Can I use Panadol with other medicines or drugs?
Unsure about whether you can use Panadol with other medicines? Learn more about using Panadol and other common medications at the same time with our simple guide.
Can I use paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are both common over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medicines, but they act in different ways and are different ingredients.
The main, or ‘active’, ingredient in Panadol is paracetamol, which is a simple pain reliever. It’s used for treating mild to moderate aches and pains – such as headache, back ache, cold and flu symptoms, or toothache or muscle pain – as well as for helping to reduce fever.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This means that it can help to reduce inflammation as well as ease pain, so it’s used for treating conditions that may cause some swelling or inflammation – such as pain associated with non-serious arthritis or periods.
So, can you use ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time?
Put simply: yes. If you are over the age of 16, it is generally considered ok to take medicines containing ibuprofen and paracetamol simultaneously. In fact, research suggests that using Panadol and an ibuprofen-containing drug together may even provide more effective relief for some types of pain than only using one of the two medicines. Please read the leaflets to check if your specific circumstances/health condition would be okay to take the two ingredients together. If you are unsure, you should talk to a health professional like a pharmacist.
However, it’s important to note that using paracetamol and ibuprofen together is not recommended for children, unless advised by a healthcare professional.
If you are in doubt about whether or not you should use a combination of Panadol (paracetamol) and ibuprofen (or any other medicine) to treat your pain, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They are best equipped to advise you on the potential risks or side effects of using Panadol with another medicine.
Always read the dosage instructions on the product label before using Panadol or any other medication.
Get relief from everyday pain with Panadol
Discover the full range of Panadol everyday pain relief products today and find out which one could be right for you.
Types of pain relief medicines – At a glance
- Paracetamol & Aspirin - OTC. Relieve pain and reduce fever
- NSAIDs - OTC. Relieve pain, reduce fever and ease inflammation
- Codeine - OTC or prescription. Relieves pain
Can I combine Panadol with other NSAIDs?
In many cases, using Panadol (paracetamol) together with other anti-inflammatory pain relief medications (including ibuprofen) is ok when both medications are only used at the recommended dose (as per the instructions on the product label, unless otherwise specified by your doctor or pharmacist).
For example, in many cases, Panadol may be used in combination with the following NSAIDs:
- Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel (topical gel for joint and muscle pain relief) The active ingredient in Voltarol is diclofenac diethylammonium, an NSAID that is sometimes recommended for use alongside paracetamol-based medicines like Panadol. Always read the label/leaflet.
- Ibuprofen is a NSAID which is recommended for period pain and treats inflammation such as strains and sprains and pain for arthritis.
You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information before using any of the above at the same time as Panadol.
Can I use Panadol with other common pain relievers?
Since it is paracetamol-based, Panadol may also be recommended by your GP or pharmacist to be used in combination with the following common pain relievers:
- Aspirin: an over-the-counter pain relief medicine used to ease pain caused by headache, toothache, period pain, or cold and flu symptoms. Aspirin can also be used to help reduce fever, but is generally only recommended for use in people over the age of 16.
- Codeine: an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever.
Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before using the above medications. When using, always follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
Can I use Panadol with other paracetamol-based medicines?
No, it is not recommended that you take Panadol with any other medicines that contain paracetamol.
Panadol and alcohol
You should always consult your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol. Cases of hepatic dysfunction and failure have been reported in patients that are chronic heavy users of alcohol.
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