how far apart can you take ibuprofen and tylenol
It’s generally safe to take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together, but you should follow some guidelines to minimize potential side effects and interactions.
General Guidelines:
- Dosing interval: Take ibuprofen and acetaminophen at least 2-3 hours apart to minimize stomach upset and reduce the risk of interactions.
- Maximum doses: Do not exceed the maximum recommended doses for each medication:
- Ibuprofen: 400-800 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 3200 mg in 24 hours.
- Acetaminophen: 325-1000 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 4000 mg in 24 hours.
- Staggering doses: If you need to take both medications, consider staggering the doses. For example:
- Take ibuprofen at 8 am and 2 pm.
- Take acetaminophen at 11 am and 5 pm.
Important Considerations:
- Stomach protection: If you’re taking ibuprofen regularly, consider taking a stomach-protecting medication like omeprazole (Prilosec) or ranitidine (Zantac) to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
- Kidney function: If you have kidney disease or concerns, consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together, as both medications can affect kidney function.
- Liver function: Acetaminophen can be toxic to the liver in high doses. If you have liver disease or concerns, consult your doctor before taking acetaminophen.
Remember: Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications, especially if you have underlying medical conditions, take other medications, or have concerns about interactions.
