What I learned working at a pharmaceutical company: The dilemma of whether to take Loxonin or Acetaminophen
"My head hurts. I wonder which is better, Loxonin or Acetaminophen."
Have you ever stood in front of a pharmacy shelf feeling lost? Even though they are both "painkillers," there are so many types. The prices are different, too. Honestly, I think many people just choose one at random. Today, as a drug discovery researcher, I will explain the differences.
1. How does pain occur in the first place?
To understand the difference between painkillers, you first need to know the mechanism of pain.
When a part of the body is injured or inflammation occurs, a substance called prostaglandin is produced. This substance stimulates nerves and sends a "pain" signal to the brain. At the same time, it also causes fever and swelling.
In other words, most pain is a state where "prostaglandins are causing trouble."
2. How Loxonin and Ibuprofen work
Loxonin (loxoprofen) and ibuprofen are drugs in the same group. They are called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Their mechanism of action is simple: they block the enzyme (COX) that produces prostaglandins. Because they stop the production of the causative substance, they can suppress both pain and inflammation at the same time. They are particularly effective for "pain accompanied by inflammation," such as toothaches, menstrual cramps, and joint pain.
However, there is a problem. The same enzyme also plays a role in protecting the stomach lining. That is why NSAIDs can easily upset the stomach. This is the reason why you are told not to take them on an empty stomach.
3. How Acetaminophen works
Acetaminophen works through a completely different mechanism.
The exact mechanism of action is actually not yet fully understood. However, it is known that it acts on the central nervous system to suppress pain signals.
Unlike NSAIDs, it puts almost no strain on the stomach. Therefore, it can be taken on an empty stomach and is easy to use for people with sensitive stomachs. It is also known as a painkiller that can be used during pregnancy.
However, its effect on suppressing inflammation is weak. It may not be as effective as NSAIDs for "pain caused by inflammation," such as toothaches or arthritis.
4. Which one should you take after all?
Here is a guide for choosing between them.
For pain accompanied by inflammation (toothaches, menstrual cramps, sprains, etc.), Loxonin or ibuprofen are suitable. If you have a strong stomach and can take them after a meal, they are easy to choose.
For headaches, fever, if you have a sensitive stomach, are on an empty stomach, or are pregnant, acetaminophen is suitable. It is a highly safe drug that is also used to reduce fever in children.
Whichever you choose, you can achieve the goal of "stopping the pain." The correct approach is to choose according to your situation; a more expensive drug is not necessarily better.
Summary
The cause of pain is a substance called prostaglandin
Loxonin and Ibuprofen block its production and are effective against inflammation, but they are hard on the stomach
Acetaminophen acts on the central nervous system and is easier on the stomach
Use NSAIDs for pain accompanied by inflammation; use Acetaminophen if you have a sensitive stomach, are on an empty stomach, or are pregnant
More expensive medicine is not necessarily better; the correct approach is to use them differently depending on the situation
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