When your head pounds, your muscles ache, or a fever spikes, you reach for the nearest painkiller. Nurofen is one of the most common choices in Australia - it’s on most pharmacy shelves, in first-aid kits, and often recommended by pharmacists. But is it the best option? And what happens if you can’t take it, or it just doesn’t work? You’re not alone in asking this. Many people switch between brands, try generics, or even turn to other medicines without knowing the real differences.
What’s actually in Nurofen?
Nurofen is a brand name for ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking enzymes that cause pain, swelling, and fever. A standard Nurofen tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen. That’s the same active ingredient you’ll find in generic ibuprofen tablets sold under store brands like Chemist Warehouse or Supercheap Pharma. The difference? Price and packaging. Nurofen costs more because of marketing, not medicine.
It’s effective for headaches, period pain, backaches, toothaches, and reducing fever. It starts working in about 20 to 30 minutes and lasts 4 to 6 hours. For most adults, the recommended dose is one 200 mg tablet every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 1,200 mg in 24 hours.
Paracetamol: The gentler option
If you’ve ever been told to take paracetamol instead of Nurofen, you’re not being given a second choice - you’re being given a different tool. Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) doesn’t reduce inflammation like ibuprofen does. But it’s just as good at bringing down fever and easing mild to moderate pain.
It’s often preferred for people with stomach issues, kidney problems, or those on blood thinners. Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol doesn’t irritate the stomach lining or affect blood clotting. That’s why it’s the go-to for children, pregnant women, and older adults.
But there’s a catch: overdose is dangerous. Taking more than 4,000 mg in a day can cause serious liver damage. Many cold and flu mixtures already contain paracetamol, so it’s easy to accidentally double up. Always check labels.
Aspirin: The old-school choice
Aspirin has been around since 1897. It’s also an NSAID, like ibuprofen, and works similarly to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. But it has one unique trait: it thins the blood. That’s why low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg daily) is sometimes prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
For acute pain, a 300 mg aspirin tablet works well - but it’s not ideal for everyone. It can cause stomach bleeding, especially in older people. It’s also linked to Reye’s syndrome in children under 16, so it’s never given to kids for fever or viral infections. If you’re over 60, have ulcers, or take other blood thinners, talk to your doctor before using aspirin.
Naproxen: Longer-lasting relief
Naproxen is another NSAID, sold under brands like Naprosyn or Aleve. It’s stronger and lasts longer than ibuprofen - up to 12 hours per dose. That means fewer pills throughout the day. A typical dose is 220 mg every 8 to 12 hours.
It’s often used for chronic pain like arthritis or muscle injuries. But because it stays in your system longer, it carries a higher risk of side effects: stomach ulcers, kidney strain, and increased blood pressure. It’s not recommended for short-term headaches or fever unless you’ve tried ibuprofen and paracetamol first.
How do they stack up? A quick comparison
| Medicine | Works for Inflammation? | Duration | Best For | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurofen (Ibuprofen) | Yes | 4-6 hours | Swelling, period pain, sports injuries | Stomach upset, kidney stress, not for ulcers |
| Paracetamol | No | 4-6 hours | Fever, headaches, pregnancy, kids | Liver damage if overdosed |
| Aspirin | Yes | 4-6 hours | Heart protection (low dose), strong pain | Stomach bleeding, not for children |
| Naproxen | Yes | 8-12 hours | Chronic pain, arthritis | Higher risk of ulcers, kidney issues |
When to choose what
There’s no one-size-fits-all painkiller. Your choice depends on what’s bothering you and your health history.
- Choose ibuprofen (Nurofen) if you have swelling - like a sprained ankle, sore throat, or menstrual cramps.
- Go for paracetamol if you’re pregnant, have a sensitive stomach, or are giving medicine to a child.
- Consider aspirin only if your doctor has advised it for heart health - don’t self-prescribe it for pain.
- Try naproxen if you’ve tried ibuprofen and need longer relief, like for ongoing back pain.
Some people think combining painkillers is better. But mixing ibuprofen and paracetamol is safe for short-term use - many doctors recommend it for high fever or severe pain. Just don’t mix two NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen). That increases side effects without adding much benefit.
What about natural options?
You’ll see ads for turmeric, ginger, or CBD oil as natural pain relievers. Some studies show mild benefits for inflammation, but they’re not as fast or reliable as medicine. Turmeric, for example, needs to be taken daily for weeks before you might notice a difference. It’s not a replacement for Nurofen during a migraine or after surgery.
Ice packs, rest, and stretching often work better than supplements for muscle pain. Heat pads help with stiff joints. Don’t waste money on unproven remedies when proven options are cheap and available.
What if Nurofen doesn’t work?
If you’ve tried the full dose of Nurofen and paracetamol - even together - and the pain is still bad, it’s not about finding a stronger pill. It’s about finding the cause.
Chronic headaches could be tension, migraines, or even eye strain. Joint pain that won’t quit might be arthritis. A toothache that doesn’t fade could mean an infection. Painkillers mask symptoms, but they don’t fix the problem.
Don’t keep increasing doses or switching brands. If pain lasts more than a few days, or gets worse, see a doctor. You might need a different treatment - physical therapy, antibiotics, or even imaging scans.
Bottom line: Know your medicine, not just the brand
Nurofen isn’t special. It’s just ibuprofen with a fancy label. The real decision isn’t between brands - it’s between types of medicine. Understand what each one does, what it doesn’t do, and what risks come with it.
Keep a small medicine cabinet with:
- Paracetamol for fever and general pain
- Ibuprofen for inflammation and cramps
- A bottle of antacids (in case ibuprofen upsets your stomach)
And always read the label. Check for other ingredients. Watch your daily limits. And when in doubt, ask your pharmacist. They’re trained to help you pick the right one - not just the one on sale.
Can I take Nurofen and paracetamol together?
Yes, it’s safe to take ibuprofen and paracetamol together for short-term pain relief. They work in different ways, so they can complement each other. For example, take one paracetamol, then four hours later take one ibuprofen. Don’t exceed the maximum daily dose for either - 4,000 mg of paracetamol and 1,200 mg of ibuprofen in 24 hours.
Is generic ibuprofen as good as Nurofen?
Absolutely. Generic ibuprofen contains the same active ingredient, same dosage, and same effectiveness as Nurofen. The only differences are the brand name, packaging, and price - often 70% cheaper. Many pharmacies sell their own branded versions that are identical in quality.
Why does Nurofen sometimes make my stomach hurt?
Ibuprofen reduces protective stomach lining chemicals, which can lead to irritation, heartburn, or even ulcers with regular use. Taking it with food helps. If you get stomach pain often, switch to paracetamol or ask your doctor about a stomach-protecting medication like omeprazole.
Can children take Nurofen?
Yes, but only in child-specific formulations. Nurofen for Children is a liquid with the right dose based on weight. Never give adult Nurofen tablets to kids. Paracetamol is often preferred for children because it’s gentler on the stomach. Always check the label for weight-based dosing.
What’s the safest painkiller for long-term use?
No painkiller is truly safe for long-term daily use. Ibuprofen and naproxen can damage kidneys and increase blood pressure over time. Paracetamol is safer for the stomach but risks liver damage if misused. If you need daily pain relief, see a doctor. There may be a better solution - physical therapy, nerve blocks, or treating the root cause.
Is Nurofen better than Advil?
No. Advil is just another brand of ibuprofen. The active ingredient, dosage, and effects are identical. The price difference is purely branding. You’re paying for the name, not better medicine.
What to do next
If you’ve been relying on Nurofen for more than a few days, stop and ask why. Pain is a signal, not just an annoyance. Keep a simple log: what hurt, when, how bad (on a scale of 1-10), and what you took. That helps you - and your doctor - spot patterns.
Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Don’t assume stronger means better. And don’t let brand names fool you. The best pain relief isn’t the most expensive one - it’s the one that fits your body, your condition, and your health history.
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Lashonda Rene
4 November, 2025 . 09:29 AM
okay so i just wanna say i used to be super into nurofen like i had a whole drawer full of it because it felt like the magic bullet for everything but then one day my stomach started acting up and i realized hey maybe its not the medicine thats special its just the brand and now i buy the generic stuff and its literally the same and i save like 80% and honestly i feel better too like less bloating and less weird heartburn vibes? i dont even know why people pay extra for the blue packaging its just ibuprofen with a cool logo lol
Andy Slack
5 November, 2025 . 00:09 AM
paracetamol is the real MVP for fever. i gave it to my niece when she had the flu last winter and she was back to drawing rainbows in 2 hours. no drama no tummy issues. just quiet relief. also dont forget ice packs. they’re free and work better than half the pills.