This may sound like common sense, but it doesn't seem to be guiding the way we shop for pain-relief drugs. In fact, we're more likely to choose Panadol or Nurofen, despite the rise of cheaper pain-relief alternatives on sale. According to a survey, Beyond branded paracetamol and ibuprofen, OTC pain-relief medicines sold in Australia are made by a limited number of companies.
Various drug companies manufacture generic painkillers, to which private labels add their own branding. Each paracetamol tablet contains mg of active paracetamol, and each ibuprofen tablet contains mg of active ibuprofen. Although the inactive ingredients may differ, they don't affect the efficacy of the drug but check with your pharmacist if you have any allergies or intolerances.
Many painkillers on pharmacy shelves are marketed as"rapid action" or "rapidly absorbed" on their packaging. Panadol has various "fast" formulations such as Panadol Optizorb and Panadol Rapid. Nurofen also makes similar claims with its Zavance and Quickzorb range. Both Nurofen and Panadol's fast-absorbing drugs can cost up to almost double the price of their regular counterparts.
But are they really any faster than regular painkillers, and are they worth the mark-up? The sentiment is echoed by Gregory Peterson, professor of pharmacy at the University of Tasmania, who says that "on the whole, there is very little convincing evidence for any differences in speed or efficacy between the various forms of ibuprofen or paracetamol".
The variety of premium products can be very confusing for consumers. Nurofen's Zavance liquid capsules are generally the most expensive Zavance product on the market and are claimed to be "absorbed faster than standard Nurofen" — even though they have the same active ingredient ibuprofen as standard Nurofen tablets and caplets.
When we asked Zavance's parent company, Reckitt Benckiser, about this, a company spokesperson said it's because the active ingredient is absorbed faster in liquid format capsules than in the standard solid kind. There is evidence that liquid capsules are absorbed faster than tablets, and Peterson suggests a soluble product, or aspirin, may be faster acting than solid tablets, too.
But Roller says that most painkillers, whatever their format, are well absorbed anyway — within 15 to 30 minutes. Panadol and Nurofen are the two main competitors in OTC painkillers, but they actually work differently to relieve pain. Ever since ibuprofen went on sale in Australian supermarkets in , ibuprofen has given paracetamol some competition.
But it's not always the best drug for the job. Ibuprofen should be avoided by people with stomach ulcers and other gastric problems, high blood pressure, heart failure, asthma or those who are pregnant. The important thing to know is when you should avoid certain painkillers. Additionally, always follow the recommended dosage and if you have an adverse reaction to a painkiller, seek medical help immediately. We asked Amcal Senior Pharmacist, Brinley Hosking, for her tips on choosing the right pain relief medication:.
Even though paracetamol and ibuprofen are readily available over the counter, they can still have side effects, and may not be appropriate for everyone. Speak to your pharmacist or GP to find out whether these medications are right for you.
Your GP and pharmacist can guide you on this. Previous article. Next article. While the easing of COVID restrictions has us knocking on the doors of loved ones and booking tables at our favourite restaurants, for some, the idea of life after lockdown and living with COVID can be a little overwhelming.
Here are some tips that may help. Broken bones, snake bites and heart attacks are all reasons to go to an emergency department for urgent medical attention.
Make sure you understand what to expect once you get there. Health Check What's the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen? So, what's the difference between Paracetamol vs ibuprofen? So which is best for you? Well it depends on what your problem is.
Your Podiatrist will discuss with you what, if any, analgesic medication you should be taking based on your complaint and on your medical history. You may require a prescription from your G. The best advice is to always check with your health professional. Your email address will not be published.
Post Comment. Paracetamol Panadol Paracetamol is used to relieve mild or moderate pain and is widely available on its own in brands of medicine like Panadol, or combined with other active ingredients, such as codeine or caffeine. Ibuprofen Nurofen Like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce inflammation. Thanks for reading. Until next time, Scott. Leave new Alicia Khoo. Does Ibuprofen could treat headache that cause by past injury!
0コメント