Table 2. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of ibuprofen and paracetamol in pain therapy*1.
Ibuprofen | Paracetamol | |
---|---|---|
Advantages | ||
Potent analgesic | Rectal administration form also available for young children | |
Wide therapeutic range | Approved for infants <6 months | |
Low toxicity on overdose | No antiplatelet effect | |
Palatable syrups | Intravenous formulation available | |
Better tolerability in children <2 years with history of obstructive bronchitis | ||
Dose certainty (3 × 10 mg/kg/BW/day) | ||
Long duration of action (8 h) | ||
Disadvantages | ||
Only approved from age 6 months | Dose uncertainty | |
Risk of acute renal failure if pre-existing relevant dehydration |
|
|
Relatively unpalatable oral formulation |
*1 5, 15, 16, 25, e19, e48–e53; BW, body weight