Difference Between Ibuprofen and Aspirin
Main difference
The main difference between ibuprofen and aspirin is that ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative and aspirin is a salicylic acid derivative.
ibuprofen vs aspirin
Ibuprofen is a derivative of propionic acid, while aspirin is a salicylate. Ibuprofen is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. On the other hand, aspirin is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and as an anticoagulant agent. Ibuprofen is available in concentrations of 200,400,600 and a maximum of 800 mg, while aspirin is available in concentrations of 75 mg low to 325 mg maximum. Ibuprofen can be prescribed for children under 12 years of age, while aspirin is not given to children and infants. Ibuprofen can be prescribed for pregnant women, while aspirin is not recommended for pregnant women. Ibuprofen has no use in cardiovascular doses, while aspirin is an important drug for cardiovascular disorders.
Comparison chart
ibuprofen | Aspirin |
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) derived from propionic acid and used as an analgesic for the symptomatic treatment of different diseases. | Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used as an analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet drug. |
Receptors on which the drug acts | |
COX-1 and COX-2 | COX-1 and COX-2 |
Action mode | |
Inhibits the enzyme cox | Inhibits the enzyme cox |
Half life | |
1.8-2 hours | 15 minutes |
Peak plasma concentration | |
The maximum plasma concentration of aspirin is reached in 30-40 minutes. | The maximum plasma concentration of ibuprofen is reached in 1-2 hours. |
Use during pregnancy | |
safe to use | Contraindicated in the last trimester |
Available dosage forms | |
Tablets (also chewable), Capsules, Oral suspensions | Tablets (also delayed-release, sustained-release, and chewable), extended-release capsules |
Contraindications | |
Asthma, urticaria, known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen | Alcoholism, bleeding disorders, ulcers, known hypersensitivity to aspirin |
Use in children | |
Ibuprofen can be prescribed for children. | Aspirin cannot be prescribed for children. |
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is a derivative of propionic acid. Ibuprofen is used as an analgesic for the symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing arthritis, osteoarthritis, and acute gouty arthritis. Ibuprofen is also recommended for acute tendinitis, bursitis, and primary dysmenorrhea. Ibuprofen is the most widely used NSAID in the US Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication. There are ibuprofen tablets that contain 200 mg of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is prescribed up to a dose of 800 mg four times a day to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, although low doses are also sufficient. Ibuprofen is prescribed at a dose of 400 mg after 4 or 6 hours to treat primary dysmenorrhea. Ibuprofen is rapidly absorbed and binds to plasma proteins. Ibuprofen is metabolized by the liver. and its metabolites are excreted by renal excretion. The half-life of ibuprofen is around 2 hours. Ibuprofen can be used in all those patients intolerant to other NSAIDs. Ibuprofen shows gastrointestinal side effects in 5-15% of patients. Ibuprofen has some side effects, but their frequency is less. They include thrombocytopenia, headaches, skin rashes, dizziness, blurred vision, fluid retention, and edema. Ibuprofen also causes toxic amblyopia in some patients. Ibuprofen should not be used in patients with ocular disorders. Ibuprofen can be used during pregnancy, but it can delay delivery. Ibuprofen is safe to use in nursing mothers as excretion in breast milk is negligible. Ibuprofen shows gastrointestinal side effects in 5-15% of patients. Ibuprofen has some side effects, but their frequency is less. They include thrombocytopenia, headaches, skin rashes, dizziness, blurred vision, fluid retention, and edema. Ibuprofen also causes toxic amblyopia in some patients. Ibuprofen should not be used in patients with ocular disorders. Ibuprofen can be used during pregnancy, but it can delay delivery. Ibuprofen is safe to use in nursing mothers as excretion in breast milk is negligible. Ibuprofen shows gastrointestinal side effects in 5-15% of patients. Ibuprofen has some side effects, but their frequency is less. They include thrombocytopenia, headaches, skin rashes, dizziness, blurred vision, fluid retention, and edema. Ibuprofen also causes toxic amblyopia in some patients. Ibuprofen should not be used in patients with ocular disorders. Ibuprofen can be used during pregnancy, but it can delay delivery. Ibuprofen is safe to use in nursing mothers as excretion in breast milk is negligible. Ibuprofen should not be used in patients with ocular disorders. Ibuprofen can be used during pregnancy, but it can delay delivery. Ibuprofen is safe to use in nursing mothers as excretion in breast milk is negligible. Ibuprofen should not be used in patients with ocular disorders. Ibuprofen can be used during pregnancy, but it can delay delivery. Ibuprofen is safe to use in nursing mothers as excretion in breast milk is negligible.
Example
Examples of famous brands that contain ibuprofen are ADVIL, MOTRIN, BRUFEN
What is aspirin?
Aspirin A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory. Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin is used in different ailments in different doses. Aspirin is recommended to treat pericarditis, rheumatoid fever, and Kawasaki disease. Aspirin is prescribed daily to patients who have had a heart attack due to the condition that the patient is not allergic to aspirin. The recommendation of aspirin in patients who have never had a heart attack depends on the risks and benefits associated with its treatment. Aspirin should not be used daily for headaches and fever because it causes internal bleeding. Aspirin also interferes with the clotting action of the blood, as it inhibits the accumulation of platelets, which reduces the risk of a heart attack. Aspirin is prescribed in a low dose of 75 mg to a cardiac patient, and this dose can be increased to 150 m, but 81 mg is considered the most effective dose for cardiac patients. Aspirin shows adverse effects like stomach ulcers, internal bleeding and asthma. Aspirin, if taken in high doses, causes salicylate poisoning or also called aspirin poisoning. Aspirin poisoning occurs between doses of 300 to 500 depending on the age and genetics of the patient. Aspirin poisoning has symptoms such as ringing in the ears, nausea, rapid breathing rate, and abdominal pain. Complications of aspirin poisoning are swelling of the brain/lungs, low blood sugar, and cardiac arrest. Aspirin is not used in the later part of pregnancy. Aspirin is not prescribed for children as it causes Reye’s syndrome. but 81 mg is considered the most effective dose for cardiac patients. Aspirin shows adverse effects like stomach ulcers, internal bleeding and asthma. Aspirin, if taken in high doses, causes salicylate poisoning or also called aspirin poisoning. Aspirin poisoning occurs between doses of 300 to 500 depending on the age and genetics of the patient. Aspirin poisoning has symptoms such as ringing in the ears, nausea, rapid breathing rate, and abdominal pain. Complications of aspirin poisoning are swelling of the brain/lungs, low blood sugar, and cardiac arrest. Aspirin is not used in the later part of pregnancy. Aspirin is not prescribed for children as it causes Reye’s syndrome. but 81 mg is considered the most effective dose for cardiac patients. Aspirin shows adverse effects like stomach ulcers, internal bleeding and asthma. Aspirin, if taken in high doses, causes salicylate poisoning or also called aspirin poisoning. Aspirin poisoning occurs between doses of 300 to 500 depending on the age and genetics of the patient. Aspirin poisoning has symptoms such as ringing in the ears, nausea, rapid breathing rate, and abdominal pain. Complications of aspirin poisoning are swelling of the brain/lungs, low blood sugar, and cardiac arrest. Aspirin is not used in the later part of pregnancy. Aspirin is not prescribed for children as it causes Reye’s syndrome. Aspirin, if taken in high doses, causes salicylate poisoning or also called aspirin poisoning. Aspirin poisoning occurs between doses of 300 to 500 depending on the age and genetics of the patient. Aspirin poisoning has symptoms such as ringing in the ears, nausea, rapid breathing rate, and abdominal pain. Complications of aspirin poisoning are swelling of the brain/lungs, low blood sugar, and cardiac arrest. Aspirin is not used in the later part of pregnancy. Aspirin is not prescribed for children as it causes Reye’s syndrome. Aspirin, if taken in high doses, causes salicylate poisoning or also called aspirin poisoning. Aspirin poisoning occurs between doses of 300 to 500 depending on the age and genetics of the patient. Aspirin poisoning has symptoms such as ringing in the ears, nausea, rapid breathing rate, and abdominal pain. Complications of aspirin poisoning are swelling of the brain/lungs, low blood sugar, and cardiac arrest. Aspirin is not used in the later part of pregnancy. Aspirin is not prescribed for children as it causes Reye’s syndrome. and cardiac arrest. Aspirin is not used in the later part of pregnancy. Aspirin is not prescribed for children as it causes Reye’s syndrome. and cardiac arrest. Aspirin is not used in the later part of pregnancy. Aspirin is not prescribed for children as it causes Reye’s syndrome.
Example
Common brands that contain aspirin are Disprin, Anacin, Ecotrin
Key differences
- Ibuprofen is a derivative of propionic acid, while aspirin is the salicylate.
- Ibuprofen is available in oral suspensions, while aspirin is not available in liquid preparation.
- Ibuprofen is safe for children; on the other hand; Aspirin causes Reye syndrome in children.
Final Thought
The main conclusion from the above discussion is that both ibuprofen and aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are important for their pharmacological actions as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antipyretics.