Many people in the United States suffer from unbearable pain caused due to many health reasons, including post-operation, injury, headache, dental pain, etc. Doctors often recommend pain-relieving drugs to their patients to treat pain. Among many pain-relieving medicines are there but two of the most used drugs are tramadol and ibuprofen.
Both tramadol and ibuprofen are pain-relieving medicines used by the people of the USA. These drugs are used for controlling pain in the patients but there are many differences between the both medicines.
In this article, we will have a look at a few differences between tramadol and ibuprofen drugs including their function, uses, side effects, and other factors.
COMPARISON BETWEEN TRAMADOL AND IBUPROFEN
Tramadol :
Tramadol is a strong opioid analgesic drug used to get relief from mild to severe pain. It is available in both brand-name as well as generic forms. It is available under brand names like Qdolo, Zytram, Ultram ER, Ultram, ConZip, and others. Tramadol is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use only. It is classified under Schedule IV controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration in the United States for its chances of abuse and misuse.
Ibuprofen :
Ibuprofen belongs to the class of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It is used to reduce pain and inflammation in the body that can be caused due to different reasons. Ibuprofen is available in the form of brand-name as well as generic medicine. It is also available under brand names like Motrin, Advil, and others.
It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States for treating severe pain. It is available in both prescription as well as OTC (over the counter) in the lower pain case pharmacist prescribed that in a lower dose.
Mechanism of Drug Action
Tramadol :
Tramadol binds is the mu-receptors and inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin which results in synergistic effects in the brain. It blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain and thus acts as a pain reliever.
Ibuprofen :
Ibuprofen inhibits the activity of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. It also helps in the reduction of prostaglandin synthesis which is responsible for swelling, pain, and fever in the body.
- The inhibition of COX (Cyclooxygenase) results in alleviating inflammation and pain in the body.
Uses
Tramadol :
Tramadol is used to alleviate pain caused by postoperative, surgery, or other chronic pain. It is administered when other medicines do not work efficiently.
Ibuprofen :
Ibuprofen is used for relieving different types of pain in the body, like minor injuries, headaches, pain post-surgery and operation, menstrual cramps, muscle pain, dental pain, etc. It is also used for treating cold and flu and for reducing swelling in the body.
Dose and Dosage Strength
Tramadol
Immediate Release (IR) Form
- Oral Tablet – 50 mg
Extended Release (XR) Form
- Oral Tablet – 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg
- Oral Capsule – 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg
- The standard dose of IR form of tramadol can be 50 mg to 100 mg every 5-6 hours and the maximum dose can be 400 mg.
- The initial dose of XR initial form can be 100 mg to 300 mg once per day and the maximum dose can be 300 mg.
Ibuprofen
- Oral Capsule – 200 mg
- Oral Tablets – 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg
- Oral Suspension – 100 mg/5 mL, 50 mg/1.25 mL
- The recommended initial dose is 200 mg to 400 mg every 4-6 hours and the highest dose can be 2400 mg. The doses may vary depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
Side Effects
Tramadol
Side effects of tramadol drug include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Increases appetite
- Irritation
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Involuntary movement
- Constipation
- Weakness
Ibuprofen
Side effects of ibuprofen drug include:
- Dizziness
- Stomach ulcer
- Gastrointestinal
- Allergy (redness, itching etc)
- Headache
- Liver and kidney damage
- Buzzing in the ears
- Blood disorder
- High blood pressure
Precautions
- There are a few things that should be taken care of while taking this tramadol or ibuprofen medicine. For instance:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should talk to their healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen or tramadol drugs.
- It is advised to all that if you decide to take these drugs you will consume them with full safety. Overdose of either of these drugs can result in addiction or even death.
- In case, the patient experiences any side effects after taking the medicine, talk to the doctor as soon as possible.
- For children under the age of 12 years, ibuprofen is generally safe, but do not be given tramadol.
- Both tramadol and ibuprofen can react with certain medications. It is advised to inform your doctor about all
- The medicines you take, herbal supplements, or vitamins you are on.
- Tramadol and ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding, so people with medical conditions of ulcers and stomach bleeding shouldn’t take either of these drugs.
- Always inform your doctor about your medical history as the drugs can be unsuitable for certain health conditions.
- Prolonged use of tramadol and ibuprofen can lead to dependency, so take the medicine for a short period.
- Do not suddenly stop taking either of these drugs; it can result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Always consult a doctor before quitting either tramadol or ibuprofen.
- Keep the medicine out of children’s reach. Store in a safe place where your baby can’t reach.
- Do not consume alcohol while on either of these drugs.
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