Nurofen vs. Other Pain Relievers: What Works Best and Why

When your head throbs, your muscles ache, or a fever spikes, you reach for the nearest painkiller. For many, that’s Nurofen. But is it the best choice? Or are there better, cheaper, or safer options out there? The answer isn’t simple. Nurofen contains ibuprofen - a common painkiller - but it’s not the only one, and not always the right one. Let’s break down what’s actually in your medicine cabinet and what each option really does to your body.

What’s in Nurofen?

Nurofen is a brand name for ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. Also known as ibuprofen sodium, it was first approved in the 1960s and is now one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications worldwide. It works by blocking enzymes that cause inflammation and pain signals. A standard Nurofen tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen. Higher doses (like 400 mg or 600 mg) require a prescription. It usually starts working in 20 to 30 minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours.

It’s effective for headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, sprains, and fever. But it doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some people feel relief quickly. Others barely notice a difference. And for some, it causes stomach upset, dizziness, or even high blood pressure.

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): The Gentle Alternative

If you’ve ever taken Tylenol or Panadol, you’ve used paracetamol is a pain reliever and fever reducer that doesn’t reduce inflammation. It’s often called acetaminophen in the U.S. Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol doesn’t touch inflammation. That means it won’t help with swollen joints or muscle strains as well as Nurofen. But it’s much gentler on the stomach. For people with ulcers, kidney issues, or asthma triggered by NSAIDs, paracetamol is often the first choice.

Studies show it’s just as good as ibuprofen for headaches and fever. In fact, a 2022 review in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that for mild to moderate pain, paracetamol and ibuprofen had similar effectiveness - but paracetamol had fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Here’s the catch: paracetamol is safe only if you don’t exceed 4,000 mg per day. Overdose can cause serious liver damage - even if you take it over several days. That’s why many doctors recommend it for children, pregnant women, and older adults. It’s not perfect, but it’s often the safest bet.

Naproxen: Longer Lasting, Stronger Impact

naproxen is a longer-acting NSAID, often sold as Aleve or Naprosyn. It’s chemically similar to ibuprofen but lasts 8 to 12 hours per dose. That means you take it less often - once or twice a day instead of every 4 to 6 hours. For chronic pain like arthritis or lower back pain, that’s a big advantage.

Research from the Journal of Pain Research in 2023 showed naproxen was more effective than ibuprofen for osteoarthritis pain over a 12-week period. It also had a slightly lower risk of heart problems compared to other NSAIDs, though that benefit is small.

But naproxen isn’t kinder to your stomach. It carries the same risks as ibuprofen - ulcers, bleeding, kidney strain - and may be worse for people with sensitive digestive systems. It’s also not recommended during pregnancy after 30 weeks. If you need long-term pain control and can handle the side effects, naproxen might be worth trying. But don’t switch without checking with a pharmacist.

Aspirin: The Original, But Not Always Best

aspirin is the oldest NSAID, first synthesized in 1897. It reduces pain, fever, and inflammation like ibuprofen, but it also thins the blood. That’s why low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg daily) is sometimes prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes in high-risk adults.

For everyday pain? It’s outdated. Aspirin takes longer to kick in than ibuprofen, and it’s harder on the stomach. It also increases the risk of bleeding, especially in the brain or gut. That’s why it’s not recommended for children or teenagers - it’s linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but deadly condition.

Aspirin is still useful if you’re on a heart-protective regimen. But if you’re just trying to ease a headache or sore knee, it’s not the best option. Nurofen works faster, with fewer bleeding risks at standard doses.

Topical Pain Relievers: Localized Relief Without the System

What if you don’t want to swallow anything? topical NSAIDs like Voltaren gel or Deep Heat contain diclofenac or menthol and are applied directly to the skin over sore muscles or joints. These deliver pain relief right where you need it, without flooding your whole body with drugs.

A 2024 Cochrane review found topical diclofenac was as effective as oral ibuprofen for knee osteoarthritis - but with far fewer stomach issues. That makes it ideal for older adults or people with digestive problems.

They’re not magic. They won’t help with a headache or fever. But for localized pain - a stiff neck, a sore shoulder, or a swollen ankle - they’re a smart, low-risk choice. You can even use them alongside oral painkillers if needed.

When to Choose What

There’s no single best painkiller. The right one depends on what hurts, how long it’s been hurting, and what else is going on in your body.

• For fever or mild headache: Paracetamol is safest, especially if you’re pregnant, have liver issues, or take other meds.
• For swelling, sprains, or arthritis: Ibuprofen or naproxen work better because they fight inflammation.
• For long-term joint pain: Naproxen’s longer duration might mean fewer pills, but check with your pharmacist about stomach risks.
• For localized muscle pain: Try a topical gel. No stomach upset. No pills.
• For heart protection: Low-dose aspirin only if prescribed. Not for pain relief.

Also, don’t mix NSAIDs. Taking ibuprofen and naproxen together doesn’t make you feel better - it just doubles your risk of stomach bleeding and kidney damage. Same goes for combining aspirin with Nurofen unless your doctor says it’s okay.

Red Flags: When to Stop and See a Doctor

Painkillers are tools, not solutions. If you’re taking them daily for more than 10 days, something’s wrong. Here’s when to get help:

• Pain lasts longer than two weeks without improvement
• You get stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting blood
• Your urine turns dark or you swell up suddenly
• You have chest pain, shortness of breath, or numbness on one side
• You’re over 65 and taking NSAIDs regularly

Chronic pain isn’t normal. It’s a signal. Relying on pills to hide it can delay diagnosing something serious - like a herniated disc, autoimmune disease, or even cancer.

Cost and Availability: What’s Actually Worth It?

Nurofen costs more than generic ibuprofen. In New Zealand, a pack of 20 Nurofen tablets might cost $8-$12. A pack of 20 generic ibuprofen (like those from Countdown or Priceline) costs $3-$5. Same active ingredient. Same effectiveness.

Same goes for paracetamol: Panadol costs more than the store brand. Naproxen? You’ll pay more for the brand, but the generic is just as good. Topical gels are pricier - $15-$25 - but last longer and have fewer side effects.

There’s no reason to pay extra for branding unless you have a preference for the shape, flavor, or packaging. The medicine inside is identical.

Final Take: No One-Size-Fits-All

Nurofen isn’t bad. It’s a solid, fast-acting painkiller that works well for many. But it’s not the only option - and not always the best. Paracetamol is safer for daily use. Naproxen lasts longer. Topical gels avoid stomach problems. Aspirin has its niche, but it’s not for general pain.

Think of painkillers like tools in a toolbox. You wouldn’t use a hammer to turn a screw. Don’t use ibuprofen for a fever if paracetamol does the job with less risk. Don’t take naproxen every day if you’re only dealing with a sore back once a week.

Know your body. Know your options. And when in doubt, ask your pharmacist. They’re trained to help you pick the right one - without pushing a brand.

If you’re managing pain regularly, keep a simple log: what you took, when, how much, and how you felt afterward. Over time, you’ll spot patterns - and know exactly what works for you. That’s smarter than guessing.