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Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablet, a fixed-dose combination medicine is widely used as a pain killer in India. It is actually not an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and is sold only when a doctor’s prescription is produced.
Let us know about the uses, side effects, precautions, storage conditions, and other aspects of Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablets.
Some Ibuprofen and Paracetamol uses are in relieving the pain of the following diseases:
Headache
Gout
Muscular Cramps
Dental
Menstrual Cramps
Migraine
Fever
Nerve pain
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
You should take the Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablet as a whole. Never take more than one Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablet at a time. There should be at least a 6 hour gap between the two doses. Your doctor will prescribe the frequency, i.e., how many doses to take in a day. Do not take more Ibuprofen + Paracetamol than the prescribed doses. Always have it after a meal, i.e., on a full stomach. Do not chew or lick the tablet; you need to swallow it directly. You must not continue taking Ibuprofen + Paracetamol after taking it for 4 consecutive days.
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablets have a range of side effects, from constipation to serious liver damage. So, never go beyond the prescribed dose and duration of the medicine. If you experience any of the side effects of Ibuprofen + Paracetamol listed below, contact the doctor immediately. The list of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol side effects are as follows:
Constipation
Heartburn
Abdominal pain
Drowsiness
Diarrhoea
Epigastric Pain
Anaphylactic Reaction
Headache
Decrease in Urine Output
Buzzing in the ears
Steven-Johnson syndrome
Fluctuations in blood count
Nausea
Fatigue
Vomiting
Blood in Vomit
Kidney damage
Swelling
Urine with Blood
Rash
Breathlessness
Itching
Oedema
Liver damage
Mouth Ulcer
Appetite loss
Anaemia
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Ibuprofen, Paracetamol or any other ingredients present in it. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines.
If you take medicines for other ailments, tell your doctor when he/she prescribes you Ibuprofen + Paracetamol.
Avoid consuming alcohol with Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablets.
Stomach ulcers can worsen the situation with Ibuprofen + Paracetamol. You should be very careful while taking these painkillers. Always consult your doctor to provide a better prescription after discussing the health issues and medicines you are already taking.
If you miss a prescribed dose, you should take it immediately when you remember. If you remember to take it at the next prescribed dose, take the latter dose only. Under any circumstances, you must not take two doses at once. It will cause you more harm than missing a dose will.
As stated earlier, you must not take more than one tablet at a time. If you take more than that by mistake, your body will undergo chemical changes. It will lead to several ill effects on your health and may cause serious medical complications.
So, be very careful about the doses. If in doubt, ask the doctor again. If you find that you have had an overdose of Ibuprofen + Paracetamol, seek medical assistance without delay.
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablets should not be kept in direct sunlight. Heat, light, and air damage its medicinal properties. It may also be harmful to the body to take such drugs. Direct contact with heat, air, and light may damage your medicines. The optimum temperature range for keeping the medicine safe is between 20 C and 25 C, i.e., 68 oF and 77 oF. Also, Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablets should be kept out of the reach of children.
You should never take Ibuprofen + Paracetamol tablets with other medicine that contains paracetamol. It means you should not take any medicine to alleviate pain, fever, or cough and cold with Ibuprofen + Paracetamol. If you must, consult the doctor first for safer alternatives.
Usually, Ibuprofen + Paracetamol starts reducing the pain within 30–60 minutes from the time of taking the medicine.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Ibuprofen and Paracetamol have different mechanisms of action. When used together, they may provide enhanced pain relief due to their complementary effects on pain pathways and inflammation.
It is generally safe to take Ibuprofen and Paracetamol together under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This combination can be more effective for certain types of pain. However, proper dosing and timing are crucial.
Side effects may include stomach upset, heartburn, dizziness (Ibuprofen), and, in rare cases, liver damage (Paracetamol) if taken in excessive amounts. It's important to follow recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
Ibuprofen may cause stomach irritation, so taking it with food or milk can help reduce this risk. Paracetamol, on the other hand, can be taken with or without food.
References:
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Pain_relief_for_children_-_Paracetamol_and_Ibuprofen/ https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/types-of-medicine/paracetamol
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.