There are lots and lots of medications for treating gouty pain and inflammation. And it is very exhaustive to look at each and every one of these medications. What’s worse is each people have different recommendations, which leave sufferers with misinformation. Alongside this misinformation is the confusion and this confusion also comes with the deprivation of the privilege of an effective and efficient remedy. Two of the most talked about medications for gout are ibuprofen and paracetamol –and there are lots of confusions between them. This article targets to remove or to cure this certain confusion. Which really is better, Ibuprofen or Paracetamol? Let’s see!
What is Ibuprofen?
This is actually a derivative of Aspirin. Furthermore, it belongs to the NSAID group of drugs or Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. It actually works as an anti-inflammatory and also has various pain-killing effects. Moreover, it is available in a number of dosage forms, just like topical gel, capsules, tablets, suppository, and suspension. The over-the-counter ibuprofen is also an incredibly effective and useful drug. The maximum daily dose of it is about 2.4 grams of about six 400 milligrams tablets. Taking in 400 milligrams of ibuprofen thrice a day can give the best result.
What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a painkiller or an analgesic. Furthermore, it is also known as an antipyretic, which means that it helps in lowering the high fevers or temperatures. Not just that, it is also available in various forms, including granules, effervescent tablet, suppository, and suspension. Moreover, it is also available in combination with some other ingredients like pseudophedrine, codeine, caffeine, among others.
Similarities and Differences of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen
The only similarity that the two has is that they both have side effects and they both have the capacity of relieving pain. Take not, they relieve only pain. The similarity ends in here. On the other hand, the difference between the two is a lot.
Ibuprofen may treat the inflammation and pain even though it needs a larger dosage to treat the former one. The paracetamol, however, can treat the pain and nut the inflammation. it has the capacity to do so but there is a need for larger dosage, which may cause harm.
Both ibuprofen and paracetamol have their own share of side effects. The ibuprofen, just like any other Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs may impose ulcer, cardiovascular illnesses, and a number of allergic reactions. On the other hand, paracetamol may cause the liver to get damage and even asthma.
If you observe, paracetamol is less effective than the ibuprofen. However, it has lesser side effects. On the other hand, the long-term dependence or the overdose on paracetamol may be very overwhelming due to the fact that it is metabolized. One way to metabolize paracetamol results to the NAPQ1. This is a poison that may cause poisoning or damage. However, the metabolism of ibuprofen is quite toxic to the kidneys.
To tap it all up, paracetamol may cause the liver to get toxic, while the ibuprofen may cause the kidneys to get toxic. Among the two, ibuprofen is the more effective ones, but it has worse side effects, most especially to the stomach.
The mechanism of Ibuprofen: Why can it treat inflammation while paracetamol cannot?
The answer to that particular question actually lies on whatever mechanisms is used or how we feel.
All throughout the body, nociceptors are scattered everywhere. These nociceptors are actually the alarms systems of the body when there is an impending danger. This particular signal is what we now call as pain. In order for you to feel any pain, the body must adjust to the sensitivity of the nociceptors. The ibuprofen messes with this particular adjustment.
The adjustment of the pain-sensitivity relies on the dying cells. When these dying cells release the arachidonic acid. The pain sensitivity will then be adjusted. If this specific acid comes in contact with the Cyclooxygenase, they will then be converted into some prostaglandins that are mainly responsible for the adjustment of the sensitivity of nociceptors. The ibuprofen disrupts the cyclooxygenase enzymes for it to not convert the arachidonic acid into prostaglandins.
The ibuprofen has the capacity to disturb the cyclooxygenase allover the body. Paracetamol may only affect the cyclooxygenase in our central nervous system. Therefore, it is more effective in relieving headache than treating inflammation and pain.
Conclusion
Both ibuprofen and paracetamol won’t be beneficial in treating gout. They are just somewhat temporary pain reliever. Both of which carry their own side effects to the body. It is up to you to choose what you will use for your condition. The one that is effective yet has severe side effects, or the one that is not effective but has no side effects? Or maybe, just opt for a medication that can get rid of gout forever from your life?
