Do not alternate between paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat a high temperature without advice from a doctor or nurse. See your doctor if you've tried both paracetamol and ibuprofen and they have not helped.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given together, but you can stagger them so that every few hours, if needed, the child can have some medication. For example, you can give paracetamol at 8am, ibuprofen at 11am and paracetamol again at 2pm (i.e. six hours after the first dose of paracetamol).
The quick answer is yes, you can. Paracetamol and ibuprofen do not react with each other to harm your child. The potential risk of using them both together is that you will get confused with how much you have given and then give your child too much.
So that your child's pain is well controlled, it is OK to alternate giving paracetamol and ibuprofen, or even to give both at the same time.
Taking ibuprofen with other painkillers
It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine.
If they are still in some pain after giving ibuprofen you can alternate between doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Current evidence suggests that for some types of pain, combining paracetamol with an NSAID may offer better analgesia than either drug alone. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory actions.
Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to harm you. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Taking too much paracetamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment. Too much paracetamol can cause liver damage.
Do not alternate between paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat a high temperature without advice from a doctor or nurse. Do not give more than the maximum daily dose of either medicine.
adults – can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (200mg) every 4 to 6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 1,200mg (6 x 200mg) tablets in the space of 24 hours.
Your doctor or pharmacist may advise that you take ibuprofen with paracetamol for additional pain relief. Paracetamol is not an NSAID and works differently to ibuprofen. If you take ibuprofen and paracetamol together, remember not to exceed the recommended daily doses for each pain reliever.
The main difference between the two medications is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation, whereas paracetamol does not. According to Hamish, there's no advantage in taking ibuprofen or paracetamol brands such as Nurofen or Panadol over the cheaper chemist or supermarket versions.
Adults can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) in the space of 24 hours. Children under 16 need to take a lower dose, depending on their age or weight – check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
In healthy subjects 85 to 95% of a therapeutic dose is excreted in the urine within 24 hours with about 4, 55, 30, 4 and 4% appearing as unchanged paracetamol and its glucuronide, sulphate, mercapturic acid and cysteine conjugates, respectively.
You can take two tablets every four hours, but do not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours.
The primary difference is that ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), meaning that it treats inflammation. Paracetamol does not. For example, paracetamol can be taken to treat the pain of arthritis, but it will not treat the inflammation which is causing the pain.
If you have mild-to-moderate pain, paracetamol is often the best painkiller to try first. But NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can be better for pain associated with inflammation.
Paracetamol is useful for treating mild to moderate pain and fever in children. It has only a small effect on inflammation (redness, swelling). Ibuprofen is one of the most common non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for treating mild to moderate pain and fever in children.
If you take ibuprofen 3 times a day, leave at least 6 hours between doses. If you take it 4 times a day, leave at least 4 hours between doses. If you have pain all the time, your doctor may recommend slow-release ibuprofen tablets or capsules. You'll usually take these once a day in the evening or twice a day.
It provides fever relief that lasts for up to 8 hours and is available in both Strawberry and Orange flavours. For over 30 years, Nurofen has helped to provide millions of people with pain relief.
Nurofen (ibuprofen) dosage for adults and children from 12 years. Take 2 tablets (400mg), then 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as necessary. Do not take more than 6 tablets (1200mg) in 24 hours.
Nurofen can be taken on an empty stomach with water. Taking Nurofen with food delays its onset of action. Most people won't get an upset stomach if they take Nurofen as directed on the pack and for not more than 3 days.
Nurofen Double Strength 400mg tablets provide effective relief from pain in 1 tablet, for up to 8 hours*. Take with water. Adults and children from 12 years: 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as necessary (maximum 3 tablets in 24 hours). Do not exceed the recommended dose.
For some people, acetaminophen is the best way to reduce certain cold and flu symptoms. For others, ibuprofen does the trick. For many, both are equally effective.