What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?
Aspirin vs ibuprofen
Both aspirin and ibuprofen are popular NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that work by blocking prostaglandin production to reduce pain and inflammation. However, these over-the-counter pain relievers have important differences in safety, uses, and side effects.
Key Differences Between Aspirin and Ibuprofen
1. Gastrointestinal Safety
- Aspirin carries significantly higher risk of stomach ulcers and GI bleeding
- Ibuprofen has lower gastrointestinal side effects, making it safer for long-term use
- Stomach protection is more critical with aspirin therapy.
2. Age Restrictions and Pediatric Use
- Aspirin should NOT be given to children under 12 years or teens under 16 with viral illnesses due to Reye's syndrome risk
- Ibuprofen for children is approved for ages 6 months and older, even during viral infections
- Pediatric pain relief: Ibuprofen is the preferred NSAID for children.
3. Cardiovascular and Blood-Thinning Effects
Aspirin may be used at a low dose to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke or to prevent blood clotting. Ibuprofen has less of an effect on blood cells or platelets so is not used for this indication.
- Low-dose aspirin (81mg) is used for heart attack prevention and stroke prevention
- Aspirin blood thinner effects make it valuable for cardiovascular protection
- Ibuprofen has minimal blood-thinning properties and isn't used for heart protection
- Blood clot prevention: Aspirin is preferred over ibuprofen.
4. Drug Classification and Allergies
Aspirin is a salicylate because it is derived from salicylic acid. Some people are sensitive to salicylates; symptoms may include asthma-like reactions, nasal congestion, and hives.
Do not use ibuprofen if you are allergic to it or have ever had an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or a NSAID.
5. Best Uses for Each Medication
buprofen is preferred over aspirin for ongoing conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, and back pain. This is because the risk of gastrointestinal side effects increases the longer the duration of treatment and the risk of GI effects associated with aspirin use is already high. Aspirin may be used on an occasional basis to treat headaches, minor body aches, and tooth pain.
Choose ibuprofen for:
- Arthritis pain and ongoing joint inflammation
- Menstrual cramps and period pain
- Back pain and muscle aches
- Chronic pain conditions requiring long-term treatment
- Fever reduction in children and adults.
Choose aspirin for:
- Occasional headaches and minor aches
- Toothache relief
- Cardiovascular disease prevention (low-dose)
- Heart attack or stroke risk reduction.
Bottom Line: Choose ibuprofen for ongoing inflammatory conditions and when GI safety is a concern. Choose aspirin for occasional pain relief or cardiovascular protection. Always consult healthcare providers for chronic pain management or if you have underlying health conditions.
Related questions
- Can You Take Tramadol with Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin?
- What temperature is considered a fever?
- What cold medicine can you take with diabetes?
Dosage and Safety Guidelines
Ibuprofen Dosing:
- Low-dose ibuprofen (over-the-counter dose): Up to 1200mg/day (lower cardiovascular risk)
- High-dose ibuprofen (prescription dose): 1200-2400mg/day (increased heart risk)
- Brand names: Motrin, Advil
Aspirin Dosing:
- Low-dose aspirin: 81mg daily for heart protection
- Regular strength: 325mg for pain relief
- Brand names: Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, Bufferin.
Important Safety Warnings
Who Should Avoid These NSAIDs:
- Pregnant women (both aspirin and ibuprofen)
- Bleeding disorders or hemophilia patients
- Gastrointestinal disorders (especially aspirin)
- Post-CABG surgery patients.
Drug Interactions:
Both medications interact with:
- Blood thinners (warfarin, dabigatran)
- Blood pressure medications (ARBs, diuretics)
- Clopidogrel and other antiplatelet drugs.
Do not take aspirin and ibuprofen together - this increases side effect risks without added benefits. If you are prescribed aspirin to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor before taking any NSAIDs, as these may negate the protective effect of aspirin.
Cardiovascular Risk Comparison:
- Low-dose ibuprofen (≤1200mg/day): No increased heart risk
- High-dose ibuprofen (>1200mg/day): Increased cardiovascular events
- Aspirin: No increased heart risk; actually protective at low doses.
Alternative Pain Relief:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often preferred over NSAIDs when appropriate, especially for patients with:
- Heart disease history
- Stomach ulcer history
- Kidney problems
- Type 2 diabetes.
Important Guidance
When taking any NSAID, the following guidance is given:
- If an NSAID is deemed necessary, take only the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time
- Naproxen (in dosages up to 1000mg/day) and ibuprofen (in dosages up to 1200mg/day) are the preferred NSAIDs. Ibuprofen is the most appropriate NSAID for children
- Avoid using long-acting formulations of NSAIDs as these have a higher risk of GI side effects
- Do not take any other NSAID-containing products while being treated with an NSAID
- Doctors should review the need for continued NSAID administration at each consultation
- In people with pre-existing heart disease or who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, NSAIDs should only be used with caution and only under a doctor's supervision
- Older patients, patients with type 2 diabetes or with a history of stomach ulcers, kidney problems or at risk for heart disease are more likely to suffer from NSAID-related complications such as GI side effects, cardiovascular events, and kidney toxicity. NSAIDs should be avoided, but if deemed necessary, their usage should be monitored by a doctor.
References
- Ibuprofen. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/ibuprofen.html
- Aspirin. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/aspirin.html
Read next
Aspirin Overdose: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Emergency Treatment
An aspirin overdose can occur after a single large dose (this is called an acute overdose) or develop gradually after taking lower doses for a long time (this is called a chronic overdose). An acute aspirin overdose may be accidental or intentional. A toxic dose of aspirin for a human adult is considered to be 200 to 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (works out to be 13,600 to 20,400mg of aspirin for a person who weighs 68 kg [approximately 150 pounds]). A dose of 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (34,000mg for a 68kg person) is considered a potentially lethal dose of aspirin, and could result in death. Continue reading
Does aspirin lower blood pressure?
No, aspirin does not appear to affect blood pressure. The effects of aspirin on blood pressure have been studied at doses even higher than 1,500 mg per day, as well as low doses for an average of 4 years. These studies showed that aspirin does not have an effect on blood pressure. Continue reading
Can I give Aspirin to my dog or cat?
DO NOT give aspirin to cats; it can be deadly to your cat. Cats lack the enzyme needed for metabolizing salicylic acid properly, and aspirin can build up and be extremely toxic. Many vets do not recommend aspirin use in dogs anymore due to stomach ulcers and the possibility of bleeding. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- Which painkiller should you use?
- Can you take ibuprofen with Excedrin Migraine?
- Over the Counter Medication for Pets
- How Can I Treat Muscle Strain or Pain?
- What are the benefits and risks of daily aspirin?
- How do my Kidneys affect my Medications?
- Can you take Ibuprofen if you have COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Can you take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?
- Can you take expired ibuprofen?
- Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Can you overdose on ibuprofen?
- Can you drink alcohol with ibuprofen?
- Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- What's the best medicine for sore throat?
- How do Celebrex and ibuprofen compare?
- Can you take Advil & Tylenol together? Safe Dosing Guide
- How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?
- Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen: Which is better?
- Can I take ibuprofen with blood pressure medications?
- Is ibuprofen (Advil) a blood thinner?
- Is Ibuprofen bad for your kidneys and liver?
- Can you take ibuprofen 800 mg with tramadol 50 mg?
- How long does ibuprofen take to work?
- Can ibuprofen cause constipation?
- All Eyes on Ibuprofen: What are 10 Things You Need to Know?
- Is it safe to take ibuprofen right after taking prednisone?
- Can you take Ibuprofen after the COVID booster vaccine?
- Why is Ibuprofen dangerous for dogs? Here are safer alternatives
- What are the inactive ingredients in ibuprofen?