{"id":8954,"date":"2020-02-14T08:00:28","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T13:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=8954"},"modified":"2023-08-04T17:25:29","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T21:25:29","slug":"ibuprofen-and-acetaminophen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibuprofen-and-acetaminophen\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to take ibuprofen and Tylenol together?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen<\/a> | Dosage<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Interactions<\/a> | Which is safer<\/a> | Mixing OTC pain relievers<\/a> | Overdose<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are a great option to treat everyday aches and pains. They are widely available and help remedy mild to moderate pain from a variety of conditions: sore throats, menstrual cramps, toothaches, sprains, muscle aches, abdominal pain, minor aches, headaches, arthritis pain, and most acute pain. Some of the most popular pain medications are<\/span> ibuprofen and acetaminophen<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might know acetaminophen by its brand name, <\/span>Tylenol<\/span><\/a>. Ibuprofen is also a generic pain reliever branded as Advil and Motrin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAcetaminophen is a medication that is usually metabolized by the liver,\u201d says<\/span> Sasan Massachi<\/span><\/a>, MD, a primary care physician in Beverly Hills, California. \u201cIbuprofen is an <\/span>NSAID<\/span><\/a> (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that causes inhibition in a specific enzyme within the body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both <\/span>acetaminophen<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> reduce <\/span>fevers and pain<\/span><\/a> effectively. However, ibuprofen also reduces inflammation and has antiplatelet effects. As an antiplatelet, ibuprofen reduces blood clots and may increase the risk of bleeding. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>RELATED: <\/b>Acetaminophen details<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Ibuprofen details<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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

It is safe to use acetaminophen and ibuprofen together in the recommended amount.<\/span> A 2019 Cochrane Review<\/span><\/a> found ibuprofen plus paracetamol (another name for acetaminophen) provided <\/span>better pain relief than either drug alone<\/span><\/a> and reduced the chance of needing additional pain relievers over approximately eight hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although using these pain relievers together is safe, Dr. Massachi only recommends taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen simultaneously in rare cases. \u201cSometimes we have patients alternate by taking ibuprofen or Tylenol specifically as a fever reducer, so we are able to get the benefits of both medications without the risk of side effects,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

How much ibuprofen and acetaminophen can I take together?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen <\/span>can be safely used together<\/span><\/a>, but they should always be used at the lowest possible doses to achieve relief, and the <\/span>recommended daily dose should not be exceeded<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe usual safe doses for ibuprofen is up to [a maximum of] 800 milligrams (mg) per dose every eight hours and acetaminophen 650 mg every six hours if taken together, assuming normal kidney and liver functions,\u201d according to Dr. Massachi.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a variety of doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen. The standard dosage for OTC ibuprofen is 200 to 400 mg every six hours. Adults should not take more than an absolute maximum of 3,200 mg of ibuprofen daily. Given the potential for adverse effects with higher doses in many patient populations, patients should take the smallest dose needed to alleviate pain. Patients should start with lower doses and not exceed 1,200 mg per day, before pushing doses to the maximum daily dose of 3,200 mg per day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is important to pay close attention to the package labels when taking OTC ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It is especially important to pay attention to the age of the person taking the medication. Children have different recommended dosages than adults. It is a good idea for parents with concerns to talk to a pharmacist or pediatrician when unsure of what dose to give a child.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Acetaminophen is typically available in strengths of 325 to 650 mg. A single dose is usually two 325 mg pills taken every six hours. The maximum amount of acetaminophen is no more than 1,000 mg at one time or 3,000 mg within 24 hours. In rare scenarios, a healthcare professional may advise a patient it is safe to take up to 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours. Do not use more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen, especially for prolonged periods of time and if not under the advice of a healthcare professional, because it can be harmful to the liver and cause permanent damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Always ask a healthcare professional, such as your primary care provider or pharmacist, if you\u2019re ever unsure how much medicine to take. They can also help you determine which other OTC medications may include \u201chidden\u201d similar ingredients, such as flu and cold medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of ibuprofen and acetaminophen<\/span><\/h2>\n

It is safe to take these two OTC pain relievers together in the recommended doses. Both pain relievers also come with<\/span> side effects<\/span><\/a>, and they can be harmful when an overdose occurs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of ibuprofen<\/span><\/h3>\n