Paracetamol is generally the safer first choice for fever and simple pain. Ibuprofen works better where there is inflammation or swelling, but it irritates the stomach and is unsuitable for several groups of people.
These are the two painkillers in almost every Indian medicine box, and they are not interchangeable. They work in completely different ways.
Paracetamol acts mainly in the brain to reduce pain signals and fever. It barely touches inflammation, so it does little for swelling.
Ibuprofen belongs to a group called NSAIDs. It reduces inflammation at the site of the problem, which makes it more effective for swollen joints, sprains and period pain — but that same action irritates the stomach lining and affects the kidneys.
Side by side
| Paracetamol | Ibuprofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Reduces fever | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces pain | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces inflammation and swelling | Very little | Yes — this is its advantage |
| Effect on the stomach | Generally gentle; can be taken without food | Can irritate the stomach; usually taken with food |
| Main risk | Liver damage in overdose | Stomach bleeding, kidney effects, raised blood pressure |
| In dengue | Normally the medicine of choice | Usually avoided — bleeding risk |
| In pregnancy | Usually considered the safer option — ask your doctor | Generally avoided, especially in later pregnancy |
| Prescription needed | No | No, but caution applies |
When Paracetamol is usually the better choice
- Fever, in adults or children
- Headache and ordinary body ache
- When you have a stomach ulcer, acidity, kidney disease, asthma or high blood pressure
- During dengue or any undiagnosed fever with a bleeding risk
- In pregnancy, on a doctor's advice
When Ibuprofen is usually the better choice
- Pain with visible swelling — a sprained ankle, an inflamed joint
- Period pain, where it is often noticeably more effective
- Dental pain with swelling
- Only when your stomach, kidneys, blood pressure and asthma status make it appropriate — check with a doctor or pharmacist
Important
Never take ibuprofen for an undiagnosed fever during dengue season until dengue has been ruled out. If you already take a blood thinner, have had a stomach ulcer, or have kidney disease, do not take ibuprofen without asking a doctor.
This page does not choose for you
Which is right depends on your other conditions, your other medicines and your history. Ask your doctor or pharmacist — and follow what they say over what you read here.