Panadol vs Brufen: which one should you take for fever and pain?

Panadol and Brufen are probably the two most common medicines in Pakistani homes. Many people use them as if they are the same thing. They are not. Panadol contains paracetamol and Brufen contains ibuprofen, and each one is better for different situations and different people.

How they work

Paracetamol (Panadol, Calpol and others) lowers fever and eases mild to moderate pain. It does not do much for swelling or inflammation, but it is gentle on the stomach.

Ibuprofen (Brufen, Advil and others) belongs to a group called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It lowers fever and pain and reduces inflammation, which is why it often works better for toothache, period pain, sprains and joint pain.

Which is better for what?

• Fever and flu-like aches: paracetamol is usually the first choice.
• Headache: both work; paracetamol is the gentler option.
• Toothache, period pain, sprains, back or joint pain: ibuprofen often works better because of the swelling.
• Suspected dengue: use paracetamol only. Ibuprofen and aspirin can raise the risk of bleeding in dengue.

Who should avoid Brufen (ibuprofen)?

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen if you:

• have a stomach ulcer, acidity problems or have had stomach bleeding
• have kidney disease, heart failure or high blood pressure
• take blood thinners such as warfarin or daily aspirin
• have asthma that gets worse with painkillers
• are pregnant, especially in the last three months
• may have dengue fever

Taking ibuprofen with food or milk is kinder to the stomach.

The hidden risk with Panadol

Paracetamol is very safe at the right dose, but too much can seriously damage the liver. The most common mistake is taking it twice without realising: many cold and flu medicines (tablets and syrups) already contain paracetamol. Always read the ingredients, and never take more than the label says in 24 hours.

Rule of thumb: one paracetamol product at a time, and check every cold medicine's label for “paracetamol”.

Can you take them together?

Doctors sometimes advise using both, or alternating them, for a short time, for example for a child with a stubborn fever. Because they are different medicines, this can be done safely, but only on a doctor's or pharmacist's advice and with careful timing. Do not decide this on your own.

For children

Children's doses depend on their weight and the exact product (drops, syrup or tablet). Use the measuring syringe or cup that comes with the medicine, follow the label, and ask the pharmacist if you are unsure. Never give aspirin to children.

When to see a doctor

• Fever lasts more than 3 days, or pain more than a few days
• Severe headache with a stiff neck, rash or confusion
• Black stools, vomiting blood or severe stomach pain after taking a painkiller

You can order Panadol and Brufen from DawaaiMart, and our pharmacist is happy to help you choose on WhatsApp.