Aspirin or Paracetamol: which is better, and what is the difference

Each of these two drugs has its advantages and disadvantages, so before you start treatment with one of them, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons. When using anti-inflammatory drugs is also very important to observe the correct dosage and strictly follow the rules of admission.

As drugs act on the body

acetaminophen and Acetylsalicylic acid are the oldest and widespread representatives of NSAIDs. Their mechanism of action is inhibition of inflammatory mediatorsHowever Paracetamol works primarily on the central nervous system level, and Aspirin locally in inflammation. Paracetamol and Aspirin well reduce body temperature, but the other effects of these drugs differ.

Antiinflammatory Activity of paracetamol unlike ibuprofen or aspirin is considered rather low, so for the treatment of severe inflammation of the drug is not enough. Most often, it is taken as an antipyretic for colds, as he quickly and reliably reduces the heat. Therefore, when hyperthermia is safe to take paracetamol, as it has fewer contraindications and side effects.

Acetylsalicylic acid, Acetaminophen significantly superior on anti-inflammatory effect.

The active substance acts directly in the inflammation that causes good therapeutic effect. However, this drug also is more toxic and have many side effects and contraindications. In some cases, the temperature better than Aspirin knocks, but it must be applied with great caution.

Characteristics of paracetamol

The main indication for this drug is fever in infectious and inflammatory diseases. The difference between paracetamol and aspirin is that Acetaminophen is much safer. Also to its benefits include:

• no effect on the blood system and metabolism;
  
• no damaging effect on the organs of the digestive system;
  
• the possibility of an early age (children up to 3 months appoints only the doctor);
  
• rare occurrence of side effects;
  
• It can be combined with other drugs (analgene, Papaverine).

A significant drawback is considered to be anti-inflammatory activity is low, so the drug sometimes helps to eliminate symptoms. In such cases, decide Paracetamol or Aspirin, it is necessary, taking into account the severity of the patient's condition, age and the presence of contraindications.

See also: Indications for use of paracetamol

Characteristics of aspirin

The main difference between aspirin paracetamol is considered to be the presence of acetylsalicylic acid, a number of side effects:

• increases the risk of stomach ulcers and duodenum;
  
• It has blood-thinning properties, which may lead to bleeding;
  
• consequence of an overdose of toxic damage is severe liver and kidney;
  
• prolonged use can lead to anemia.

Apply the medication can be grown in the presence of a clear medical indication. It is necessary to take into account all the risks of the drug and to determine that the patient effectively - Paracetamol or aspirin. Treatment must necessarily take place under the supervision of a physician.

verified Article
Anna Moschovis - family doctor.

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