Combining Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen for Increased Pain Relief

Studies show that taking ibuprofen (Motrin / Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together is more effective than taking either one alone.

A combination that contained 200mg of ibuprofen and 500mg of acetaminophen or a combination that contained 400mg of ibuprofen and 1000mg of acetaminophen were much more effective in providing sustained pain relief in adults with moderate to severe acute pain than separate doses of ibuprofen or acetaminophen alone.

The usual dosage of ibuprofen for adults is 200 to 400 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed. The maximum dosage for ibuprofen is 1200mg per 24 hours.

The usual dosage of acetaminophen for adults is two 500mg tablets every 6 hours with a maximum daily dose of 4000mg in 24 hours.

Do not take more than 1200mg of ibuprofen or 4000mg of acetaminophen in any 24 hour period when using a combination of these drugs for pain relief.   

Combining ibuprofen and acetaminophen was found to be just as effective as some opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, or codeine) at relieving moderate to severe pain.

Street medics are unlikely to have prescription opioids to provide to patients dealing with moderate to severe pain, but we should be aware that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen may provide increased pain relief.   
 

Sources:

Ibuprofen Plus Acetaminophen Equals Opioid Plus Acetaminophen for Acute Severe Extremity Pain (https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0301/p348.html)

Advil (ibuprofen) & Tylenol (acetaminophen) together, is it safe? (https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/safe-ibuprofen-with-acetaminophen-2991821/)

Combined acetaminophen, ibuprofen produces similar amount of pain relief as opioids in ED patients (https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20171107/combined-acetaminophen-ibuprofen-produces-similar-amount-of-pain-relief-as-opioids-in-ed-patients)