Can You Take Ibuprofen and Tylenol Together?
Short answer
No known interactionYes. There is no known interaction between ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). They work in different ways, so doctors often suggest taking them together or alternating them for pain or fever. The real risk is not the combination itself. It is accidentally taking more of either one than the label allows, often through cold, flu or sleep products that contain the same ingredient.
Why these two can be taken together
Ibuprofen is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It lowers pain, fever and swelling by blocking chemicals called prostaglandins throughout the body. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. It relieves pain and fever mainly through the brain and does very little for swelling.
Because they act differently and are cleared from the body in different ways, they do not boost each other’s side effects. Ibuprofen’s main risks involve the stomach, kidneys, heart and bleeding. Acetaminophen’s main risk is liver damage when too much is taken. Using both lets you get extra pain relief without pushing either drug past its limit. There is even an over-the-counter tablet sold in the U.S. that combines the two (Advil Dual Action).
| Ibuprofen | Acetaminophen | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug type | NSAID | Pain reliever and fever reducer |
| Reduces swelling | Yes | No |
| Main safety concern | Stomach bleeding, kidneys, heart | Liver damage from too much |
| Take with food? | Helps if it upsets your stomach | Not needed |
Taking them at the same time vs. alternating
There are two common ways people use these medicines together:
- At the same time. Take a normal dose of each together. This gives stronger relief for a few hours, which can help with dental pain, injuries or after a procedure.
- Alternating. Take one, then the other a few hours later, and keep repeating. This can keep pain or fever more even through the day.
Either way, each medicine must follow its own label: the time between doses and the most you can take in 24 hours. Alternating is where mistakes happen, so write down the time and name of each dose, especially when caring for a sick child at night.
Children’s doses are based on weight, and infant and children’s products come in different strengths. Ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist before combining or alternating, and use the dosing tool that came with the product.
The real danger: hidden doubles
Many combination products already contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you take one of these plus plain Tylenol or Advil, you may double your dose without realizing it.
- Contain acetaminophen: NyQuil and DayQuil, Tylenol PM, Excedrin, many “cold and flu” and “sinus” products, and prescription pain pills like Norco, Vicodin and Percocet.
- Contain ibuprofen: Advil PM, Motrin PM, Advil Dual Action, and some cold and sinus products.
Check the Drug Facts box for “acetaminophen” (sometimes written “APAP” on prescription labels) and for “ibuprofen” or other NSAIDs. Too much acetaminophen is one of the most common causes of serious liver injury in the United States.
Who should check with a doctor first
The combination is fine for most healthy adults, but each drug has its own cautions. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you:
- Have had stomach ulcers or bleeding, or take a blood thinner (ibuprofen raises bleeding risk)
- Have kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure or heart failure (ibuprofen)
- Have liver disease or drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day (acetaminophen and ibuprofen both carry alcohol warnings)
- Are pregnant (NSAIDs like ibuprofen are generally avoided from 20 weeks of pregnancy onward unless a doctor advises otherwise)
- Are 60 or older, or need pain relief for more than 10 days
What the FDA labels say
We reviewed the warnings, precautions and drug interaction sections of the current FDA labels for Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. Neither label lists the other medicine, or its drug class, as an interaction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take ibuprofen and Tylenol at the exact same time?
Yes. There is no interaction, so taking a normal dose of each together is fine for most adults. Just follow each product’s label for timing and daily limits.
How long should I wait between Tylenol and ibuprofen?
Because they do not interact, you do not need to wait between the two different medicines. What matters is the gap between doses of the same medicine, which is printed on each label.
Is it safe to drink alcohol with ibuprofen and Tylenol?
Both labels warn about alcohol. Three or more drinks a day raises the risk of stomach bleeding with ibuprofen and liver damage with acetaminophen. An occasional drink is lower risk, but avoid heavy drinking while using either one.
Which is better for a headache, ibuprofen or Tylenol?
Both work for common headaches. Ibuprofen may help more when inflammation is involved, such as a tension headache with muscle soreness, while acetaminophen is easier on the stomach. Using both together can help when one alone is not enough.
Taking anything else?
Add all your medicines, supplements and alcohol to check every combination at once.
Sources
This page is for general education and is based on FDA labeling. It is not medical advice and does not replace a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, who know your health history, doses and other medicines. If you think you have taken too much of a medicine, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.