Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen: Alternate Tylenol and Advil

You have back pain, a headache or a fever. You usually turn to paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve your symptoms.

Acetaminophen (like Tylenol®) is an analgesic, a type of medication that reduces pain signals in your nervous system. Typically, it is used to treat pain such as headaches, joint pains, and toothaches, as well as to reduce fever.

Ibuprofen (such as Advil® or Motrin®) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This type of medication blocks the body’s production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation. Typically it is used to treat back pain, earache, menstrual cramps and toothache, as well as to reduce fever.

But can you take ibuprofen and acetaminophen together?

“Both ibuprofen and paracetamol are painkillers and fever reducers. Both can reduce inflammation, but they work in slightly different ways and are processed by different parts of the body,” says primary care physician Amy Horwitz, DO. “It may be safe to take them together if taken as directed.”

Dr. Horwitz explains how you can switch between paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Can you take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together?

“If you have an injury, back pain, or fever, you can alternate between the two,” says Dr. Horwitz. “There are several studies that show that by combining ibuprofen and acetaminophen to treat acute pain, we achieve better pain control than with some of our less safe painkillers.”

Since paracetamol and ibuprofen work slightly differently, the combination of the targeted effect on different signaling pathways is beneficial for pain treatment and fever reduction.

Side effects and risks

There are some other side effects associated with both acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

The side effects of acetaminophen, also called paracetamol in some countries, include:

• Headache
• nausea
• Vomit
• Loss of appetite

Side effects of ibuprofen include:

• Upset stomach
• nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomit
• swelling of the legs

“I recommend taking both medications with some food, such as a few crackers, yogurt, or a banana, to prevent stomach upset,” advises Dr. Horwitz.

And while both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually safe, she adds that you need to be careful about taking these over-the-counter (OTC) medications if you have kidney, digestive, bleeding, or liver problems. Acetaminophen is processed by your liver, while ibuprofen is processed by your kidneys.

You also want to know the maximum recommended dose for each. For adults and children over 12, do not exceed 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen or 1,200 milligrams of ibuprofen.

There may be serious risks if you take more than recommended dosages. Taking too much acetaminophen or drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen can cause liver damage. And if you take too much ibuprofen, it can cause kidney damage.

Alternately paracetamol and ibuprofen

It’s important to make this clear shouldn’t Take both acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time.

The idea is change between the two drugs.

How close can you take Tylenol and Ibuprofen together? Take one first and then four to six hours, then the other later.

For example, if you wake up around 8 a.m., start by taking 400 milligrams of ibuprofen and then take 500 milligrams of acetaminophen around noon.

“This way, you can alternate every three to four hours throughout the day,” recommends Dr. Horwitz.

This routine can also be used for children under 12, Dr. However, Horwitz recommends contacting your child’s pediatrician to determine the correct dosage for your child and his or her body weight.

If you’re taking acetaminophen along with ibuprofen regularly for more than three days, she also recommends speaking to a doctor.

“They can be taken together for longer without any concerns,” she clarifies. “But if you have a fever or pain that lasts longer than three days, I usually recommend you consult your doctor. We don’t want you to take these medications for a long time – even if you take them at the right dosage. Although they are generally safe, these medications have real side effects.”

A doctor can examine you and perform any necessary tests to make sure there is nothing else related to your health.

Conclusion?

If you would like to try an alternating course of paracetamol and ibuprofen, Dr. Horwitz to create a schedule.

“Write down which one you took and what time it was so you can keep track of where you are and how much you’re taking.”

And it’s important to pay attention to the dosage you take.

“With acetaminophen, there are regular and extra strength options,” she adds. “It is important that you pay attention to what dose you have in your medicine cabinet. Although both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally considered safe over-the-counter medications, it is still important that you use them as directed.”