Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat’s the Difference?When to TakeIs Aspirin or Ibuprofen Safer?InteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference?
When to Take
Is Aspirin or Ibuprofen Safer?
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike ibuprofen, aspirin hasantiplateletproperties. Hence, in addition to pain andinflammationrelief, aspirin helps prevent blood clot formation,heart attack, strokes, and the risk of other heart problems when taken in low doses.
Aspirinand ibuprofen are available in the following formulations:
Aspirin is also available as powder combined with other medications. Ibuprofen is available as a liquid suspension. Both medications can be found over the counter without a prescription. However, ibuprofen requires a prescription for strengths higher than 200 milligrams (mg).
Aspirin should be used with caution when treating children and adolescents with viral infections due to the possibility of Reye syndrome (a rare but severe condition).
What’s the Difference Between Aspirin and Ibuprofen?
Aspirin and ibuprofen help to reduce pain and inflammation, includingheadaches, fever, joint pain, muscle aches, and cramps during menstruation.
Unlike ibuprofen, aspirin has an added antiplatelet effect. Hence, aspirin can help prevent blood clot formation and reduce the risk of certain heart problems, includingstroke.Aspirin also reduces the risk of preeclampsia, a severe blood pressure issue that starts during pregnancy.
Ibuprofen is approved for use in children and adults. On the other hand, aspirin should be avoided in people under 18 years of age, especially if a viral infection occurs. This is due to the risk ofReye’s Syndrome, a rare but severe condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain.
Taking aspirin.Dszc / Getty Images
Dszc / Getty Images
When to Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen
If you have generalized pain, either ibuprofen or aspirin may work for you. Take aspirin or ibuprofen only as needed or as your healthcare provider prescribes to help with pain, swelling, fever, and other reasons. Taking more than prescribed or recommended may be harmful to you.
NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach bleeds andulcers, which can be deadly. They also may cause stomach upset. Hence, take these NSAIDs with food or milk.
Your risk of having bleeding and ulcers increases with the following:
Avoid NSAIDs if you have bleeding disorders, ulcers, or stomach problems, as they may worsen your current health problem and increase your risk of stomach irritation and bleeding.
Always consult your healthcare provider before you start any new drug, especially if you are on other medicines or have pre-existing medical conditions.
Aspirin and ibuprofen are safe and effective in relieving pain and swelling. Although both meds may increase the risk of stomach irritation, ibuprofen is generally less likely to cause stomach irritation than aspirin. However, ibuprofen may cause stomach problems when taken in large doses for a long time.
Side Effects & Precautions
Common side effects of aspirin and ibuprofen include but are not limited to the following:
Aspirin and ibuprofen, both NSAIDs, can have life-threatening side effects. Get emergency help right away if you have any of these side effects:
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Call your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Although NSAIDs can worsen or cause certain health conditions, your healthcare providers may still prescribe them in certain situations. It is best to avoid NSAIDs if you have some specific health problems. Use these medicines with caution and only under the supervision of your healthcare provider if you have:
NSAIDs may cause severe and sometimes fatal events in specific populations and should be avoided. Do not take NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen:
How Long Does Aspirin Stay In Your System?
Interactions for Aspirin and Ibuprofen
NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen interact with a list of drugs. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are on before taking any NSAID. Some interactions include:
Summary
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen are frequently used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. However, it’s important to note that despite being NSAIDs, they differ and may be used for different purposes in different populations.
If you have any questions or concerns about using these medications, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider.
Take aspirin only as your healthcare provider prescribes if antiplatelet effects are needed to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen does not have added antiplatelet (blood thinning) effects and will not help if that function is needed.
Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen:
Aspirin should be avoided in people under 18 years of age, especially if a viral infection occurs. This prevents the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but severe condition that causes brain and liver swelling.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Aspirin label.Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen label.Soodi D, VanWormer JJ, Rezkalla SH.Aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular events.Clin Med Res. 2020;18(2-3):89-94.Roberge S, Bujold E, Nicolaides KH.Aspirin for the prevention of preterm and term preeclampsia: systematic review and metaanalysis.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218(3):287-293.e1.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Aspirin label.Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen label.Soodi D, VanWormer JJ, Rezkalla SH.Aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular events.Clin Med Res. 2020;18(2-3):89-94.Roberge S, Bujold E, Nicolaides KH.Aspirin for the prevention of preterm and term preeclampsia: systematic review and metaanalysis.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218(3):287-293.e1.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Drug Administration.Aspirin label.Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen label.Soodi D, VanWormer JJ, Rezkalla SH.Aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular events.Clin Med Res. 2020;18(2-3):89-94.Roberge S, Bujold E, Nicolaides KH.Aspirin for the prevention of preterm and term preeclampsia: systematic review and metaanalysis.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218(3):287-293.e1.
Food and Drug Administration.Aspirin label.
Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen label.
Soodi D, VanWormer JJ, Rezkalla SH.Aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular events.Clin Med Res. 2020;18(2-3):89-94.
Roberge S, Bujold E, Nicolaides KH.Aspirin for the prevention of preterm and term preeclampsia: systematic review and metaanalysis.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218(3):287-293.e1.
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