It is important to have a good understanding of different types of drugs and their safety when considering taking two types of pain relief at once.
In this case, we will be looking at whether it is safe to take ibuprofen and paracetamol together.
The answer is yes, you can take ibuprofen and paracetamol together. However, there are a few things you should know before taking both medications at once.
If you are 16 years old or older, it is perfectly safe to take both medications together according to the NHS. You have the option to take both tablets at the same time or space them apart. For example, you can spread your four-hour doses two hours apart.
There are also over-the-counter medicines available that combine paracetamol and ibuprofen, eliminating the need to have both medications separately.
But it is always important to consider whether you really need to take two different types of pain relief. If you find yourself self-medicating for more than three days, it might be a good idea to consult your GP.
Both ibuprofen and paracetamol can be taken with alcohol, but it is not recommended to drink alcohol when you are feeling unwell.
While both medications help in reducing pain, they work in different ways. The main difference between ibuprofen and paracetamol is that ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory effects, whereas paracetamol does not.
Both medications can be taken every four hours to ease pain and control fevers. However, ibuprofen is more effective in reducing inflammation as it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Inflammation can occur due to various reasons such as infection or the body’s response to damage. Ibuprofen can be used to ease arthritis, period pains, back pain, toothache, as well as swelling caused by sprains and strains. However, the NHS advises waiting at least 48 hours before taking ibuprofen for swelling in order to avoid slowing down the healing process.
Another important difference between ibuprofen and paracetamol is that ibuprofen should never be taken on an empty stomach as it can irritate the stomach lining and potentially cause ulcers or bleeding. It is most effective when taken with or immediately after food. On the other hand, paracetamol does not need to be taken with food and can usually be safely taken with other medications.
It is not recommended to give children ibuprofen and paracetamol together. The NHS advises switching to the other painkiller if one does not seem to be helping when the next dose is due.
There are certain people who cannot take ibuprofen, including those who have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen or any other medicines in the past, have had allergic symptoms after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant, or have high blood pressure that is not under control. It is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen if you have had bleeding in your stomach, a stomach ulcer, a hole in your stomach, a health problem that increases your chance of bleeding, liver problems, heart disease or severe heart failure, kidney failure, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or chickenpox or shingles. Additionally, individuals over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of stomach ulcers if they take ibuprofen, so they may be advised against it if they have a chronic condition.
Pregnant women should avoid taking ibuprofen and are generally advised to take paracetamol instead. However, paracetamol should also be used with caution.
It is important to leave a four-hour gap between doses of paracetamol and to follow the recommended dosage. For ibuprofen, the usual dose for adults is one or two 200mg tablets three times a day. If needed, a doctor may prescribe a higher dose of up to 600mg four times a day. Leave at least six hours between doses if you are taking ibuprofen three times a day, and at least four hours between doses if you are taking it four times a day.
Taking too much paracetamol or ibuprofen can be dangerous, so it is important not to double the dose if the pain is severe. If you have taken too much, call a doctor immediately and do not drive yourself to the hospital.
The NHS advises taking ibuprofen tablets at the lowest dose for the shortest time. For short-term pain, such as toothache or period pain, you may need to take it for only one or two days. Do not use ibuprofen for more than 10 days without consulting your doctor, and do not use ibuprofen gel, mousse, or spray for more than two weeks without talking to your doctor. If you have a long-term health problem like rheumatoid arthritis, you may need to take ibuprofen for longer. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to protect your stomach from any side effects.
It is important to have a good understanding of these medications and their usage to ensure safe and effective pain relief. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions.
