About Ibuprofen
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Relieves pain, fever and swelling, including in children.
How to take it
Take it after food. For children, the dose depends on body weight.
Common side effects
Call your doctor if
- Black stools or vomiting blood.
- Very little urine, especially with vomiting or diarrhoea.
Take care
Do not use it for fever that could be dengue; use paracetamol and see the doctor. Avoid if dehydrated, and in kidney disease or stomach ulcers. Avoid in pregnancy unless the doctor advises, and do not use it after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Tell the doctor if NSAID painkillers have made your asthma worse.
From our clinic: Ask us to work out a child's dose from weight.
About Paracetamol
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Relieves fever and mild to moderate pain such as headache, body ache and toothache.
How to take it
Take it after food or with water, usually every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Adults should not take more than 4 g in 24 hours. That is eight 500 mg tablets or six 650 mg tablets. Take less if you drink alcohol or have liver disease.
Common side effects
- Usually none at normal doses.
Call your doctor if
- Fever lasting more than 3 days.
- Yellow eyes, dark urine or pain in the upper right belly.
- Someone took more than the safe dose, even if they feel well. Go to a hospital the same day.
Take care
Many cold and pain tablets already contain paracetamol. Check the label so you do not take it twice.
From our clinic: For children, the dose depends on body weight. Ask us to work it out from the child's weight.
General information for patients, not a substitute for your doctor's advice. Your dose and plan may differ.