Los mitos en torno al paracetamol y el ibuprofeno

20minutos

1 Feb 201804:21

Summary

TLDRIn this informative video, Mala Gráfica Boti García debunks five common myths about paracetamol and ibuprofen. She clarifies that higher dosages do not necessarily mean better efficacy, warns against chronic use of ibuprofen which can exacerbate headaches and cause liver or kidney problems, and advises against alternating these medications for fever without medical guidance to avoid overdose. She also highlights the differences in their effects, with ibuprofen being anti-inflammatory and paracetamol not, and dispels the myth that a stomach protector is always needed when taking ibuprofen, stressing that it should only be used as directed by a healthcare professional.

Takeaways

💊 The first myth is that a higher dose of pain medication is more effective. However, 600 milligrams of ibuprofen has not been shown to be more effective for minor headaches than 400 milligrams.
🚫 The second myth is that taking ibuprofen daily has no issues and can be taken like snacks. Actually, chronic use can worsen headaches and potentially cause liver or kidney problems.
📋 The third myth involves taking ibuprofen and paracetamol alternately every 4 hours for fever. This is not recommended due to the risk of overdose and should only be done under a doctor's guidance for very high fevers.
🔄 The fourth myth is that ibuprofen and paracetamol are interchangeable. They have different properties, with ibuprofen being anti-inflammatory and analgesic, while paracetamol is analgesic and antipyretic.
⚠️ The fifth myth is that taking a stomach protector is always necessary when taking ibuprofen. Omeprazole is not indicated as a stomach protector for everyone taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs unless there are pre-existing conditions or a history of ulcers.
💡 Paracetamol over 1 gram requires a prescription, but 500 milligrams or 650 milligrams can be purchased over the counter and are equally effective for headaches.
🌍 Some countries primarily use lower dosages of ibuprofen, such as 200 or 300 milligrams, with the same efficacy as higher dosages.
🤒 For fever reduction, alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol is not more effective than using one consistently, and it can lead to an overdose.
💡 It's important to follow the dosage prescribed by a healthcare professional and not to use medication unnecessarily.
💥 Chronic use of pain medication can lead to increased pain, a condition known as medication overuse headache.
📚 Understanding the differences between ibuprofen and paracetamol is crucial for appropriate use and to avoid side effects on the stomach or liver.

Q & A

What is the first myth discussed in the video about paracetamol and ibuprofen?
-The first myth is that a higher dose of medication is more effective. The video clarifies that 600 milligrams of ibuprofen has not been shown to be more effective for mild headaches than 400 milligrams, and the same applies to paracetamol.
Why is it not recommended to buy paracetamol in dosages higher than 650 milligrams without a prescription?
-Since last year, paracetamol in dosages of one gram requires a prescription due to the potential for misuse and overdose. Lower dosages like 500 milligrams or 650 milligrams are available without a prescription and are effective for headache relief.
What is the second myth about ibuprofen mentioned in the video?
-The second myth is that taking ibuprofen daily has no problems and can be taken like snacks. However, chronic use can worsen headaches and may cause liver or kidney problems.
Why should we not use ibuprofen or paracetamol without a need?
-We should only use these medications as directed by a healthcare professional and when necessary to avoid potential side effects and complications.
What is the third myth about taking medication for fever mentioned in the video?
-The third myth is that it's effective to alternate taking ibuprofen and paracetamol every 4 hours to reduce fever. However, this can lead to an overdose and is not recommended unless advised by a doctor in cases of very high fever.
Why is it not advisable to alternate between ibuprofen and paracetamol for fever without medical advice?
-Alternating without advice can lead to an accidental overdose, as one might forget the last dose taken and repeat it too soon.
What is the difference between ibuprofen and paracetamol according to the fourth myth discussed?
-The fourth myth clarifies that ibuprofen is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic, while paracetamol is only an analgesic and antipyretic, lacking anti-inflammatory properties. This makes ibuprofen more suitable for inflammation or more intense pain.
Why is it a misconception that all ibuprofen and paracetamol are the same?
-They are not the same due to their different medical properties and side effects. Ibuprofen can affect the stomach, while paracetamol may affect the liver, so caution is needed when using them.
What is the fifth myth about taking a stomach protector with ibuprofen?
-The myth is that one should always take a stomach protector like omeprazole when taking ibuprofen. However, omeprazole is not routinely indicated for everyone taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless there are pre-existing conditions or a history of ulcers.
Why is it not necessary to take omeprazole with every ibuprofen dose for a minor ailment like a headache or a sprain?
-Omeprazole is not needed unless specifically indicated by a doctor, especially for short-term use of ibuprofen due to minor issues like headaches or sprains.
What is the main message of the video regarding the use of ibuprofen and paracetamol?
-The main message is to be aware of the myths surrounding these medications, understand their proper use, and follow medical advice to avoid misuse and potential health risks.

Outlines

00:00

🛑 Myths About Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

The video script addresses common misconceptions about paracetamol and ibuprofen. It starts by debunking the myth that a higher dose of these medications is more effective for minor headaches. It mentions that a 600 mg dose of ibuprofen has not been proven to be more effective than a 400 mg dose and that in some countries, lower doses are commonly used. The script also notes that since last year, a 1-gram paracetamol is prescription-only, while 500 mg or 650 mg can be bought over the counter for headache relief.

🚫 Chronic Use of Ibuprofen and Its Risks

The second paragraph discusses the myth that taking ibuprofen daily has no issues. It clarifies that chronic use can exacerbate headaches and even lead to liver or kidney problems. The script emphasizes the importance of following the dosage prescribed by a healthcare professional and not using the medication unnecessarily, as it can lead to adverse effects.

🔄 Alternating Medications for Fever Management

The third paragraph tackles the misconception of alternating between ibuprofen and paracetamol every four hours to manage fever. It explains that there is no increased efficacy in alternating these medications and warns of the risk of overdosing. It suggests that except in cases of very high fever above 39 degrees Celsius, where a doctor might recommend alternating, one should not do so without medical advice.

💊 Differences Between Ibuprofen and Paracetamol

This paragraph clarifies the differences between ibuprofen and paracetamol, highlighting that ibuprofen is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic, while paracetamol is only analgesic and antipyretic. It suggests that for injuries with inflammation or more intense pain, ibuprofen would be more appropriate. It also mentions that the side effects of these drugs differ, with ibuprofen affecting the stomach and paracetamol affecting the liver.

❌ Misconception About Stomach Protectors with Ibuprofen

The final paragraph dispels the myth that one must take a stomach protector, such as omeprazole, whenever taking ibuprofen. It states that omeprazole is not indicated as a stomach protector for everyone taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. It is only recommended for those with pre-existing conditions, chronic diseases, older adults, or those with a history of ulcers, and not for occasional use for headaches or sprains unless advised by a doctor.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Paracetamol

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a common over-the-counter medication used for pain relief and fever reduction. In the video, it is discussed as one of the two main medications compared, emphasizing its correct dosage and potential side effects, such as liver issues if misused.

💡Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and fever control. The video script mentions it as an alternative to paracetamol and discusses its proper use to avoid stomach issues and other side effects.

💡Dosage

Dosage refers to the amount of medication taken at any one time or the total amount taken per day. The video emphasizes the importance of not exceeding recommended dosages, as higher doses do not necessarily increase effectiveness and can lead to health risks.

💡Mitochondrial Myths

The term 'mitochondrial myths' is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but the concept is central to the video as it debunks common misconceptions about the use of paracetamol and ibuprofen. The script addresses five specific myths related to these medications.

💡Analgesic

An analgesic is a type of medication that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness. Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are described as analgesics in the video, with ibuprofen also having anti-inflammatory properties.

💡Anti-inflammatory

An anti-inflammatory drug reduces inflammation in the body. The video script clarifies that ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it suitable for conditions involving inflammation, unlike paracetamol.

💡Antipyretic

An antipyretic is a medication that reduces fever. The video mentions paracetamol as an antipyretic, highlighting its use in lowering body temperature during fever.

💡Chronic Use

Chronic use refers to the long-term consumption of a medication. The video warns against the chronic use of ibuprofen, as it can exacerbate headaches and lead to liver or kidney problems.

💡Overdose

An overdose occurs when a person takes more of a medication than is considered safe. The script cautions against the risk of overdosing on paracetamol and ibuprofen by alternating them without proper medical advice.

💡Stomach Protector

A stomach protector is a medication that helps prevent stomach irritation or ulcers. The video script dispels the myth that one must take a stomach protector like omeprazole with every ibuprofen dose, stating it's only necessary under certain medical conditions.

💡Medical Prescription

A medical prescription is a written order from a healthcare provider for the supply of a medication. The video mentions that paracetamol in doses of one gram now requires a prescription, indicating the importance of following medical guidelines for medication use.

Highlights

Mala Gráfica Boti García discusses 5 myths about paracetamol and ibuprofen.

The first myth is that a higher dose of painkillers is more effective, which is not true according to studies.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen of 600mg and 400mg respectively have not been shown to be more effective than lower doses for mild headaches.

Some countries primarily use 200mg or 300mg doses of these medications with the same efficacy.

Since last year, paracetamol of 1 gram requires a prescription, while 500mg or 650mg can be purchased over the counter.

The second myth is that taking ibuprofen daily has no issues, which is incorrect as chronic use can worsen headaches and cause liver or kidney problems.

It is advised to follow the dosage prescribed by a healthcare professional and not to use the medication unnecessarily.

The third myth is about alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol every 4 hours for fever, which is not more effective and can lead to overdose.

Alternating these medications is not recommended unless advised by a doctor for very high fevers above 39 degrees Celsius.

The fourth myth is that ibuprofen and paracetamol are the same, which is not the case as they have different properties and uses.

Ibuprofen is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic, while paracetamol is only analgesic and antipyretic.

Ibuprofen is more suitable for inflammation or more intense pain, whereas paracetamol is not anti-inflammatory.

The fifth myth is that taking a stomach protector like omeprazole is always necessary when taking ibuprofen, which is a misconception.

Omeprazole is not routinely indicated as a stomach protector for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs unless there are pre-existing conditions or a history of ulcers.

Taking ibuprofen for a headache or sprain does not require omeprazole unless specifically advised by a doctor.

The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of not believing myths and to follow medical advice for the correct use of ibuprofen 400mg.