Symptoms caused by Covid-19 may 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 aches or fever are the most common signs in infected patients and, although not serious, they can become very troublesome. For this reason, drugs like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help mitigate 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 the best to treat the symptoms?
The first thing to consider is what each is intended for. Paracetamol is a pure analgesic and antipyreticwithout anti-inflammatory properties. Its use is indicated for treat febrile states and relieve mild to moderate pain.
For its part, ibuprofen is an analgesic belonging to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as muscle or joint pain, menstrual pain, or dental pain.
Keeping this in mind, experts point out that the use of either This 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 better to opt for ibuprofen, as it is anti-inflammatory.
This is explained by Lorenzo Armenteros, spokesperson for the Spanish Society of General Practitioners and Family Doctors (SEMG), in statements collected by the Cuidateplus portal. “In principle, paracetamol is more recommended, since 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: “If there is no contraindication, it can be taken if the fever was very high and did not go down with 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 drug “if any of the symptoms presented by the patient is also accompanied by inflammation (such as a sore throat)”.
In end of Mayo Clinic clarify that there is no evidence that ibuprofen should be avoided and give the following recommendations to relieve symptoms:
- Use of painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Syrup or cough medicine.
- Rest.
- Fluid intake.