Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat fever 2. To treat toothache 3. To treat headache 4. To treat ear pain 5. To treat throat pain 6. To treat muscle pain 7. To treat joint pain |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Stomach discomfort 4. Diarrhea 5. Loss of appetite |
| Additional Information | This medicine should only be used under medical supervision. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children. |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medicine orally with a sip of water. |
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol Uses
Ibuprofen 100 mg + Paracetamol 162.5 mg / 5 ml belongs to NSAID that helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It is commonly used for:
- Fever
- Headache
- Toothache
- Ear pain
- Throat pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol side effects
More Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Less common
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Allergic reaction
- Breathing difficulty
- Increased risk of bleeding
How Ibuprofen + Paracetamol works
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol works by reducing the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. Ibuprofen decreases inflammation and swelling by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, while Paracetamol mainly acts on the brain to lower fever and reduce the sensation of pain. Together, they provide better and faster relief from pain and fever than when used alone.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/Hypercreativity
If you are allergic to this medicine, inform your doctor as taking this medicine may cause skin rash, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
Liver Problems
If you have liver problems, Paracetamol may further affect liver function, especially at higher doses. Hence, inform your doctor before use.
Kidney Problems
If you have kidney disease, Ibuprofen may worsen kidney function. Hence, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Severe Heart Problems
If you have serious heart disease, this medicine may increase the risk of heart-related complications. Hence, inform your doctor before use.
Stomach Ulcer or Bleeding
If you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, this medicine may worsen the condition and increase the risk of serious stomach bleeding. Hence, inform your doctor before taking it.
Pregnancy
Taking this medicine during the last trimester of pregnancy may harm the fetus. Hence, consult your doctor before using it.
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol Interaction with other Medicines
Avoid taking Ibuprofen + Paracetamol with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol Interaction with Food Products
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol should be taken after food or with meals to reduce the risk of stomach irritation. Taking it on an empty stomach may cause acidity, nausea, or stomach discomfort. Alcohol should be avoided, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding (due to Ibuprofen) and liver damage (due to Paracetamol). Always follow your doctor’s instructions while using this medicine.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep away from the reach of children.
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Paracetamol – N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP), acetaminophen
Ibuprofen – (RS)-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid
Intake routine/cycle
Daily Dose
Take Ibuprofen + Paracetamol exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take Ibuprofen + Paracetamol more than the prescribed dose. Overdose may cause severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach bleeding (due to Ibuprofen), or serious liver damage (due to Paracetamol). In case of any unusual or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol Summary
Ibuprofen 100 mg + Paracetamol 162.5 mg / 5 ml is a combination medicine used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is commonly prescribed for fever, headache, toothache, ear pain, throat pain, muscle pain and joint pain. Ibuprofen helps reduce pain and swelling by blocking inflammatory chemicals, while Paracetamol works mainly in the brain to decrease pain and control fever. It is usually taken after food to prevent stomach irritation. This medicine should be used only as prescribed, as taking more than the recommended dose may lead to stomach bleeding, kidney problems, or liver damage.
FAQ’s
Will ibuprofen make you sleepy?
One of the common side effects of ibuprofen is sleepiness. Therefore, yes, it can cause sleepiness.
Can ibuprofen be taken on an empty stomach?
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining; therefore, it should be taken after a meal.
Can ibuprofen and paracetamol be taken together?
Yes, it is safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol.
How much ibuprofen can I take in a day?
The usual dose for an adult is 200 mg twice a day, and it should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Can paracetamol make you sleepy?
Yes, paracetamol is made up of acetaminophen, which is responsible for causing drowsiness, a common side effect.
Can paracetamol cure colds?
No, paracetamol is used to treat pain and fever.
How many paracetamols can we take in a day?
An adult can take up to 2 tablets of 500 mg with a 6-hour gap, up to four times a day. Children aged 10-15 years can take 1 tablet four times a day, with a gap of 4-6 hours between doses.
Can paracetamol delay periods?
No, there is no side effect of paracetamol that affects the pattern of periods. A delay in periods can occur due to many reasons.
How much paracetamol can I take when pregnant?
You can take 500 mg of paracetamol up to four times a day. Paracetamol does not cross the placenta and is not known to cause harm to your fetus.
Can paracetamol be used for headaches?
Yes, paracetamol is used to treat headaches.
Reference
- Drugs.com. Paracetamol [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 28]. Available from
- Mayo Clinic. Acetaminophen (Oral route, Rectal route) [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 28]. Available from
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Acetaminophen [Internet]. StatPearls [updated 2024 Nov 28; cited 2024 Nov 28]. Available from
- Ngo VTH, Bajaj T. Ibuprofen. [Updated 2024 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from
- Mayo Clinic. Ibuprofen (oral route): description [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; c2024 [cited 2024 Dec 31]. Available from
- National Library of Medicine. Ibuprofen [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2004. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.