Generic
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol is a combination medicine used for temporary relief of moderate to severe pain. It is effective in migraine, headache, backache, menstrual pain, dental pain, rheumatic and joint pain, muscular pain, cold and flu symptoms, sore throat and fever.
Description
Paracetamol is a para-aminophenol derivative with analgesic and antipyretic properties and weak anti-inflammatory activity. Ibuprofen is an NSAID with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. It inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis.
Indications
- Migraine
- Headache
- Backache
- Menstrual pain
- Dental pain
- Rheumatic and joint pain
- Muscular pain
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Sore throat
- Fever
Therapeutic class
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Pharmacological class
NSAID + Analgesic Combination
Pharmacology
Paracetamol relieves pain by inhibiting central prostaglandin synthesis and modulating descending serotonergic pathways. Ibuprofen inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reducing pain, inflammation and fever.
Mechanism of action
Relieves pain, inflammation and fever by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Recommended dose: 1 x 200/500 mg tablet OR 2 x 125/250 mg tablets three times daily (every 8 hours)
- Maximum: 2 x 200/500 mg tablets three times daily if needed
- Leave at least 6 hours between doses
- Do not exceed 3000 mg paracetamol and 1200 mg ibuprofen in 24 hours
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dyspepsia
- Hyperhidrosis
- Increased serum creatinine and blood urea
- Abnormal liver function tests
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in patients with history of bronchial asthma or allergic disease
- Caution in hypertension, mild-moderate CHF, SLE, G6PD deficiency, chronic malnutrition, anorexia, bulimia, cachexia, dehydration, hypovolemia
- Monitor for GI bleeding regularly
- Caution in elderly patients
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs
- History of GI ulceration/perforation or bleeding
- Coagulation disorders
- Severe hepatic/renal/heart failure (NYHA Class IV)
- Last 3 months of pregnancy
Drug interactions
- Contraindicated with other paracetamol-containing products
- Caution with cholestyramine, metoclopramide, domperidone
- Caution with anticoagulants, antihypertensives, antiplatelet agents, SSRIs
- Caution with cardiac glycosides, ciclosporin, corticosteroids, mifepristone, quinolones, tacrolimus, zidovudine
Food interactions
Take with food for better absorption.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Avoid in first 6 months of pregnancy; contraindicated in last 3 months.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Paracetamol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts; short-term use with recommended dose does not require interrupting breastfeeding.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children under 18 years.
Geriatric use
Caution and monitoring required in elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Contraindicated in severe renal failure; monitor renal function in diuretic users and elderly.
Hepatic Impairment: Contraindicated in severe hepatic failure; caution in non-cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Pallor, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, convulsions, hepatic or renal damage; treat with activated charcoal (within 1 hour) and N-acetylcysteine (up to 24 hours).
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol