Can You Take Advil And Tylenol Be Taken Together?

Answer

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Yes, Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can safely be taken together as there is no drug interaction between them. In fact, there are products on the market that contain both drugs in one pill (e.g. Advil Dual Action).

Even though they are both medications to help treat pain, they work via different mechanisms, and our bodies metabolize and eliminate them differently.

Now, there is a chance that taking both together could increase the risk of mild side effects, like upset stomach, but overall, there aren't any serious issues. If you find taking them together does cause mild side effects, staggering doses of each by a couple of hours can help.

What Do The Studies Say?

Multiple studies show that the combined use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen works better in terms of relieving pain that using either drug alone.

One such study states:

Overall, the fixed-dose combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen provided greater and more rapid analgesia [pain relief] than comparable doses of either agent alone or placebo in adults after removal of impacted third molars.

Another reported similar results:

Maxigesic [combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen] tablets provide superior pain relief after oral surgery to acetaminophen or ibuprofen alone.

Studies often point to a 'synergistic' effect when both medications are taken, which is why the combination is more effective than either drug alone.

Now, most published studies on the matter have evaluated the effects of the drugs on pain associated with dental/oral surgery, but there is no reason to think that the results seen aren't applicable to other types of pain.

Some studies have even noted that the fever-reducing ability of each drug is potentiated when used together.

Not all of the available evidence supports that the combination is more effective than each of the drugs alone, but no safety concerns have been noted.

Products That Contain Both Tylenol And Advil

In terms of what products to take, you can simply combine individual ibuprofen and acetaminophen products (e.g. Tylenol and Advil) that are available over the counter. Just be sure to read the labels for each and stay within the recommended dosage limits.

Alternatively, Advil makes a product that combines both ingredients into one tablet. The product is called Advil Dual Action.

Each tablet of Advil Dual Action contains 250mg of acetaminophen and 125mg of ibuprofen.

Final Words

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