin for pain relief and headaches, regardless of location, in most patients.
When to use neither
Pregnancy: pregnant women should avoid both aspirin and ibuprofen due to potential complications. So it’s best to speak with a physician before using any painkillers during pregnancy. That said, acetaminophen is the safest over the counter pain medication women can use during pregnancy. Triple check to ensure you are not taking more than the daily recommended dosage.
Bleeding disorders or hemophiliacs: Patients with any type of bleeding disorder should especially avoid low-dose aspirin since it can decrease blood clotting. While both aspirin and ibuprofen, however, can interfere with how well blood cells work to stop bleeding in the body, aspirin has a more significant impact. Anyone with a bleeding disorder taking ibuprofen should carefully monitor it, or, considering acetaminophen (Tylenol) as an alternative option.
Other cautions when taking NSAIDs
Although they aren’t the same, both aspirin and ibuprofen are in the same class and therefore shouldn’t be taken together. Doing so could increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Some doctors may prescribe alternating the drugs for additional pain relief. Others, however, might recommend pairing either aspirin or ibuprofen with acetaminophen, which can safely be taken together.
The most common misuse of aspirin is taking too high a dose, especially without food, resulting in stomach cramping and discomfort. Another common aspirin misuse is for treating frequent migraine pain. “Exceeding the recommended daily amounts, or using aspirin more than twice per week, can result in rebound headaches,” This can also occur when using over the counter combination drugs that include caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen.
Ibuprofen, on the other hand, can be habit-forming if used too often, Another concern with ibuprofen is the increased risk of a heart attack, which one study published in the European Heart Journal found increased by 31 percent. The over-consumption of either NSAID carries the risk for digestive issues, heart attack, and bleeding issues, Be sure to consult your doctor if you need over the counter pain relievers for more than a few days.
No comments:
Post a Comment