Is Advil a Stronger Anti-Inflammitory Than Aspirin?

Question

I've been having lower stomach cramping since the Summer (read my other questions if you want a more detailed description on it)

The doctor doesn't think it's endometriosis anymore but doesn't know what else it could be so she wants to try to treat it like it is to see if the pain won't go away.She doesn't want to do laparoscopy yet.Anyways she decided to put me back on the birthcontrol which I've been taking for the past 3 months and she wants me to take advil every day for the next 3 months.

I've already tried Aspirin for 2 weeks and it didn't help what-so-ever.I've also tried Tylenol #3 which didn't work.I know Tylenol #3 isn't an anti-inflammatory.And I also know the differences between Advil and Aspirin (both are anti-inflammatories but Aspirin is also a bloodthinner).I was just wondering is Advil a stronger or better anti-inflammatory than Aspirin?

Sorry for any spelling errors

Answer 1

Yes it is, you have to make sure that you are consistent in taking the Motrin as well. Make sure they give you prescription strength, but I would also recommend that they give you vicodin or something of that nature for the really hard times you have with endometriosis. I know I have it as well. I also have Rheumatoid Arthiritis and Ibuprofen 800 mg.(Motrin) is the only thing that keeps me from a constant flare up. Also please try to reduce your intake of caffeine and red meats to help the endometriosis from becoming worse. Best of luck to you. I know the pain you suffer.

Answer 2

Technically, ibuprofen is not a true anti-inflammatory, it is simply a pain reliever (anti-pyretic) and effects substance P, not cyclo-oxygenase (COX).  Sure, it has some minor anti-inflammatory properties but it is not a true COX inhibitor like aspirin, naproxen, etc., are.

Now, if you're having stomach problems the LAST thing you want to take is a COX inhibitor, because those alone will cause ulceration and stomach pain.  There is COX-1 and COX-2; COX-1 is found in the stomach and it is best not to inhibit it; COX-2 causes peripheral inflammation and that is the one you want to inhibit.  Unfortunately aspirin is non-specific, and hence why it is associated with stomach problems.  If you want to go the COX route, you need a COX-2 inhibitor so you don't make your stomach worse (though it sounds like you are describing intestinal problem).  And endometriosis is technically a reproductive tract issue, not a gastrointestinal tract problem.  First you need to figure out what you are really treating...  There's a gigantic difference between "lower stomach cramping" (upper GI), intestinal (lower GI), and reproductive organs (endometriosis)

So, to sum up, ibuprofen is a better pain reliever, but aspirin is a better anti-inflammatory, but comes with its own problems.  I would stick with the Advil.  If you want a true anti-inflammatory get a prescription COX-2 specific inhibitor like Vioxx.  Honestly, if it is truly endometriosis, you need a strong anti-inflammatory (like Vioxx, although it has become the b*****d child lately, but I think it works great) and a stronger pain reliever (Ultram would be good, it's non-opioid and won't have as much addictive potential)