Can You Take Advil And Tylenol #3 Together?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not Advil can safely be taken with Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen; codeine).
Can I take one Advil and one acetaminophen-codeine #3 300-30 MG Tab at the same time? I have a headache and hurt my back.
Sep 16, 2022- There is no known interaction between Advil and Tylenol #3, so they can be taken together safely.
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen work in different ways and studies show their combination can be more effective for pain relief than either drug alone.
- Take Tylenol #3 only as prescribed since it is a controlled substance, and talk to your doctor if you need additional pain relief.
Answer
Hello and thanks for reaching out to us. Yes, you can take Advil (ibuprofen) with acetaminophen-codeine #3 (also known as Tylenol #3). There is no known interaction between them.
We have written previously about taking Tylenol and Advil together, which can be found here: 'Can You Take Advil And Tylenol Be Taken Together?'.
In that article, I explain that Advil and Tylenol (acetaminophen) work in different ways, and that studies show that the combination of both can be more effective at treating pain than either drug alone.
Now, for this question, we are adding in the fact that you are taking acetaminophen which is combined with codeine. Fortunately, Advil is safe to take with that too.
Remember to take acetaminophen; codeine only as prescribed. It is a controlled substance and is generally only used for acute purposes. If you find you need additional pain relief, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Final Words
Thanks again for your question and reach back out anytime!
About Acetaminophen With Codeine
The combination of acetaminophen and codeine is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.
Codeine belongs to a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and to a class of medications called antitussives. When codeine is used to treat pain, it works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. When codeine is used to reduce coughing, it works by decreasing the activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.
About Ibuprofen
Nonprescription ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches. Ibuprofen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Ibuprofen
- A pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in over-the-counter medications like Advil.
- Acetaminophen
- A pain reliever and fever reducer, also known as Tylenol, that works differently than ibuprofen.
- Codeine
- A narcotic pain reliever and cough suppressant that works by changing how the brain senses pain.
- Controlled substance
- A medication regulated by law because of its potential for abuse or dependence.
- Analgesics
- Medications that relieve pain.
- Antipyretics
- Medications that reduce fever.
- Opioid
- A class of strong pain-relieving drugs derived from or similar to opium that can be habit-forming.
- NSAIDs
- A class of anti-inflammatory medications that reduce pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking certain body chemicals.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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