Unsure about whether you can safely use Panadol with other medicines? Learn more about using Panadol and other common medications at the same time with our simple guide.
Is It Safe to Use Panadol and Nurofen Together?
Panadol and Nurofen are both common over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medicines, but they act in different ways and contain different ingredients.1
The main, or ‘active’, ingredient in Panadol is paracetamol, which is a simple pain reliever.i It’s best used for treating mild to moderate aches and pains – such as headache, cold and flu symptoms, or toothache or muscle pain – as well as for helping to reduce fever.1, 2, 3
The active ingredient in Nurofen is ibuprofen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).1, 4 This means that Nurofen, and other NSAIDs like it, can help to reduce inflammation as well as ease pain, so it’s best used for treating conditions that may cause some swelling or inflammation – such as injuries, arthritis or period pain.1, 4
So, can you use ibuprofen and Panadol at the same time?
Yes. If you are over the age of 16, it is generally considered safe to take medicines containing ibuprofen and Panadol simultaneously, since there’s no evidence that the two drugs have any harmful effects when they interact in the body.5 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.6
However, it’s important to note that using Panadol and Nurofen together is not recommended for children, unless advised by a healthcare professional.7
If you are in doubt about whether or not you should use a combination of Panadol 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.
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3 Types of Pain Relief Medicines – At a Glance
- Paracetamol & Aspirin - OTC. Relieve pain and reduce fever2
- NSAIDs- OTC. Relieve pain, reduce fever and ease inflammation4
- Codeine - Prescription. Relieves more severe, long-standing pain15
Can I Combine Panadol with Other NSAIDs?
In many cases, using Panadol together with other anti-inflammatory pain relief medications (including Nurofen/ibuprofen) is safe 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 most cases, Panadol may be used safely in combination with the following NSAIDs:
- Voltaren (topical gel for joint and muscle pain relief). The active ingredient in Voltaren is diclofenac sodium, an NSAID that is sometimes recommended for use alongside paracetamol-based medicines like Panadol.7, 9
- Ponstan (period pain relief). The active ingredient in Ponstan is mefenamic acid, which is not known to have a harmful interaction with paracetamol when used together. However, you should speak to your doctor before combining Panadol with mefenamic acid-based medicines.10, 11
- Naprogesic (period pain relief). The active ingredient in Naprogesic is naproxen, which is sometimes recommended for use in combination with paracetamol (for short periods of time only).12, 13
While these medicines are generally considered safe to combine with Panadol to help provide more effective pain relief, 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 16.14, 15
- Codeine: a prescription pain reliever usually used to treat more severe or persistent pain when other everyday pain relief medications (such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin) have not been effective.15
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.2
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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This product contains paracetamol; do not take it with other medicines that also contain paracetamol. Paracetamol is contained in many medicines to treat pain, fever, symptoms of cold and flu, and sleep medicines.
If you have liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking paracetamol.
Do not take more than the recommended dose, as this may be harmful, including serious harm to your liver.
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