Is advil and tylenol ok to take together

My brother-in-law recently asked me if he could take Aleve (naproxen) and Motrin (ibuprofen, Advil) together. Apparently, he pulled a muscle while trying to relive the glory days of his college football playing.

When talking about painkillers, it’s important to understand the difference among products. There are four main types of oral analgesics that are available without a prescription: naproxen (brand name Aleve), ibuprofen (brand names Advil and Motrin), aspirin, and acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol).

Naproxen and ibuprofen work in the body the same and have the same side effects. Ibuprofen is typically taken every 6-8 hours; naproxen is taken every 12 hours. Aspirin works a little differently than ibuprofen and naproxen but has very similar side effects. The usual dose of aspirin is 500-1,000 mg every 4-6 hours. Acetaminophen works a little differently than naproxen and ibuprofen, has different side effects, and can be taken every 6-8 hours.

So, to answer my brother-in-law’s question… He could take his naproxen (Aleve) eight hours after taking ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or he could take ibuprofen 12 hours after taking naproxen. However, if he was not getting adequate pain relief from ibuprofen within the eight-hour period, he could take acetaminophen (Tylenol). I advised him to stay within the recommended dosage for both medicines.

The bottom line for weekend warriors is that you cannot combine ibuprofen and naproxen unless it is time for another dose of either medication. If you need additional pain relief, you can combine aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen with acetaminophen. However, do not take aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen within 8-12 hours of each other. Also, watch out for pain medications that might be included in combination products such as those used for cough and cold.

It is important to note that my brother-in-law is healthy and has no other medical problems. If you have other medical conditions, please consult your pharmacist to find out which pain medications are safe for you.

Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on November 09, 2021

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generic names for over-the-counter pain relief drugs. They act differently in the body, though.

Acetaminophen, which is packaged as Tylenol, relieves pain and reduces fever. Ibuprofen, popularly packaged as Advil or Motrin, is an anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat moderate pain from conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps.

Because both are used as pain relievers, you might wonder whether acetaminophen or ibuprofen is better. 

What Is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen comes as Tylenol and other brand names. It is a fever reducer (antipyretic) and pain reliever (analgesic).

The most common way to use acetaminophen is oral, or by mouth. You should follow the dosage recommended by your doctor or as directed on the label.

Acetaminophen is also present in some prescription medicines. Do not use the over-the-counter form with medicines containing acetaminophen, as an overdose could be fatal. 

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a painkiller that lowers inflammation in the body. It is related to aspirin and naproxen, which is the main ingredient in Aleve and Anaprox. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) reduces inflammation and pain in certain conditions, such as back pain, toothache, headache, menstrual cramps, minor injuries, and arthritis. 

Use ibuprofen as directed on the label or recommended by your doctor. It is best to take the lowest dose of ibuprofen to treat your condition. 

Does Acetaminophen Have Side Effects?

Acetaminophen can cause an allergic reaction in your body. The signs of an acetaminophen allergy are swelling in the face, tongue, throat, and lips. You may also develop hives or have difficulty breathing. 

In some rare cases, the painkiller may have a lethal skin reaction. This is even possible if you have never had an adverse reaction to the drug in the past. If you experience blistering, rash, redness, or peeling on your skin, talk to your doctor right away and stop taking the medicine. 

Some other side effects of acetaminophen are: 

  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Jaundice 
  • Dark urine 
  • Pain in the upper stomach 
  • Loss of appetite 

Does Ibuprofen Have Side Effects?

If you have heart disease, stomach ulcers, asthma, or have had a heart attack, ask your doctor if you can take ibuprofen. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult with their doctors before taking this drug.

Like acetaminophen, you can also be allergic to ibuprofen. The signs of an allergic reaction are swelling in the throat or face.

Some other ibuprofen side effects are:

  • Vision changes
  • Shortness of breath with moderate activity 
  • Rapid weight gain 
  • Skin rash 
  • Liver problems 
  • Kidney problems 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bleeding
  • Headaches and dizziness 

Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen: Which to Use?

You should use acetaminophen for pain, but if you also have inflammation, consider taking ibuprofen instead. You can also take both of them together if you have pain and inflammation. However, never take more than the recommended dosage. If you are confused between ibuprofen vs. acetaminophen usage, choose ibuprofen for inflammatory conditions and acetaminophen for just pain. 

Also, if you are pregnant, you can use acetaminophen since it is considered safe for breastfeeding and pregnant mothers. 

On the other hand, ibuprofen is not always safe to take during pregnancy. Using any form of NSAIDs in the last 20 weeks can result in kidney and heart problems in the baby. 

Plus, it can complicate your pregnancy. Always talk to your doctor before using over-the-counter medicines if you are pregnant or have heart, kidney, or liver disease. 

How much Tylenol and Advil can I take together?

“The usual safe doses for ibuprofen is up to [a maximum of] 800 milligrams (mg) per dose every eight hours and acetaminophen 650 mg every six hours if taken together, assuming normal kidney and liver functions,” according to Dr. Massachi.

Is it OK to take 2 Advil and 1 Tylenol together?

Official answer. Yes, it is safe to take ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together if you need to for extra pain relief, such as for a dental extraction. Taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together works better to relieve pain than taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen separately.

How long should you wait between taking Advil and Tylenol?

How do you give acetaminophen and ibuprofen together? Doses of acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol, Tempra) should be given at least four hours apart. Doses of ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) should be given at least six hours apart. There are limits on how much of each medication can be given in a 24-hour period.

Can I take 2 extra strength Tylenol and ibuprofen?

It's generally safe to take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and extra strength Tylenol together. You can alternate ibuprofen and two extra strength Tylenol tablets every three hours. Or you can take them together every six hours. Don't exceed six extra strength Tylenol tablets in 24 hours.