Aspirin vs. Ibuprofen — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 20, 2024
Aspirin thins the blood and relieves pain, while Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and alleviates pain.
Difference Between Aspirin and Ibuprofen
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a medication used for pain relief, fever reduction, and blood thinning, making it useful for preventing heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is effective in reducing inflammation, pain, and fever, making it ideal for conditions like arthritis.
While Aspirin inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) to prevent the formation of substances that mediate inflammation and blood clotting, Ibuprofen works similarly but with a slight difference in its action on COX enzymes, leading to a stronger anti-inflammatory effect. This makes Ibuprofen more suited for conditions involving inflammation, such as menstrual cramps or arthritis, whereas Aspirin is often recommended for cardiovascular protection.
Aspirin is known for its unique property of irreversibly inhibiting platelets, which are cells that help blood to clot. This makes Aspirin particularly useful for long-term prevention of blood clots in patients at risk of heart attacks and strokes. Ibuprofen, while it can also affect platelet function, does not have the same long-lasting effect and is not typically used for this purpose.
The side effects of Aspirin and Ibuprofen can differ due to their distinct mechanisms of action. Aspirin is more likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers, especially with long-term use, due to its effect on the stomach's lining. Ibuprofen, while also capable of causing gastrointestinal issues, might be less harsh on the stomach compared to high doses or long-term Aspirin use but can have other side effects like increased risk of kidney problems with prolonged use.
Both Aspirin and Ibuprofen should be used with caution in certain populations, such as those with pre-existing kidney disease, gastric ulcers, or those taking certain other medications. While Aspirin is sometimes advised in low doses for certain pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia, Ibuprofen is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to potential risks to the fetus.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Pain relief, fever reduction, blood thinning
Pain relief, fever reduction, anti-inflammatory
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits COX enzymes, preventing formation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes
Inhibits COX enzymes, more potent anti-inflammatory effect
Unique Properties
Irreversible inhibition of platelets, used for cardiovascular protection
Stronger anti-inflammatory effects, used for conditions like arthritis
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers
Gastrointestinal issues, potential kidney problems
Usage in Pregnancy
Low doses may be used for specific conditions
Generally not recommended, especially in third trimester
Recommended for
Cardiovascular protection, general pain relief
Inflammatory conditions, general pain relief
Compare with Definitions
Aspirin
A salicylate drug used for pain relief, fever reduction, and blood thinning.
Aspirin is often prescribed to prevent heart attacks in at-risk individuals.
Ibuprofen
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever.
Ibuprofen is commonly taken for arthritis pain relief.
Aspirin
Prevents blood clots by irreversibly inhibiting platelets.
Daily low-dose aspirin can lower the risk of stroke in certain patients.
Ibuprofen
Effective in treating conditions with inflammation, such as menstrual cramps.
Ibuprofen can significantly reduce inflammation and pain in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Aspirin
Can cause gastrointestinal issues due to its acidic nature.
Long-term aspirin use may lead to stomach ulcers.
Ibuprofen
May include gastrointestinal discomfort and potential kidney issues with long use.
High doses of ibuprofen can lead to kidney damage over time.
Aspirin
Recommended for certain individuals to prevent cardiovascular events.
Aspirin therapy is a common preventative measure for those with heart disease.
Ibuprofen
Often chosen for acute pain and inflammation due to its effectiveness.
Ibuprofen is a go-to medication for sports injuries due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Aspirin
Beyond pain relief, it has a significant role in preventing blood clots.
Aspirin is given during a heart attack to prevent further clotting.
Ibuprofen
Generally avoided in the third trimester due to potential risks to the fetus.
Doctors advise against ibuprofen in late pregnancy because of its effects on fetal development.
Aspirin
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a medication used to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation. Specific inflammatory conditions which aspirin is used to treat include Kawasaki disease, pericarditis, and rheumatic fever.Aspirin given shortly after a heart attack decreases the risk of death.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a medication in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class that is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. This includes painful menstrual periods, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Aspirin
A white, crystalline compound, C9H8O4, derived from salicylic acid and commonly used in tablet form to relieve pain and reduce fever and inflammation. It is also used as an antiplatelet agent. Also called acetylsalicylic acid.
Ibuprofen
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, C13H18O2, commonly used for its analgesic and antipyretic properties.
Aspirin
A tablet of aspirin.
Ibuprofen
(pharmaceutical drug) A synthetic compound used widely as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug.
Aspirin
An analgesic drug, acetylsalicylic acid
Ibuprofen
(rare) To treat with ibuprofen; to administer ibuprofen to.
Aspirin
(countable) a tablet containing this substance
Ibuprofen
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used to relieve the pain of arthritis and as an analgesic and antipyretic; Advil and Motrin and Nuprin are trademarks of brands of ibuprofen tablets.
Aspirin
A white crystalline compound, acetyl salicylic acid (CH3.CO.O.C6H4.CO.OH) widely used as a drug for relief of pain and alleviation of fever. It has analgesic, antipyretic, and antiinflammatory properties, and is one of a class of agents called non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The name was originally a trade name, but has become the preferred name for the substance. It is actually a prodrug, liberating salicylic acid, the ultimate pharmacologically active agent, in the intestines. It is more effective when taken orally than is salicylic acid, because it dissolves more readily.
Ibuprofen
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (trade names Advil and Motrin and Nuprin) used to relieve the pain of arthritis and as an analgesic and antipyretic
Aspirin
The acetylated derivative of salicylic acid; used as an analgesic anti-inflammatory drug (trade names Bayer and Empirin) usually taken in tablet form; used as an antipyretic; slows clotting of the blood by poisoning platelets
Common Curiosities
What is Aspirin primarily used for?
Aspirin is used for pain relief, fever reduction, and especially for its blood-thinning properties to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Why is Aspirin advised for heart health?
Aspirin's ability to thin the blood by preventing platelet aggregation reduces the risk of blood clots, helping prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Is Ibuprofen safer than Aspirin?
Safety depends on individual health conditions and the specific use case; both drugs have potential side effects and risks.
How does Ibuprofen work to reduce pain?
Ibuprofen reduces pain by inhibiting COX enzymes, which decreases the production of prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation.
Can Aspirin and Ibuprofen be taken together?
It's generally not recommended to take Aspirin and Ibuprofen together without medical advice due to potential increased risks of side effects.
Can pregnant women take Aspirin or Ibuprofen?
Low-dose Aspirin may be prescribed in certain pregnancy conditions, but Ibuprofen is generally not recommended, especially in the third trimester.
How should Aspirin be used for cardiovascular protection?
Aspirin for cardiovascular protection is usually taken in low doses under medical supervision.
What are common side effects of Aspirin?
Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and bleeding.
What makes Aspirin unique in its function compared to Ibuprofen?
Aspirin's unique function is its irreversible inhibition of platelets, making it effective for long-term cardiovascular protection.
For what conditions is Ibuprofen particularly effective?
Ibuprofen is particularly effective for conditions involving inflammation, such as arthritis and menstrual cramps.
Can Ibuprofen affect kidney function?
Yes, prolonged use of high doses of Ibuprofen can affect kidney function.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
