In its most up-to-date tips on the usage of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for COVID-19, the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) says that mildly unwell sufferers can relieve signs akin to fever and sore throat with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, however a workforce led by Florida Atlantic College (FAU) researchers says it isn’t that straightforward..
In a assessment within the American Journal of Medication, the investigators conclude that the choice to take acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (eg, Motrin, Advil) must be carried out on a person foundation below the steering of a clinician.
It is because the medicine aren’t risk-free, with overuse of acetaminophen tied to irreversible liver harm, liver failure, the necessity for liver transplant, and kidney harm, the authors famous.
Whereas aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties could also be helpful in treating average to extreme COVID-19, it carries the chance of bleeding, particularly within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. That is of specific concern in COVID-19, which can itself result in bleeding and clotting abnormalities.
Affected person profile ought to information determination, authors say
In contrast with aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (eg, Aleve), and different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs) have larger adverse-event profiles, specifically for gastroenteritis (irritation of the GI tract) and peptic ulcers. As with acetaminophen, long-term use of those medicine can result in liver and kidney toxicity.