Are Aspirin, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen Different?
Yes. Each is a different chemical. They all have similar pain-relieving effects, but they have some important differences: • Aspirin and ibuprofen reduce inflammation; acetaminophen does not. • Aspirin and ibuprofen are often used to reduce the pain of swollen joints and other inflamed areas; acetaminophen is not. • Aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach. Sometimes they even cause stomach bleeding. Acetaminophen does not have this effect. • Aspirin and ibuprofen can affect blood clotting and may cause bleeding. Acetaminophen has no effect on blood clotting. • When aspirin is used to treat children with viral diseases such as the flu or chickenpox, it may cause Reyes syndrome, a rare brain and liver disease. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen do not cause Reyes syndrome. • Ibuprofen can make existing kidney problems worse. In normal doses, aspirin and acetaminophen usually do not injure the kidneys. Are There Reasons I Should Not Take Aspirin? Although aspirin is a very common medicine
