If you've taken an over-the-counter pain reliever before, you've likely had aspirin or ibuprofen. These are both very common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, that are typically used to treat pain, inflammation, and fevers.

They are popular active ingredients in various brand name products such as Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) or Bayer and Ecotrin (aspirin). However, just because they are over-the-counter, it doesn't mean that they come without risks or are safe for everyone to use.

Aspirin is made out of salicylic acid, and ibuprofen is made from propionic acid. The difference between the two acids is due to their chemical structures, particularly where the carbon and oxygen are located.

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"When we inhibit those prostaglandins, we inhibit that inflammatory cascade of reactions which is what is causing pain. So, we eliminate the inflammation, or, reduce inflammation, and with it goes the pain as well," says Medhat Mikhael, MD, pain management specialist and medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

Mikhael says for some chronic pain conditions, ibuprofen may be taken long term during flare-ups, as long as they "interrupt" the doses and take a week or two off from the medication. Ibuprofen is more suitable than aspirin for longer-term use in situations like this.

Overall, Mikhael says they can both be used to treat the same problems, including:

Your doctor may recommend that you take daily baby aspirin if you are at high risk for heart attack or stroke, like if you have very high blood pressure or have had a heart attack before.

As with most medications, aspirin and ibuprofen both run the risk of side effects, including serious ones. Some potential side effects include:

But unlike aspirin, ibuprofen may increase your risk of cardiovascular problems. This is why it's so important to use medications as directed and only short term, not long term, to avoid these serious side effects.

The following groups of people may want to avoid ibuprofen due to the increased risk of related side effects:

More here:
Aspirin vs. ibuprofen: The key differences and which one you should take - Business Insider India

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