Combining Tylenol and Advil to reduce fever and pain in children and adultsFebruary 22, 2021 Show
When deciding what medication to use for pain management or fever reduction, many people turn to two of the best over-the-counter options: Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen). Both are available in name-brand or store-brand varieties, and the later work equally well. Often, those looking for pain relief assume they must choose one medication or the other when, in fact, it is possible to use both medications together as each is processed differently by the body—acetaminophen is processed through the liver while ibuprofen clears through the kidneys. Additionally, studies have indicated that, when combined correctly, acetaminophen and ibuprofen provide greater relief than when used independently of one another. For Adults and children over age 12 Researchers have recently investigated just how powerful the combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen are in managing pain in adults. Studies indicate that, when combined, the two offer an equal level of pain relief as opioid narcotics. For children over the age of 12 and adults, both medications may be taken together at the same time. It is important to note the recommended dosage limits for adults and children over the age of 12:
In March of 2020, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen combination drug in the U.S. Labeled Advil Dual Action, the medication is currently available at drugstores and grocery markets and contains 125mg of ibuprofen and 250mg of acetaminophen per tablet. Always read packaging labels and talk your doctor before starting a new medication. The release of this drug is promising news as doctors look for alternatives to narcotics while the nation continues to battle the opioid epidemic. For Fever Reduction in Children Under 12 When children experience fever, a caregiver’s first reaction is to try to eliminate it. While we want to offer medication that makes children more comfortable, it is important to remember that fever serves an important role in fighting infection. The presence of fever is a positive indication that the body’s immune response is working properly. However, to provide comfort, choose either a children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen and follow the dose directions on the back of the bottle. If one medication does not seem to work sufficiently to reduce fever or pain in children age 12 and under, the key is to alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen: administer one medication at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m., and the other at 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. It is important to read the back of the package for dosing recommendations, and always check with your pediatrician before starting a new medication. Post Views: 81668
iStock In one word or less: Yes. If you have a bad headache and find both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) in your medicine cabinet, go ahead and reach for both. “Since the medications work differently and are processed in the body by different organs, it is safe for otherwise healthy individuals to use both concurrently, or by alternating medications with each dose,” says John Raimo, M.D., chair of medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in Queens, NY. Robert Glatter, M.D., an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, takes it a step further. “Taking them together has an additive or synergistic effect on pain relief,” says Dr. Glatter. Plus, both can help bring a fever down. In fact, the drugs work so well together that in March 2020 the FDA approved the first over-the-counter combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen, marketed as Advil Dual Action. So how does each drug work? Let’s take a look. How Does Advil Work?Advil is what’s called an NSAID, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This type of drug, which also includes aspirin and Aleve (naproxen), prevents certain enzymes in your body from producing chemicals called prostaglandins. These are hormones that trigger inflammation. They also help produce the pain you feel when you have an injury. NSAIDs like Advil offer relief by interrupting this process. How Does Tylenol Work?That’s less clear. Acetaminophen has been around for nearly 150 years, and it has been sold as Tylenol since 1955. About 50 million Americans take it each week, according to the manufacturer. It might come as a surprise, therefore, to learn that experts still are uncertain the exact mechanism at play that makes the drug so effective. Some evidence, says Dr. Glatter, suggests that it targets the central nervous system, tamping down nerve signals that cause you to feel pain. One thing is clear: Unlike Advil and other NSAIDs, Tylenol does not reduce inflammation. “Although acetaminophen can have a similar effect [on pain and fever], it works through a different pathway,” says Dr. Raimo. Is Advil or Tylenol Better for Pain?Ibuprofen is the clear winner, says Dr. Glatter. “While it may be used to treat mild to moderate pain, Tylenol is used to treat fever primarily,” he says. “Ibuprofen is a more effective approach for treating sprains and contusions to soft tissue and muscles. In adults, as well as young children and infants over 3 months, ibuprofen is also adept at treating strains, headaches, and fever.” Just because it’s safe to take Advil and Tylenol together doesn’t necessarily mean you should, though. The combo can cause some people experience an upset stomach, cautions Dr. Glatter. “If this is the case for you, it’s better to alternate times when you take each medication, spacing out the dosing,” he recommends. And finally, take note: These over-the-counter meds may not need a doctor’s prescription, but they can still be dangerous if you overdo it. Excessive use of Advil and other NSAIDs can boost your blood pressure and raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke, for example. Too much Tylenol damages your liver, and that can be fatal or require a liver transplant. Make sure to take no more than the recommended dose. For Advil, that’s 1,200 mg per day, or six tablets total. Doses should be spaced four to six hours apart. Don’t take more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol per day. Space doses four to six hours apart for regular strength and six hours apart for extra strength. Dr. Glatter advises parents to check with their doctor before giving either medication to children under 12. The Bottom LineIf you’re dealing with a fever, grab the Tylenol. Strained your back? Try Advil. If the pain doesn’t get better after 24 hours, take both—but better yet, give your doctor a call to see if there’s something bigger going on with your health. Meet Our Writer Matt McMillen Matt McMillen has been a freelance health reporter since 2002. In that time he’s written about everything from acupuncture to the Zika virus. He covers breaking medical news and the latest medical studies, profiles celebrities How much Tylenol and ibuprofen can I take together?“The usual safe doses for ibuprofen is up to [a maximum of] 800 milligrams (mg) per dose every eight hours and acetaminophen 650 mg every six hours if taken together, assuming normal kidney and liver functions,” according to Dr.
How far apart should you take Tylenol and ibuprofen?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. Take ibuprofen and Tylenol alternating every 2 to 3 hours depending on the dose.
What does mixing Tylenol and ibuprofen do?Combining acetaminophen with ibuprofen may provide greater pain relief than using one or the other on their own. Taking medication that combines both drugs may also make it easier and simpler for people to stick to correct timings and dosage.
What happens if you take ibuprofen and Tylenol too close together?You can take ibuprofen and acetaminophen at the same time. Just make sure to not take more than the recommended dose. Some people experience some stomach or abdominal pain when taking the two medications together. In this case, it's better to alternate when you take each medication.
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Is taking tylenol and ibuprofen together ok
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