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🏥 Gotokuji Orthopedic Clinic / Patient Guide

Loxonin vs. Acetaminophen

Loxonin vs Calonal
Two popular painkillers with very different mechanisms and side effects

Loxonin and Acetaminophen (Calonal) are both painkillers, but they work in completely different ways.
Loxonin is an NSAID that reduces inflammation to relieve pain, making it powerful for pain with swelling.
Acetaminophen works in the brain to reduce the sensation of pain and places a relatively small burden on the stomach.
Each has its own best uses and things to watch out for.

1
Loxonin: Reduces inflammation at the site of pain

Blocks the COX enzyme, stopping the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation

2
Acetaminophen: Lowers pain signals in the brain

Acts on the central nervous system to weaken pain signals. Has little anti-inflammatory effect

3
Different strengths

Loxonin is stronger and works in 30 min to 1 hour. Acetaminophen is milder and takes 1-2 hours

4
Different side effects

Loxonin: watch out for the stomach and kidneys. Acetaminophen: watch out for the liver (when taken in excess)

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Pain with swelling or inflammation: Loxonin
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Elderly patients or sensitive stomach: Acetaminophen
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During pregnancy: Acetaminophen (only after consulting your doctor)
Need fast, strong pain relief: Loxonin
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Long-term chronic pain management: Acetaminophen (relatively lower side-effect risk; if you take more than 1,500 mg/day for a long period, regular liver-function tests are needed)
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Loxonin: Effect
Strong. Effective for pain with inflammation. Works in 30 min to 1 hour. Lasts 4-6 hours
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Acetaminophen: Effect
Mild. Good for light to moderate pain. Works in 1-2 hours. Lasts 4-6 hours
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Loxonin: Side Effects
Risk of stomach pain, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Kidney problems. It cannot be used by people with gastric or duodenal ulcers or severe kidney impairment
Acetaminophen: Side Effects
Relatively little burden on the stomach (but it can worsen an existing peptic ulcer). Risk of liver damage if overdosed
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Loxonin: Dosage
60 mg per dose, max 180 mg/day (3 times). Take after meals
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Acetaminophen: Dosage
300-1000 mg per dose, up to 4000 mg total per day. Wait 4-6 hours between doses
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Choose based on the cause of pain and your health condition

Use Loxonin for acute pain with strong inflammation, and Acetaminophen if you have stomach or kidney concerns or for chronic pain. Both last 4-6 hours, but they differ in how they work and their side effects. Whether the two can be combined is a decision for your doctor. Do not combine them on your own, and consult your doctor if you are unsure.

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Do not combine them on your own.
Because Loxonin and Acetaminophen work in different ways, a doctor may sometimes prescribe them together when pain is severe. However, combining them on your own can lead to taking too much and can raise the risk of side effects. Loxonin cannot be used in children under 15. Loxonin must not be used in late pregnancy (it can cause the fetal ductus arteriosus to constrict). Whatever the stage of pregnancy, never decide on your own - always consult your doctor.

💡 Key Points to Remember

  • Pain with swelling: Loxonin. Pain without swelling: Acetaminophen
  • Take Loxonin after meals. It can harm the stomach on an empty stomach
  • Avoid taking Acetaminophen after drinking alcohol (liver risk)
  • Both only ease the symptoms. It is important to also treat the underlying cause