Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen?

by Dr. Sandy | Comments


Reader Question: What's better for relieving muscle aches—ibuprofen or acetaminophen?

On Call Response: Personally, I prefer ibuprofen for aches and pains, since it's better at reducing inflammation. However, the answer really depends on whether you have any other health issues. People with ulcers or other stomach problems should avoid ibuprofen, since it can worsen symptoms. And acetaminophen has its own dangerous side effects: high doses of it can cause liver cancer.

Just remember, regardless of which drug you choose, you should read the label closely and follow the dosing directions. This is especially true if you’re taking any multi-symptom meds (for the flu, for instance), since you could end up accidentally double- or triple-dosing yourself if you’re not careful.

