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Sore throat - acute - Management
What are the general issues when prescribing paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen are well tolerated when used for short periods [BNF 54, 2007]:
- Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are licensed for the relief of pain and fever from 3 months of age.
- As with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen may worsen or precipitate gastrointestinal haemorrhage, asthma, hypertension, renal impairment, or cardiac failure. Avoid ibuprofen if there is a history of peptic ulcers. Paracetamol is often a safer option in older people.
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen rarely cause adverse effects when used in the short term [BNF 54, 2007]:
- Paracetamol has no notable adverse effects when used at the correct dosage.
- Ibuprofen may occasionally cause exacerbation of asthma and gastrointestinal adverse effects, such as discomfort, nausea, and diarrhoea.
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