Can You Take Hydrocodone And Ibuprofen At The Same Time?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not ibuprofen can safely be taken with hydrocodone.

Question

Can I take 800mg of Ibuprofen and hydrocodone at the same time? If not, what is the time frame that I should wait?

Asked by Nerve Pain On Jun 14, 2022

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Jun 19, 2022
Last updated May 19, 2025

Key points

  • There is no drug interaction between hydrocodone and ibuprofen.
  • Hydrocodone and ibuprofen are available in combination together, in the prescription drug product Vicoprofen.
  • Hydrocodone with acetaminophen (i.e. Norco, Vicodin) is more commonly prescribed than hydrocodone with ibuprofen (Vicoprofen), but ibuprofen containing hydrocodone products may be more effective for treating certain types of pain (e.g. dental pain).

Thanks for reaching out to us!

There is no drug interaction between hydrocodone and ibuprofen. They can safely be taken together and you do not have to wait a period of time between taking them.

In fact, both drugs are available in a single product, Vicoprofen (Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen).

It is available in a variety of strengths:

  • Vicoprofen (Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen) 5-200 mg
  • Vicoprofen (Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen) 7.5-200 mg
  • Vicoprofen (Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen) 10-200 mg

When Is Vicoprofen Used?

In addition to Vicoprofen, hydrocodone is also available in combination with acetaminophen, which is much more commonly prescribed (brand names include Norco and Vicodin).

There are a few reasons why hydrocodone with acetaminophen is more commonly prescribed, including the fact that acetaminophen is generally considered a safer analgesic, with fewer drug interactions, than ibuprofen.

Nevertheless, hydrocodone with ibuprofen is a good option in many different situations to treat moderate to severe pain.

One such situation is when treating dental pain.

Several studies have reported that hydrocodone with ibuprofen produces better pain relief, and reduces inflammation more than hydrocodone with acetaminophen products when treating dental pain, especially pain after dental surgery.

Hydrocodone with ibuprofen is also a better option for those with liver problems, or in situations where acetaminophen use should be limited.

Final Words

You asked in your question about taking 800mg of ibuprofen with hydrocodone.

As mentioned in this answer, there is no drug interaction, however, 800mg of ibuprofen is considered a 'prescription dose', and is higher than what is recommended to take if you are self-treating pain.

If you are finding you need to take doses that high for pain relief, I would recommend talking to your doctor about your treatment options.

Please keep in mind that the maximum daily dose of ibuprofen is 3,200mg per day (some sources recommend no more than 2,400mg) and long-term use can increase the risk of side effects, like bleeding.

Thanks again for your question!

References

  • Single-dose vicoprofen compared with acetaminophen with codeine and placebo in patients with acute postoperative pain after third molar extractions, PubMed
  • Combining ibuprofen and acetaminophen for acute pain management after third-molar extractions: translating clinical research to dental practice, PubMed
  • Efficacy of ibuprofen-hydrocodone for the treatment of postoperative pain after periodontal surgery, PubMed

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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