Pain medication test: Ibuprofen & Paracetamol at Stiftung Warentest

In the Pain Relief Test 2018 from Stiftung Warentest, the experts advise caution: many pain relievers work differently than many people believe and have side effects. Five active substances against pain are known - but the drugs from different manufacturers have large price ranges.

Painkillers in the test: which medication helps against which pain?

Pain relievers are considered a simple and effective solution to all types of pain. Whether headache, backache, toothache or body ache - one painkiller and you feel better. However, the pain relievers contain different active ingredients and are therefore not suitable for every form of pain.

• Ibuprofen: The active ingredient is one of the best-known pain relievers and also helps against fever and inflammation. It is effective for mild to moderate headache, limb, joint, control, wound and toothache. However, it can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines as well as the cardiovascular system. Therefore a low dosage and a short intake time are recommended. The drug is taboo for pregnant women.
• Paracetamol: Also a classic and good for fever, headache, limb and toothache. However, it hardly helps with pain caused by inflammation (such as joint pain). It is suitable for pregnant women, but it can damage the liver.
• Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA): The pain reliever known as "aspirin" works against mild pain, such as difficulty swallowing. In small doses, it is also used as a blood thinner. Therefore, it should never be taken before surgery or dental surgery. If you have asthma, stomach problems or a virus disease, you shouldn't take ASA. There are also better pain relievers for pregnant women.
• Diclofenac: For mild pain, sports injuries and joint problems, it has an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. Due to various side effects, it should be taken in consultation with a doctor. Among other things, the gastric and intestinal mucosa and the cardiovascular system can be damaged.
• Naproxen: For mild pain (e.g. joint pain), it works against fever and inflammation. Special drugs also work against menstrual disorders. Suitable for short-term use only.
• Propyhenazone: often used for pain and fever, but the experts at Stiftung Warentest consider the product "unsuitable". Because effectiveness and risks have not been sufficiently examined. Ibuprofen, paracetamol and ASA are better.
• Phenazon: According to the Stiftung Warentest, this medication is also unsuitable for pain, fever and migraines. Alternatively, the experts recommend ibuprofen.

Öko-Test warns against pain reliever aspirin

In August 2017, Öko-Test tested pain medication for children and almost everyone was able to convince.

• Paracetamol as suppository (Hexal, Ben-U-Ron, Enelfa Dr. Henk and others) and ibuprofen as juice (including Winthrop AbZ and Pharma) scored "very good".
• Only from acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), also aspirin, advises Öko-Test. It could trigger Reye syndrome, a dangerous liver and brain disease.
• Parents should pay attention to the dosage according to age and weight in the package insert.

Pain reliever for sports injuries and joint pain

According to Stiftung Warentest, the active ingredient diclofenac helps well with joint pain. A low dosage and only a temporary use are important. Diclofenac is included in Voltaren, among others.

• Best price: Diclofenac Zentiva 25 mg film-coated tablets for 9.25 euros (e.g. online at Amazon)
• Highest price: Voltaren Dolo Liquid 25 mg soft capsules for 11.80 euros (e.g. online at Amazon)
• You can get more details at test.de.

Headache, limb, joint, menstrual, wound and toothache: ibuprofen

In addition to mild pain, ibuprofen also helps you with fever and inflammation.

• Best price: Ibuprofen-ADGC 400 mg film-coated tablets for 1.98 euros (e.g. online at Amazon)
• Highest price: Ibuprofen AL acute 400 mg film-coated tablets for 3.80 euros (e.g. online at Amazon)

Headache, limb and toothache: paracetamol

Paracetamol is also suitable for mild pain. It mainly works in the spinal cord and brain - so it hardly helps with inflammation. It is also not recommended for hangover headaches, as it can have a negative effect on the liver.

• Best price: Paracetamol 500 1A Pharma tablets 1.34 euros (e.g. online at Amazon)
• Highest price: Paracetamol 500 mg IPA tablets 1.98 euros (e.g. online at Amazon)

Note: Be aware that all medications can have side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this. In the case of severe pain and also if symptoms persist, you should definitely consult a doctor.

On the next page we show where you can order medication online.