The symptoms caused by Covid-19 can vary sDepending on the strain with which the infection occurs. Currently in Spain, the BA.5 sublineage is predominant and its symptoms are very similar to those of the original Omicron variant.
Cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, or fever are the most common signs in infected patients, and, although they are not serious, they can become very annoying. For this reason, medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help alleviate the negative effects of Covid.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen: which one to choose?
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are two of the best-selling drugs in our countrybut in the case of Covid-19: which is better to treat the symptoms?
The first thing to consider is what each one is intended for. Paracetamol is a pure analgesic and antipyreticwithout anti-inflammatory properties. Its use is indicated for treat feverish states and relieve mild to moderate pain.
For its part, ibuprofen is an analgesic belonging to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It is used to treat pain of mild to moderate intensity, such as muscle or joint pain, menstrual pain, or dental pain.
Bearing this in mind, experts point out that the use of one or the other It will depend on the symptoms of each patient., that is, if fever is one of the signs of infection, it will be better to use paracetamol due to its antipyretic effect. But if the infected person has a severe muscle pain or sore throat it is preferable that you opt for ibuprofen, since it is anti-inflammatory.
This is explained by Lorenzo Armenteros, spokesman for the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians (SEMG), in statements collected by the Cuidateplus portal. “In principle, paracetamol is more recommended, because one of the predominant symptoms of this variant (ómicron) is fever, and the antipyretic effect of paracetamol is more intense than that of ibuprofen“, says the expert.
Armenteros explains that another option would be to use metamizoleanother antipyretic drug: “If there is no contraindication, it can be taken in case the fever was very high and did not go down with the paracetamol”.
Regarding the use of ibuprofen, Navidad Sánchez, member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Society of Clinical, Family and Community Pharmacy (SEFAC), points out that, due to its anti-inflammatory effect, he would opt for this medicine “if any of the symptoms presented by the patient is also accompanied by inflammation (such as a sore throat)”.
Lastly, from Mayo Clinic clarify that there is no evidence that ibuprofen should be avoided and give the following recommendations to relieve symptoms:
- Use of pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Syrup or cough medicine.
- Repose.
- Fluid intake.
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