A pharmacist has shared guidance on whether it is safe to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together, clarifying how the two painkillers work differently and can be combined under certain conditions.
Pharmacist Anum explained in a TikTok video that paracetamol targets fever and pain, while ibuprofen also addresses inflammation and swelling. She stated that the two can be taken at the same time or alternated, which may be more effective for managing symptoms.
However, she emphasised that users must never exceed the maximum recommended dose for either medication, as stated on the packaging or advised by a pharmacist. Ibuprofen should be taken with food, and neither drug should be combined with other products containing paracetamol or NSAIDs like aspirin or naproxen.
For adults aged 16 and over, it is generally safe to take both together, but children should only alternate doses under professional advice. Anyone unsure should consult a GP or pharmacist.
