It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine. But do not take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor.
Giving paracetamol with other painkillers
However, do not give paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time. You need to give these medicines 1 at a time (unless your child's doctor or nurse gives you different instructions).
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.
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).
Maxigesic (AFT Pharmaceuticals) contains a combination of paracetamol 500 mg and ibuprofen 150 mg in a single tablet. The recommended dose in individuals 12 years and over is 1–2 tablets every 6 hours as required, to a maximum of eight tablets in 24 hours.
You should start to feel better 20 to 30 minutes after taking ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid.
An easy pill to swallow for the one in three who don't know the difference anyway, but ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory firepower blows paracetamol out of the pharmacy. Just use the lowest effective dose, and use sparingly.
Paracetamol can be given every 4-6 hours - MAXIMUM FOUR DOSES IN 24 HOURS. Ibuprofen can be given every 6-8 hours - MAXIMUM THREE DOSES IN 24 HOURS.
Taking paracetamol with other painkillers
It's safe to take paracetamol with other types of painkiller that do not contain paracetamol, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or codeine. Do not take paracetamol alongside other medicines that contain paracetamol.
Ibuprofen and paracetamol can be safely taken together, though this combination is not recommended for long-term use in chronic pain. This particular combination is sometimes used as an alternative to opioid-based painkillers, such as codeine, for the management of short-term moderate pain.
To summarise, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are both pain relievers (analgesics). The primary difference is that ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), meaning that it treats inflammation. Paracetamol does not.
For severe or acute pain, paracetamol and ibuprofen may be combined, doses of each may be taken together or alternately. To minimise confusion, it is recommended that doses of ibuprofen and paracetamol are taken together.
Nurofen products (with the exception of Nurofen Regular Heat Patches) contain ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and fever.
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. children under 16 – may need to take a lower dose, depending on their age; check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Ibuprofen for adults (Nurofen)
Other brand names: Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel, Ibuleve. Find out how ibuprofen treats pain and swelling (inflammation), and how to take it.
The most powerful pain relievers are opioids. They are very effective, but they can sometimes have serious side effects. There is also a risk of addiction.
If you take too much
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.
If you need additional pain relief, you can combine aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen with acetaminophen. However, do not take aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen within 8-12 hours of each other. Also, watch out for pain medications that might be included in combination products such as those used for cough and cold.
Ibuprofen+Paracetamol is used to relieve mild-to-moderate pain in conditions such as toothache, ear pain, joint pain, headache, pain during menses, etc. It is also used in fever.
A feeling of sickness (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) may occur a few hours after taking the overdose. After 24 hours there may be pain under the ribs on the right side (where the liver is) and there may be yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin (jaundice).
Two tablets up to four times daily. The dose should not be repeated more frequently than every 4 hours. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Paracetamol works similarly to ibuprofen by blocking the production of prostaglandins and COX enzymes in the body - chemicals that promote pain, inflammation and fever. However, unlike ibuprofen that is primarily metabolised in the kidneys, paracetamol is processed in the liver.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
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.