Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN versus ANSAID.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN versus ANSAID.
ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN vs ANSAID
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Acetaminophen is a centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic whose exact mechanism is not fully understood, but is thought to involve inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) in the brain and modulation of cannabinoid receptors. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that non-selectively inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis.
Oral: Acetaminophen 325 mg and ibuprofen 200 mg, 1-2 tablets every 6 hours as needed, not exceeding 6 tablets/24 hours.
200-300 mg orally or rectally twice daily, or 100 mg orally three times daily; maximum 300 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Acetaminophen: 2-3 hours (normal hepatic function). Ibuprofen: 2-4 hours (immediate-release); prolonged in overdose or hepatic impairment.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 3-4 hours. No accumulation occurs with normal dosing; however, in elderly or hepatic impairment, half-life may be prolonged.
Acetaminophen: renal excretion of metabolites (glucuronide 55%, sulfate 30%, cysteine/mercapturate <10%); <5% unchanged. Ibuprofen: renal excretion of metabolites (conjugates) 90%; <10% unchanged; minor biliary/fecal.
Renal excretion of metabolites (approximately 95%), with less than 5% excreted unchanged. Fecal elimination accounts for minor amounts.
Category D/X
Category C
NSAID
NSAID