Nurofen vs. Alternatives: Which Pain Reliever Works Best for You?

By Harriet Calvington
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Millions of people reach for Nurofen every day when a headache hits, muscles ache, or fever spikes. But do you know what’s actually in that little tablet? And more importantly-could something else work better for you?

Nurofen is just a brand name for ibuprofen, a common painkiller that’s been around since the 1960s. It’s part of a group called NSAIDs-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. That means it doesn’t just numb pain; it tackles inflammation too. But it’s not the only option. There are cheaper, gentler, or stronger alternatives depending on what you’re treating and how your body reacts.

What’s in Nurofen, really?

Nurofen tablets contain 200 mg of ibuprofen per dose. That’s the standard over-the-counter strength in most countries. Higher doses (like 400 mg or 600 mg) are available by prescription. Ibuprofen works by blocking enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, which produce chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and fever. It kicks in within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours.

But here’s the catch: ibuprofen can irritate your stomach lining. Long-term or high-dose use increases the risk of ulcers, internal bleeding, and kidney problems. People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of stomach issues are often told to avoid it. If you’ve ever felt queasy after taking Nurofen, you’re not alone.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen): The gentle alternative

If your main concern is pain or fever without inflammation, paracetamol (sold as Tylenol, Panadol, or Calpol) might be a better fit. It doesn’t reduce swelling like ibuprofen, but it’s much easier on your stomach. It’s the go-to for children, pregnant women, and people with sensitive stomachs.

Studies show paracetamol works just as well as ibuprofen for headaches, toothaches, and mild arthritis pain. A 2020 review in The BMJ found no clear advantage of ibuprofen over paracetamol for most common pains-except in cases of inflammation, like sprains or menstrual cramps.

The downside? Paracetamol doesn’t touch inflammation. And if you take too much-just 10 grams in one go-it can cause serious liver damage. Stick to the label: no more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours. That’s eight 500 mg tablets. Many cold and flu meds also contain paracetamol, so check ingredients to avoid accidental overdose.

Aspirin: Old school, but risky

Aspirin has been used since 1897. It’s also an NSAID, like ibuprofen, so it reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. But it’s not usually the first choice for everyday aches anymore.

Why? Because it thins your blood. That’s useful for preventing heart attacks in high-risk people-but dangerous if you’re prone to bleeding, have ulcers, or are scheduled for surgery. It’s also linked to Reye’s syndrome in children, so it’s off-limits under age 16.

Some people still use low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg daily) for heart protection. But if you’re not at high risk for cardiovascular disease, the risks outweigh the benefits. For simple pain relief, aspirin offers no real edge over ibuprofen or paracetamol-and it’s more likely to upset your stomach.

Naproxen: Stronger, longer-lasting

Naproxen (sold as Aleve or Naprosyn) is another NSAID, but it lasts longer than ibuprofen. A single 220 mg dose can provide up to 12 hours of relief. That’s why some people with chronic pain-like osteoarthritis or lower back pain-prefer it.

One 2022 study in The Lancet found naproxen to be slightly more effective than ibuprofen for joint pain, especially when taken twice daily. It also has a lower risk of heart attack compared to other NSAIDs, according to the FDA.

But it’s not safer overall. Naproxen still carries stomach and kidney risks. And because it lasts longer, you’re less likely to notice if you’ve taken too much. Overdose symptoms can sneak up slowly: nausea, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or even confusion.

A cartoon battle between Ibuprofen and Paracetamol warriors over a headache and fever, with a child watching.

Topical options: Creams, gels, patches

If you’re worried about swallowing pills or have pain in one spot-like a sore knee or stiff shoulder-topical NSAIDs might be the answer. Products like Voltaren Gel (diclofenac) or Ibuprofen Gel deliver the drug directly to the skin.

Studies show topical NSAIDs are as effective as oral ones for localized pain, with far fewer side effects. Since the drug doesn’t enter your bloodstream in large amounts, your stomach and kidneys are spared. The downside? You need to apply it multiple times a day, and it won’t help with full-body pain like a fever or headache.

Some people also swear by menthol or capsaicin creams. They don’t reduce inflammation, but they distract nerves from sending pain signals. They’re safe for long-term use and work well alongside oral meds.

When to avoid all NSAIDs

Not everyone can take ibuprofen-or any NSAID. You should skip them if you:

Have had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
Have severe kidney disease
Are in the third trimester of pregnancy
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart failure
Take blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin for heart protection

If you’re on any of these medications, paracetamol is usually the safest painkiller. But always check with your doctor or pharmacist before switching.

What about natural remedies?

Turmeric, ginger, and omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties. Some small studies suggest they help with joint pain, especially in arthritis. But they’re not fast-acting. You won’t feel relief in 30 minutes like you do with Nurofen.

They also aren’t regulated like medicines. A turmeric supplement might contain anything from zero to 10 times the labeled dose of curcumin. And some can interact with blood thinners or diabetes meds. Don’t replace prescribed pain relief with herbs without talking to your doctor.

An elderly person applying topical pain gel at night, with friendly organs and a pain log nearby.

Which one should you choose?

Here’s a simple guide based on your needs:

Choosing the Right Pain Reliever
Need	Best Option	Why
Headache, fever, mild pain	Paracetamol	Safe, gentle, no stomach upset
Swelling, sprain, menstrual cramps	Ibuprofen (Nurofen)	Reduces inflammation, fast relief
Chronic joint pain, longer relief needed	Naproxen	Longer-lasting, slightly stronger
Localized pain (knee, back)	Topical NSAID gel	Targeted, minimal side effects
Stomach sensitive, elderly, pregnant	Paracetamol	Lowest risk profile

There’s no universal winner. Your best painkiller depends on your body, your condition, and your history. If one doesn’t work, try another. But never stack them. Don’t take ibuprofen and naproxen together. Don’t mix paracetamol with cold meds that already contain it.

When to call a doctor

Most pain is temporary. But if you’re relying on painkillers for more than 10 days straight-or if you need more than the maximum daily dose-it’s time to find out why. Persistent pain could signal something deeper: arthritis, nerve damage, infection, or even a hidden condition.

Also, if you notice any of these symptoms after taking painkillers:

Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
Sudden swelling in your legs or ankles
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Rash, blisters, or peeling skin

Stop taking the medication and get medical help right away. These could be signs of serious reactions.

Is Nurofen stronger than paracetamol?

It depends on the pain. Nurofen (ibuprofen) works better for inflammation-related pain like swollen joints, sprains, or period cramps. Paracetamol is just as effective for headaches, fevers, or general aches without swelling. Neither is universally stronger-they just work differently.

Can I take Nurofen and paracetamol together?

Yes, it’s safe to take ibuprofen and paracetamol together if you need stronger relief. Many doctors recommend this combo for moderate to severe pain, like after surgery or a bad injury. Just stick to the recommended doses for each and don’t exceed the daily limit for either.

Is Nurofen better than aspirin for headaches?

For most people, yes. Nurofen (ibuprofen) is faster acting and gentler on the stomach than aspirin. Aspirin carries higher bleeding risks and isn’t safe for children. Unless you’re taking low-dose aspirin for heart protection, ibuprofen is the smarter choice for headaches.

What’s the safest painkiller for long-term use?

There’s no perfect long-term painkiller. But paracetamol has the lowest risk profile for most people when used correctly. Topical NSAIDs are also safer for chronic joint pain. Avoid daily NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for more than a few weeks without medical supervision.

Does Nurofen make you sleepy?

No, standard Nurofen (ibuprofen) doesn’t cause drowsiness. But some combination products (like Nurofen Plus) include codeine, which can make you sleepy. Always check the label. If you feel drowsy after taking plain Nurofen, it could be due to your illness, not the medicine.

Final thought: Know your body

Painkillers aren’t one-size-fits-all. What works for your friend might give you an upset stomach or do nothing at all. The key is matching the drug to your pain type, your health, and your history. Keep a simple log: what you took, when, and how it worked. That way, you’ll know what to reach for next time-and what to avoid.

And if you’re still unsure? Talk to your pharmacist. They’re trained to help you choose the right pain relief-without a prescription.