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| Attribute | Paracetamol | Aspirin |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Everyday pain and fever medicine. | Painkiller and blood thinner. |
| Drug class | Analgesic and antipyretic. Also known as acetaminophen. | NSAID and antiplatelet agent (acetylsalicylic acid). |
| Prescription | OTC | OTC |
| Uses | Headache, Fever, Mild pain, Post-vaccine soreness | Pain, Fever, Heart attack prevention, Stroke prevention |
| Forms | Tablet, Capsule, Syrup, Suppository, Injection | Tablet, Chewable tablet, Enteric-coated tablet |
| Adult dosage | 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours (max 4 g/day). | 300–600 mg every 4–6 hours for pain; 75–100 mg daily for heart protection. |
| Pregnancy | Generally safe | Avoid in 3rd trimester |
| Common side effects | Rare when taken as directed | Stomach upset, Heartburn |