Paracetamol vs. Ibuprofen – what is the difference?

Paracetamol and ibuprofen both belong to the so-called non-opioid analgesics. This means that they are both painkillers that do not belong to the group of opiates. They both intervene in the so-called prostaglandin synthesis.

Paracetamol belongs to the group of analgesics that are non-opioid. Ibubrofen is a so-called acidic painkiller. This means that paracetamol is not an acid, while ibuprofen is a weak acid.

This means that ibuprofen has an anti-inflammatory effect. This is called an anti-inflammatory effect. Paracetamol does not have this ability.

Since ibuprofen is an acid, it can penetrate into inflamed tissue. In healthy tissue there is a pH-value of about 7.4. Ibuprofen can hardly pass the cell membrane at this pH-value.

In inflamed tissue, however, the pH value is lower, i.e. more acidic. Ibuprofen can now pass through the cell membrane and accumulate in the cell. There it can develop its anti-inflammatory effect.

This is not possible with non-acidic paracetamol. Both substances have an analgesic and antipyretic effect. Paracetamol has a stronger antipyretic effect than an analgesic.

The good antipyretic effect of paracetamol is characteristic for this active substance. Ibuprofen inhibits the enzymes Cox1 and Cox 2 equally. The effect seems to be more in the whole body than in the brain. The mechanism of action of paracetamol is not yet fully understood. However, it is suspected that it works more strongly in the brain.

Interactions

In the case of alcohol abuse or simultaneous intake of liver-damaging substances (e.g. certain sleeping pills, anti-epileptic drugs, etc. ), paracetamol can cause liver damage. The excretion of certain drugs (e.g. chloramphenicol) can be slowed down. Taking other drugs to empty the stomach more quickly or more slowly at the same time may accelerate or slow down the onset of action of paracetamol. Laboratory tests, such as blood sugar determination or uric acid determination can be influenced.