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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Aspirin vs Ibuprofen: Understanding the BasicsWhat is Aspirin?Aspirin, also called acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is a type of NSAID called acetylated salicylates. Brand names include Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, and others.What is Ibuprofen?Ibuprofen is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is a type of NSAID called propionic acids. A few brand names include Advil, Motrin, and Midol.Mechanism of ActionIbuprofen and aspirin work in the same way, by decreasing the body’s ability to produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are natural chemicals in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation (redness, swelling, pain).Key Differences Between Aspirin and IbuprofenAspirin and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs that are used to treat pain and inflammation. However, there are some key differences between them:Uses: Both aspirin and ibuprofen are used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. But aspirin is also used to prevent heart attack and stroke in people at a high risk of these cardiovascular events. Recommended Age: Aspirin and products containing aspirin as the active ingredient are not recommended for use in children under the age of 18 years due to the risk of a serious condition called Reye syndrome. Ibuprofen is approved for use in children 6 months of age and older. Side Effects (Stomach Upset): Aspirin is generally more irritating to the stomach and more likely to cause stomach upset compared to ibuprofen. However, the risk of stomach-related side effects with ibuprofen increases with higher doses, longer duration of use, taking the medicine on an empty stomach, and alcohol intake. Damage to the stomach lining by NSAIDs is more likely in people who have a history of stomach ulcers.Blood Thinning Effects: Aspirin is a blood thinner while ibuprofen is not. Daily low-dose aspirin is used to prevent cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke due to its protective effect (blood thinning or antiplatelet effects). However, ibuprofen does have a mild effect on blood clotting and can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, you should not take ibuprofen if you are on anticoagulants (blood thinning drugs).Save On Your NSAIDs With BuzzRx When to Take AspirinRecommended uses for prescription-strength aspirin include treating pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation related to:Rheumatoid arthritisOsteoarthritisSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)Other rheumatologic conditions Nonprescription aspirin is used to treat:Fever Mild to moderate pain (arthritis pain, headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps)In addition, aspirin is used to prevent heart attack and stroke and lower the risk of death from cardiovascular events in people with:Angina (chest pain)History of heart attack History of ischemic stroke History of mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks or TIAs)When to Take Ibuprofen Recommended uses for prescription-strength ibuprofen include treating pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation related to:Rheumatoid arthritisOsteoarthritis Mild to moderate menstrual painNonprescription ibuprofen is used to treat:Fever Minor aches and pains (mild arthritis pain, headaches, muscle aches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual pains, common colds)FeverBoth ibuprofen and aspirin are fever reducers. However, ibuprofen is usually preferred as it is better tolerated. Also, ibuprofen is safe for use in babies 6 months
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