379 A: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are
over-the-counter pain relievers that work differently. It’s generally safe to combine them as follows: Take ibuprofen and Tylenol together every 4 to 6 hours.
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About The Author
Sarah Lewis is a pharmacist and a medical writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas of pharmacy practice. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. She completed Pharmacy Practice Residency training at the University of Pittsburgh/VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.
Last Updated: February 13, 2020
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
View Sources
- Managing Your Pain After Surgery Without Opioids. University of Michigan. //www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Surgery/MPOPeducation-ManagingPainWithoutOpioids.pdf
- Which OTC Painkillers Can You Take Together? American Council on Science and Health. //www.acsh.org/news/2018/08/28/which-otc-painkillers-can-you-take-together-13353
Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex
Descriptions
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination is used to relieve minor aches and pains including headache, backache, toothache, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis pain.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used in this combination to relieve inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including serious liver damage.
This medicine is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2022
Copyright © 2022 IBM Watson Health. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Large amounts of acetaminophen may cause liver damage if taken for a long time.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
You may take this medicine with milk or food to avoid stomach upset.
Do not drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks while you are using this medicine. Drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine may increase your risk of liver damage and stomach bleeding.
This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using, because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For minor aches and pains:
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older—2 tablets every 8 hours as needed. Each tablet contains 250 milligrams (mg) acetaminophen and 125 mg ibuprofen. Do not take more than 6 tablets per day.
- Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For minor aches and pains:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2022
Copyright © 2022 IBM Watson Health. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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