Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN versus CHILDREN S MOTRIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN versus CHILDREN S MOTRIN.
ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN vs CHILDREN'S MOTRIN
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), reducing prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing pain, fever, and inflammation.
Oral: Acetaminophen 325 mg and ibuprofen 200 mg, 1-2 tablets every 6 hours as needed, not exceeding 6 tablets/24 hours.
200-400 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed; maximum 1200 mg/day without prescription, extended release forms: 600-800 mg orally twice daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Acetaminophen: 2-3 hours (normal hepatic function). Ibuprofen: 2-4 hours (immediate-release); prolonged in overdose or hepatic impairment.
2-4 hours in children; prolonged in neonates and hepatic impairment.
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 (90%) as inactive metabolites and conjugates; fecal (<5%).
Category D/X
Category C
NSAID
NSAID