Nurofen vs Panadol
A side-by-side look at two pain relief medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| NZ Nurofen | NZ Panadol | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | ibuprofen | paracetamol |
| Drug class | NSAID | Analgesic/Antipyretic |
| Treats | Pain relief, inflammation, fever | Pain relief, fever |
| Category | Pain Relief | Pain Relief |
| Manufacturer | Reckitt | Haleon |
| Year approved | 1983 | 1956 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $10M | $5M |
| Common side effects | Stomach upset, Heartburn, Nausea, Increased blood pressure | Liver damage in overdose, Rare: skin reactions, Nausea (rare) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Nurofen or Panadol better?
Neither is universally "better." Nurofen (ibuprofen) and Panadol (paracetamol) are both used for pain relief, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Nurofen and Panadol?
Nurofen is a NSAID made by Reckitt, while Panadol is a Analgesic/Antipyretic made by Haleon. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Nurofen has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.