ibuprofen + paracetamol at a glance
Medicine class
Combined NSAID and non-opioid analgesic.
Licensed users
The selected oral and intravenous products are for adults and are not licensed below 18 years.
Oral administration
Swallow the film-coated tablet with water and food to reduce gastrointestinal effects.
Avoid duplicate ingredients
Check other pain, cold and flu products for paracetamol, ibuprofen or another NSAID.
What is ibuprofen + paracetamol used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected products include:
Temporary relief of mild-to-moderate migraine, headache, backache, period pain, dental pain, rheumatic pain or muscular pain.
Pain and fever associated with colds, influenza or sore throat.
Acute moderate pain or fever in adults when intravenous administration is clinically necessary or other routes are not possible.
How does ibuprofen + paracetamol work?
Ibuprofen reduces prostaglandin production, helping to lessen inflammation, pain sensitisation and fever. Paracetamol acts mainly within the central nervous system, although its mechanism is not fully defined. Together they provide pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects through different pathways.
ibuprofen + paracetamol preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg + 500 mg, 500 mg + 150 mg
How to take ibuprofen + paracetamol
Follow the instructions for the exact product supplied. Check that no other medicine contains paracetamol, ibuprofen or another NSAID.
Swallow oral tablets with water and food.
The selected oral product is intended when either ingredient alone has not adequately relieved the pain.
The intravenous formulation must be prepared and administered by a healthcare professional.
The intravenous solution must be visually checked, must not be mixed with other medicines or diluents, and any unused solution must be discarded.
ibuprofen + paracetamol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal discomfort or pain, indigestion, nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Headache or dizziness
- Increased sweating
- Rash or itching
Get urgent medical advice
- Gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation
- Severe allergic reaction, bronchospasm or worsening asthma
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction
- Kidney injury, including reduced urine or swelling
- Liver injury or jaundice
- Blood-cell disorders causing unexplained bruising, bleeding, fever or severe exhaustion
- Aseptic meningitis, particularly in people with connective-tissue disorders
ibuprofen + paracetamol in pregnancy
Because this combination contains ibuprofen, it should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. NSAIDs should be avoided from 20 weeks unless considered necessary and prescribed, and the combination is contraindicated during the third trimester. Paracetamol alone is generally preferred for pain and fever during pregnancy.
ibuprofen + paracetamol interactions
Important interactions include:
Other paracetamol-containing products
Concurrent use risks accidental paracetamol overdose and potentially severe liver injury.
Other NSAIDs, including naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors
Combining NSAIDs increases gastrointestinal, kidney and other adverse effects.
Common questions about ibuprofen + paracetamol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can I take it with another paracetamol product?
No. This may cause accidental paracetamol overdose and serious liver injury. Check pain, cold and flu products carefully.
Can I take it with another ibuprofen or NSAID product?
No, unless specifically directed by a doctor. Combining NSAIDs increases the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney injury and other adverse effects.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.