While there are some circumstances that may justify alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen, it is generally not safe to take this medication with other anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. In fact, mixing medications could cause serious adverse health effects that affect everything from the stomach to the kidneys, especially among older people with compromised organ function.
He is It’s safe to take ibuprofen and acetaminophen to combat challenging aches and pains, but only if you follow a specific schedule. “Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are pain relievers and fever reducers. They can both reduce inflammation, but they work in slightly different ways and are processed by different parts of the body. You can alternate like this every three or four hours throughout the day.” says Amy Horwitz, DO, family physician, to the Cleveland Clinic. “If you have an injury, back pain, or fever, you can alternate using both.”
However, it is not safe to combine ibuprofen with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and aspirin. The kidneys process NSAIDs, so taking more than is advisable could have a traumatic effect on these vital organs. A 2021 study published in Pharmacology Research & Perspectives found that the drugs could especially affect older people, causing serious problems such as fluid buildup, elevated sodium levels, and increased blood pressure. Limiting your intake to just one type of NSAID and taking only what you need to control pain is the safest way to avoid potential drug toxicity.
