You're probably taking the wrong painkiller
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common painkillers with different risk profiles; while acetaminophen can cause liver damage in high doses, it is generally safer than ibuprofen for most people when used as directed. Ibuprofen, an NSAID, carries risks of gastrointestinal, heart, and kidney issues due to its systemic effects on inflammation pathways. Despite this, many people incorrectly assume ibuprofen is safer, partly because drug labels and official sources don't clearly communicate the relative risks. The author concludes that acetaminophen should be the first-line choice for most pain, with ibuprofen added only if needed.
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You're probably taking the wrong painkillerAcetaminophen, ibuprofen, and what doctors may want you to know.Apr 16, 2026173178ShareYou’re reading the first article from our new Issue 14: Risk. Subscribe to the print magazine to get future issues delivered to your door.Jul Quanouai By DynomightLots of people die after overdosing on acetaminophen (paracetamol, often sold as Tylenol or Panadol). In the U.S., it’s estimated to cause 56,000 emergency department visits, 2,600 hospitalizations, and 500 deaths per year. Acetaminophen has a scarily narrow therapeutic window. The instructions on the package say it’s okay to take up to four grams per day.
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