Ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 20, 2022.

Pharmacologic Class: NSAID

Chemical Class: Propionic Acid (class)

Uses for ibuprofen and acetaminophen

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination is used to relieve minor aches and pains including headache, backache, toothache, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis pain.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used in this combination to relieve inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including serious liver damage.

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.

Before using ibuprofen and acetaminophen

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ibuprofen and acetaminophen, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ibuprofen and acetaminophen or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to develop age-related stomach problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using ibuprofen and acetaminophen with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Ketorolac

Using ibuprofen and acetaminophen with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some