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Aspirin vs Ibuprofen vs Paracetamol : What’s the Difference?

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol are three over-the-counter pain relief medications for short-term use. They are commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain for a range of conditions, which we will go on to discuss below. But which type of medication is suitable for which ailment? How are they different from each other? Find out below.

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve everyday pains and inflammation.

What can aspirin help relieve?

There are a range of symptoms that aspirin can help with, including but not limited to:

  • Headaches
  • Migraine
  • Neuralgia
  • Toothache
  • Sore throat
  • Period pain
  • Aches and pains

Anadin products that contain aspirin:

  • Anadin Extra – aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine – for ages 16 years+
  • Anadin Extra Soluble Tablets – aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine – for ages 16 years+
  • Anadin Original Tablets – aspirin and caffeine – for ages 16 years+

What is Ibuprofen Tablets?

Ibuprofen is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that works to relieve inflammation, aches, injury pain, and conditions like arthritis.

What Ibuprofen Helps

There are a range of symptoms that Ibuprofen can help with, including but not limited to:

  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Backache
  • Rheumatic and muscular pain
  • Dental pain
  • Feverishness
  • Relief of symptoms of cold and flu
  • Period pain

Anadin products that contain ibuprofen

  • Anadin Joint Pain Tablets – ibuprofen – for ages 12 years+
  • Anadin Ultra – ibuprofen – for ages 12 years+

What is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol is used for treating common aches, pains and fever.

What does paracetamol help relieve?

Paracetamol helps you to ease fever and pain, including but not limited to:

  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Neuralgia
  • Toothache
  • Sore throat
  • Period pain
  • Aches and pains
  • Relief of aches and pains associated with feverishness and cold and flu

Anadin products that contain paracetamol

  • Anadin Paracetamol Tablets – paracetamol – for ages 10 years+
  • Anadin Extra – aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine – for ages 16 years+
  • Anadin Extra Soluble Tablets – aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine – for ages 16 years+

Aspirin, Ibuprofen & Paracetamol FAQs

Can I take aspirin and ibuprofen together?

No. Both aspirin and ibuprofen are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that should not be taken together.

Can I take aspirin with paracetamol?

Aspirin can be taken with paracetamol as paracetamol is not an NSAID. Some medicines, like Anadin Extra, combine both for more effective pain relief than the individual ingredients on their own. Anadin Extra cannot be taken with any other medication containing paracetamol. Please speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure about taking aspirin with other painkillers.