Which analgesic choice is safest for a patient with an ibuprofen allergy?

• A. Ibuprofen.
• B. Naproxen.
• C. Acetaminophen.
• D. Ketorolac.

Answer: (C)

When a patient has an ibuprofen allergy, the safest analgesic is one that isn’t an NSAID, because NSAID-class drugs share a similar mechanism and can trigger hypersensitivity in someone known to react to ibuprofen. Acetaminophen provides analgesia and fever relief through a different pathway and is not an NSAID, so it has a much lower risk of cross-reaction in this scenario. It’s the best choice for pain relief without risking ibuprofen-type allergic responses. Keep in mind it doesn’t have anti-inflammatory effects, so if inflammation is a primary issue, other non-NSAID strategies might be needed, and always monitor for liver safety with acetaminophen and use the recommended dosing. The other options listed are NSAIDs, which carry a higher risk of reaction for someone with an ibuprofen allergy.