Paracetamol and ibuprofen: can these drugs be taken together?

He paracetamol And ibuprofen These are the two most famous drugs because their use is so common. Both drugs have pain-relieving properties, but ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory effects. For its part, paracetamol is best used as an antipyretic, that is, in case of fever. However, the question may arise whether they are safe to consume. together.

Specialist in public health and preventive medicine, Joan Carles March, responded that “the practice of combining both drugs is essentially safe, but it is important to do so with medical criteria in mind.” In his opinion, “there is too much self-medication in Spain.” In this sense, he reiterated that taken in “small doses, these drugs are usually safe”; adding that “healthy people should not experience any side effects, although there are always exceptions.” However, he warned that “taking paracetamol with some anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may increase risk of hypotension and kidney damage“

March emphasized that “by combining them into children “This is not recommended, although it is a common practice to reduce high fever.” However, he clarified that there are parents who usually “give their children paracetamol and ibuprofen as an alternative.” However, he recommended that “it’s better not to mix them.” A public health expert explained this by saying that “one drug is not prescribed the same dose as another. However, when alternating both drugs, there is a high risk of making a mistake and giving the child an excessive dose of one of the two drugs.

The combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen is also not recommended for people with certain medical conditions. pathology; There are times when “they may be completely contraindicated.” In general, ibuprofen is not recommended in cases pregnancy; This is especially harmful in the third trimester of pregnancy.

When should you take each?

March explained that “if we imagine inflammation and severe pain, it is best to resort to ibuprofen. However, if we have heat, but not pain, taking paracetamol should be enough. At this point he noted that “paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic, meaning it relieves symptoms such as pain, fever or discomfort. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that relieves symptoms such as pain, fever, and joint or muscle inflammation.

Finally, he clarified that ibuprofen has more contraindications than paracetamol. In addition, it is not recommended to take it if you have hypertension, kidney, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases and others.