Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol together? - Common Health Questions | NHS

Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time?

Yes, you can take ibuprofen and paracetamol together. They work to help with pain and fever.

Here is how to take them safely:

• Check the box or talk to a doctor to know the right dose.
• Take the medicines with food or a drink.
• Use a timer to remind you when to take each medicine.
• Keep track of the times you take each medicine.

If you still feel unwell, or have questions, ask a doctor or pharmacist for help.

How often can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol together?

It's important to follow the doctor's advice.

You can usually take ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours.

You can usually take paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours.

Do not take more than the amount on the medicine box.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

A medicine box and timer can help you remember when to take your medicine.

What are the good things about taking ibuprofen and paracetamol together?

Ibuprofen and paracetamol are medicines that help when you have pain or a fever. Sometimes, taking them together can work better than just one. Before you do this, ask an adult or a doctor to help you decide if it's okay for you. Using a timer to remember when to take them can be helpful too!

Is it safe to take ibuprofen and paracetamol together?

Taking both ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time can help with pain and fever.

But it is important to be careful and talk to an adult or a doctor before you do.

Sometimes, taking them together can upset your tummy. So, it's good to check first.

Here is what you can do:

• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it's okay for you.
• Follow the instructions on the box.
• Use a pill organiser or timer to help you remember when to take them.

Can kids take ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time?

Can kids take ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time?

How much ibuprofen can I take in one day?

Ibuprofen is a medicine that helps with pain and swelling.

It is very important to take the right amount.

If you are not sure, ask a doctor or a grown-up for help.

You can use a medicine spoon or cup to measure it.

Never take more than what the doctor or the label says.

If you still feel bad after taking it, tell a grown-up or doctor.

How much paracetamol can I take in one day?

Paracetamol is medicine that helps when you have pain or a fever.

Here is how much you can take:

• Adults can take up to 8 tablets a day. Each tablet is 500mg. That is 2 tablets at once, up to 4 times a day.
• Children need less. Check with a doctor or pharmacist to find out how much.

Remember:

• Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• Wait at least 4 hours before you take more tablets.

Get help if you are not sure. You can ask a doctor or a pharmacist. They can help you understand how much to take.

Can I take ibuprofen if I have asthma?

Ibuprofen is a medicine that helps with pain and fever. It is important to be careful with ibuprofen if you have asthma.

Sometimes, people with asthma can have breathing problems when they take ibuprofen. It is a good idea to ask your doctor before taking ibuprofen.

If you have asthma and need medicine, talk to a healthcare worker. They can tell you what is safe to take.

Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol without food?

It is important to know how to take medicine safely.

Here are some tips:

• Ibuprofen can upset your tummy if you don't eat first. Try to have a snack or a meal before taking it.
• Paracetamol is usually okay to take with or without food, but it can still be a good idea to eat something.
• If you are not sure, ask a grown-up or a doctor.

Using these tips can help your tummy feel better.

Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol if I am pregnant?

If you are going to have a baby, talk to your doctor before taking medicine. This includes ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Your doctor will help you know what is safe for you and the baby. They can give good advice.

If it is hard to remember what the doctor says, ask them to write it down. You can also take a friend or family member with you to help listen.

There are phone apps that can remind you about medicine. Use pictures and colors to help you understand the medicine labels.

What should I do if I take too much ibuprofen or paracetamol?

If you take more ibuprofen or paracetamol than you should, tell an adult right away. You can also call a doctor. They will know how to help you.

Ask someone to stay with you and use the phone to call for help. You can also use the internet to find your local emergency number.

Make sure to tell the helpers how much medicine you took and when you took it.

Can I drink alcohol when I take ibuprofen and paracetamol?

It is not safe to drink alcohol when you take medicine like ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Drinking alcohol and taking these medicines can hurt your stomach or liver.

Use a calendar or set a reminder on your phone to help you remember when to take your medicine and not drink alcohol.

Can I take ibuprofen for a long time to help with pain?

Ibuprofen can help with pain when you hurt yourself. But you should talk to a doctor before using it for a long time. They can help you know if it's safe for you.

If you have pain for a long time, there are other ways to help, like:

• Talking to your doctor about other medicines.
• Trying gentle exercises to feel better.
• Using heat or cold packs.
• Trying relaxation techniques, like deep breathing.

Always ask a grown-up or doctor if you're not sure what to do.

Can you take ibuprofen and paracetamol with other medicines?

What to Do If You Forget to Take Your Medicine

If you forget to take your ibuprofen or paracetamol, don't worry. Here’s what you can do:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
• If you are unsure, ask a grown-up or a doctor for help.

Here are some tools to help you remember your medicine:

• Set an alarm or reminder on your phone.
• Use a pill box with days of the week.