Ibuprofen and aspirin are both over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that help treat short-term pain and inflammation. Both these drugs are classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen and aspirin produce prostaglandins in order to decrease inflammation. Even though both of them have the same results, they work in different ways.
Let’s take a look at both the drugs and how they work.
Aspirin
Also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), aspirin is a generic drug that is used for a variety of purposes. Aspirin typically comes in two forms: an 81 mg chewable tablet and a 325 mg oral tablet. It also has a coated formulation due to its erosive impact on the stomach and digestive tract. The amount of aspirin prescribed on a daily basis depends on the condition that is being treated. Generally, the consumption of aspirin isn’t recommended for children or those with bleeding problems.
Even though aspirin is used to treat inflammatory concerns like fever and pain, doctors also prescribe it to many people to help decrease the chances of a heart attack, stroke, or other coronary artery diseases. This is because heart strokes are typically caused by the formation of clots in your blood vessels. Aspirin helps by thinning your blood, preventing the formation of blood clots. So, in case you’ve suffered from a heart attack or stroke, your doctor might prescribe aspirin to prevent the occurrence of another one. Many doctors also prescribe aspirin to help prevent colon cancer.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a generic, over-the-counter medicine that is used to treat inflammation, and mild to moderate pain. It is especially recommended for those with musculoskeletal and arthritis pain. Even though ibuprofen is typically used to treat generic illnesses, it is also prescribed in higher doses for more serious diseases or health concerns.
Ibuprofen can be used to treat the following:
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- Tooth pain
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Arthritis pain
Ibuprofen is typically taken as a 200mg oral capsule or tablet. It also helps lower fever, with a typical treatment entailing on or two 200mg tablets after every 4 to 6 hours. However, you should try to have the lowest amount of this medication as possible as the maximum number of tablets you can have in a day is six. Ibuprofen has similar effects on the body as aspirin: it can irritate the stomach and digestive tract. Those with bleeding disorders and a history of stomach ulcers must have monitored ibuprofen usage.