Should you be taking these common OTC painkillers together?

There are many Over-the-Counter painkillers that are safe to take together. In fact, studies show that for some types of pain, combining certain medicines may be more effective. But as with most things, there are exceptions. For instance, you should not take paracetamol with other medications that contain paracetamol.

Safe pairing

According to the NHS, people 16 and above, could take paracetamol and ibuprofen, aspirin or codeine together without any safety concerns. You can decide to take paracetamol with one of these Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) together or spread over the allowed dosage period.

Also, since there are OTC drugs that combine these two medicines, taking a dose of these would be like taking them together. However, you need to carefully check the package of the drug you intend pairing it with to ensure it does not contain paracetamol. The health service warns:

Do not take paracetamol alongside other medicines that contain paracetamol. If you take 2 different medicines that contain paracetamol, there's a risk of overdose.

This caution is particularly important as paracetamol is an ingredient in many remedies you can buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, including migraine remedies as well as cough and cold products, such as Lemsip and Night Nurse.

Avoid both if…

People react to medicines differently and so although these pain medications may be safe and easily accessible, not everyone should take them, especially ibuprofen.

An article in The Sun lists some of the groups of people who should not be taking this pain medication:

• Have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen or any other medicines in the past
• Have had allergic symptoms like wheezing, runny nose or skin reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant
• Have high blood pressure that's not under control

Sources used:

The Sun: Can you take paracetamol and ibuprofen together?

NHS: Paracetamol for adults

NPS Medicinewise: Paracetamol/ibuprofen combinations for acute pain

Read more:

⋙ Paracetamol: How many of this common painkiller is safe to take, according to doctors?

⋙ Heart disease warning: Dissolvable paracetamol contains more salt than a McDonald’s Big Mac

⋙ Paracetamol: Long-term use linked to this risky condition