Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are currently the most commonly used antipyretics, but there are obvious differences between the two in terms of mechanism of action and contraindications, so when to use ibuprofen and when to use acetaminophen What about phenol? Let’s take a look at the difference between these two antipyretics.
Mechanism of action: Acetaminophen selectively inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the thermoregulation center of the hypothalamus by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, leading to the expansion of peripheral blood vessels and sweating to achieve antipyretic effects.
Ibuprofen inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the hypothalamus, simultaneously stimulates the pituitary vasopressin and melanocyte estrogen, increases the heat dissipation process, and moves down the control point of the body temperature center to achieve the antipyretic effect.
Applicable people: Acetaminophen is suitable for children and adults older than 3 months.
Ibuprofen is suitable for children over 6 months and adults.
Dosage: Acetaminophen 10-15mg/kg, once every 4-6 hours, no more than 4 times within 24 hours, the maximum daily dose is 2g, specific drugs are taken according to the instructions.
Ibuprofen 10mg/kg, once every 6-8 hours, no more than 2.4g per day. Specific drugs such as dispersible tablets, sustained-release tablets, and sustained-release suspensions are served according to the instructions.
Onset time and strength of action: Acetaminophen works faster and is milder.
Ibuprofen works a little slower, but works longer and is stronger.
Prohibited and used with caution: Acetaminophen: contraindicated for severe liver and kidney insufficiency; patients with liver disease or viral hepatitis, mild to moderate hepatic and renal insufficiency, and severe cardiopulmonary disease should be used with caution; if jaundice symptoms occur, liver function tests should be performed immediately detection.
Ibuprofen: Patients with a history of peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiac insufficiency, hepatic and renal insufficiency, hypertension, coagulation mechanism or platelet dysfunction (such as hemophilia) should be used with caution. Ibuprofen and aspirin have cross allergies, so patients who are allergic to aspirin are contraindicated. The use of ibuprofen to reduce fever in patients with hypovolemia such as dehydration or insufficient water supplementation can increase the risk of renal function damage.
How to choose people with basic diseases
(1) Those with liver disease: ibuprofen is preferred.
(2) People with asthma, peptic ulcer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and vomiting: acetaminophen is preferred.
(3) People with kidney disease: consult a doctor and take medicine according to the doctor’s advice. (Because the drug instructions of ibuprofen and acetaminophen specifically indicate that patients with renal insufficiency should be used with caution).
