{"id":630499,"date":"2024-11-19T10:39:02","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T15:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630499"},"modified":"2026-03-09T18:55:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T22:55:56","slug":"can-you-take-theraflu-and-ibuprofen-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-you-take-theraflu-and-ibuprofen-together\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take Theraflu and ibuprofen together?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you or someone you care for come down with the <\/span>common cold<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>the flu<\/span><\/a>, the only thing you want is relief\u2014and the faster, the better. The dizzying array of over-the-counter (OTC) <\/span>painkillers<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>cold medications<\/span><\/a> can get confusing, especially if there\u2019s no single drug that will solve all your symptoms. Theraflu and ibuprofen are two common OTC medications for symptom relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> is a generic OTC pain reliever and fever reducer. It belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Though available in generic form, ibuprofen is also sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin, among others. (It\u2019s also available in higher doses by prescription.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Theraflu, on the other hand, is a family of several products with different formulations for cold and cough relief or flu relief. Theraflu medicines generally contain acetaminophen, which helps with fever and pain, and a combination of ingredients classified as an antihistamine, antitussive (anti-cough), and\/or decongestant. There are various forms including liquids, packets, and pills\u2014as well as daytime (non-drowsy) and nighttime formulations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

People have different reasons for wanting to take ibuprofen and Theraflu together, or maybe they have heard that a combination of OTC medications is more effective at reducing symptoms. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about whether you can take Theraflu and ibuprofen together, including side effects and considerations to be aware of when taking them together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take Theraflu and ibuprofen together?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The short answer is yes, but it depends.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is only safe to combine OTC drugs like these once you\u2019ve double-checked that there is no ingredient overlap, according to <\/span>Joanne Nguyen, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a>, a clinical pharmacist based in Warner Robbins, Georgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, Theraflu products do not contain ibuprofen. \u201cThus, in most cases, ibuprofen and Theraflu can be taken together,\u201d says Raj Singh, MD, a primary care physician at <\/span>HEALOR<\/span><\/a>, a Las Vegas-based holistic primary care clinic, and the medical director of <\/span>RAREV<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bottom line: Not all Theraflu products contain the same active ingredients. Nguyen recommends checking ingredient labels before combining any of them with ibuprofen, as doubling up on <\/span>NSAIDs<\/span><\/a> like ibuprofen can \u201cincrease your risk of side effects.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Considerations when taking Theraflu and ibuprofen together<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are a few essential things to consider before taking ibuprofen and Theraflu simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consult your healthcare provider first<\/span><\/h3>\n

Get medical advice from a healthcare provider before combining medications. Even if no known interactions exist between the drugs\u2014as is the case between ibuprofen and <\/span>acetaminophen<\/span><\/a>, the pain reliever used in Theraflu products\u2014an interaction may exist between one of these drugs and a supplement or prescription drug you are taking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understand the risk of side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common side effects of ibuprofen are heartburn and gastrointestinal discomfort. The most common side effects of Theraflu products that contain an antihistamine are drowsiness, <\/span>dry mouth<\/span><\/a>, and trouble urinating. By taking both of these medications, you could subject yourself to more possible side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is not a lot of research on taking ibuprofen with Theraflu, but <\/span>one randomized controlled trial<\/span><\/a> found that combining acetaminophen and ibuprofen may offer more pain relief than taking one alone. Researchers found \u201cno definitive indications\u201d that the profile of adverse events changed when the drugs were combined. Still, the study authors also noted that the sample size was too small to definitely say that there are no additional side effects when combining these medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stick to the lowest effective dosage<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dr. Singh says that when an individual chooses to combine ibuprofen and Theraflu, it is important to use the lowest doses possible \u201cas the combination can increase the risk of liver damage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The lowest <\/span>standard dosage<\/span><\/a> for ibuprofen is 200 milligrams (mg) orally every four to six hours as needed. The standard dose of <\/span>Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold Relief<\/span><\/a> is one packet of powder dissolved in 8 ounces of water every 4 hours as needed. To lower the potency of Theraflu, you might consider adding an extra hour or two between doses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Theraflu or ibuprofen better for cold and flu symptoms?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Theraflu and ibuprofen can be used to treat the same conditions, but there are differences between these medications. Which is better depends on your symptoms, other conditions, and other drugs you may be taking. \u201cTalk with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your cold or flu symptoms,\u201d Nguyen says. There are many formulations of Theraflu, with different ingredients to address different symptoms. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, can help with symptoms such as fever, pain, and inflammation\u2014but does not help cold symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose or cough.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When sold alone, ibuprofen is simply an NSAID that reduces fever and pain. \u201cIt works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain,\u201d Dr. Singh says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Theraflu, conversely, is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Dr. Singh says it typically includes \u201ca combination of ingredients including acetaminophen (a pain reliever and fever reducer), phenylephrine (a decongestant), and sometimes an antihistamine.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ibuprofen and Theraflu have different side effects. Although this doesn\u2019t affect their efficacy for cold or flu symptoms, it might help a person decide which side effects they are willing to risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>ibuprofen side effects<\/span><\/a> include gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, gassiness, diarrhea, and nausea. Serious side effects, which may be linked to overdose, include ringing in the ears, high blood pressure, acute kidney injury, and stomach ulcers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common Theraflu Severe Cold Relief Nighttime side effects include dry mouth, trouble urinating, and nausea. Serious side effects include a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat and severe headache.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost<\/span><\/h3>\n

The out-of-pocket cost of these OTC medications may vary depending on your pharmacy, geographic location, and coupons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The cost of ibuprofen and Theraflu can vary greatly, especially considering that ibuprofen is available in various doses and brand names and that there are different types of Theraflu. To give you an idea, you can expect to pay an average of\u00a0 $13 for a 6-packet box of Theraflu Severe Cold and $16 for a bottle of 80, 200 mg capsules of Advil. However, ibuprofen is a generic medication often available at a cheaper price under the pharmacy\u2019s brand.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also save money on ibuprofen and Theraflu with SingleCare coupons. With a<\/span> SingleCare prescription discount card<\/span><\/a>, individuals can expect to pay about $9 for a 6-packet box of Theraflu Severe Cold or $3 for 100 tablets of 200 mg generic ibuprofen. In order to apply a SingleCare discount to OTC products, you will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Forms<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you have a sore throat, you might prefer a liquid or dissolvable powder medication to a tablet or capsule. In that case, Theraflu might be better than ibuprofen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen is taken orally in tablet or capsule form. Theraflu, on the other hand, is available as a syrup, a packet of powder to dissolve in hot water, or a chewable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contraindications<\/span><\/h3>\n

These medications are not right for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs, according to the <\/span>National Institutes of Health<\/span><\/a> (NIH). It is also not recommended for individuals with a high risk of serious cardiovascular events, coronary artery bypass, and serious gastrointestinal conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>DailyMed<\/span><\/a>, a website by the National Library of Medicine, Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold Relief should not be taken by anyone who is:<\/span><\/p>\n