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| Attribute | Paracetamol | Ibuprofen |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Everyday pain and fever medicine. | Pain relief medicine. |
| Drug class | Analgesic and antipyretic. Also known as acetaminophen. | NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). |
| Prescription | OTC | OTC |
| Uses | Headache, Fever, Mild pain, Post-vaccine soreness | Headache, Fever, Tooth pain, Period pain, Muscle pain, Arthritis |
| Forms | Tablet, Capsule, Syrup, Suppository, Injection | Tablet, Capsule, Syrup, Gel, Injection |
| Adult dosage | 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours (max 4 g/day). | 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed (max 1200 mg/day OTC). |
| Pregnancy | Generally safe | Avoid in 3rd trimester |
| Common side effects | Rare when taken as directed | Heartburn, Dizziness, Headache |