Can you Mix Tylenol and Advil?

Generally, it’s safe to take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together, but you’ll want to pay close attention to how much you take of each medication.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are both over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be used to relieve pain.

These medications are two different types of pain relievers. Acetaminophen, sometimes listed as APAP, is its own type, while ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Read on to learn more about how to take these two medications together.

The key to safely taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen is knowing how much you’re taking at a time and how often.

Acetaminophen dosage

The maximum safe dosage of acetaminophen for anyone over the age of 12 is 4,000 milligrams (mg) per day. But even this amount can harm some people’s livers, so aim for no more than 3,000 mg per day.

For children under the age of 12, it’s best to check with their healthcare provider to determine the safest dose for their body weight.

Keep in mind that many OTC medications contain acetaminophen in a variety of doses, usually 325 mg, 500 mg, or 650 mg.

Some examples of brand-name OTC medications that may contain acetaminophen include:

• DayQuil
• Dimetapp
• Excedrin
• Midol
• NyQuil
• Robitussin
• Sudafed
• Theraflu
• Vicks

Remember: When looking at labels, you might also see acetaminophen listed as APAP.

Ibuprofen dosage

Avoid taking more that 1,200 mg of ibuprofen in a single day. OTC ibuprofen is often found in 200 mg pills. This translates to six pills a day. Still, you should always verify how much is in each pill.

Again, for children, it’s best to ask their healthcare provider about the safest dose for their weight.

If you have prescription-strength ibuprofen, talk to your prescriber before mixing it with any other medications, including acetaminophen.

summary

The recommended limits for adults and children over 12 are:

• 3,000 mg per day of acetaminophen
• 1,200 mg per day of ibuprofen

For children under the age of 12, contact their healthcare provider or refer to the product label for dosage guidelines.

You can take ibuprofen and acetaminophen at the same time. Just make sure to not take more than the recommended dose.

Some people experience some stomach or abdominal pain when taking the two medications together. In this case, it’s better to alternate when you take each medication.

For example, you could take ibuprofen first, followed by acetaminophen four hours later, and then repeat this process as needed.

You could also alternate days. For example, if you take ibuprofen on Monday, take acetaminophen on Tuesday and so on.

Acetaminophen can be safely mixed with other NSAIDs, such as aspirin and naproxen (Aleve). Follow the same guidelines as if you were taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen together.

Ibuprofen, however, shouldn’t be mixed with other NSAIDs. This is because all NSAIDs use the same mechanisms to relieve pain. By doubling up on NSAIDs, you could enhance this effect to the point that it becomes harmful or leads to an overdose.

If you’ve already mixed acetaminophen and ibuprofen but are concerned that you’ve taken too much of either medication, there are a few symptoms you’ll want to watch for.

Contact your health provider right away if you experience any of the following after taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen:

• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• heartburn
• convulsions
• nausea and vomiting
• sweating
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• rash

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two different OTC pain relievers. While it’s safe to take the two together, it’s important to make sure you aren’t taking more than the recommended amount of each.

Check the labels of any other OTC medications you’re taking to make sure they don’t already contain acetaminophen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Advil Products for Pain Relief

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Advil products including uses, ingredients, dosing instructions, safety, side effects, interactions, and more.

Ibuprofen and COVID-19

• I recently read an article that said you shouldn’t take ibuprofen/Advil if you have coronavirus (COVID-19), is this true?

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening of COVID-19. We recommend you speak with your healthcare providers if you have any questions about the appropriate treatment for your unique individual needs when seeking to prevent or manage symptoms or conditions.

• Will taking ibuprofen/Advil mask the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  Ibuprofen, as well some other OTC analgesics may reduce fever due to their anti-pyretic properties. We advise you should speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about your individual treatment needs.

• Will taking ibuprofen/Advil worsen the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  Research has been ongoing and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening of COVID-19.

  When asked if Advil makes COVID-19 symptoms worse, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, responded, “no.” Read the full Aug. 13 article here: ABC News: Matthew McConaughey grills Dr. Anthony Fauci in Instagram interview on COVID-19.

  We advise you speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about your individual treatment needs.

• Should I stop taking ibuprofen/Advil?

  At this time, the CDC and WHO among other health agencies do not recommend against the use of ibuprofen. Consumer safety is our number one priority, and we will continue to update this website with the latest information as it’s made available. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about the best treatment for your unique needs when seeking to prevent or manage symptoms or conditions.,

  Ibuprofen is a well-established medicine that has been used safely for many years as a fever and pain reducer. Our ibuprofen products are effectively used by millions of consumers across 40 markets and have been available as over-the-counter medicines for more than 35 years. All medicines are strictly regulated to ensure they comply with local healthcare authority requirements.

• What are GSK’s guidelines are regarding the use of Advil in patients with suspected coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  We recommend you speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the best treatment for your individual needs when seeking to prevent or manage symptoms or conditions. At this time, the CDC and WHO among other health agencies do not recommend against the use of ibuprofen.

• Is ibuprofen/Advil a medicine that can increase the risk of getting coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  No, ibuprofen does not increase your risk of getting coronavirus (COVID-19).

  As a leader in the OTC pain category, GSK Consumer Healthcare is committed to consumer safety, and we are constantly re-evaluating the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation alongside public health authorities. Based on currently available information, The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) and worsening of COVID 19.

  Consumer safety is our number one priority. Ibuprofen is a well-established medicine that has been used safely for many years as a fever and pain reducer. Our ibuprofen products are effectively used by millions of consumers across 40 markets and have been available as over-the-counter medicines for more than 35 years. All medicines are strictly regulated to ensure they comply with local healthcare authority requirements.

• What are health agencies saying about the safety of ibuprofen/Advil?

  GSK continues to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation alongside public health authorities, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), and medical experts. None of these agencies currently recommend that individuals should stop taking ibuprofen/Advil.

• What is GSK’s position regarding the use of Ibuprofen/Advil to help treat the symptoms of COVID-19?

  Ibuprofen is listed as an essential medicine in the WHO guidelines for treating pain and fever associated with mild COVID-19. (Clinical Management of COVID-19 Interim Guidance). The CDC, FDA and NIH continue to acknowledge the lack of scientific evidence connecting ibuprofen with worsening COVID-19. As always, we advise people speak directly with their doctor or healthcare provider regarding individual treatment needs.

• What are health agencies saying about the use of Ibuprofen/Advil to treat COVID-19 symptoms?

  Health agencies, medical experts, and other global public health authorities have already acknowledged the lack of scientific evidence that NSAIDs worsen COVID-19 symptoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA)).

• Has GSK’s statement regarding the use of ibuprofen/Advil in patients with suspected COVID-19 changed?

  No, ibuprofen/Advil can be used safely and effectively to relieve pain and reduce fever in COVID-19 patients based on the growing body of evidence and general medical consensus. *

  *When used as directed

• Can I take ibuprofen/Advil if I am experiencing mild aches and pain following a COVID-19 vaccination?

   The CDC recommends talking to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, for possible pain or discomfort from a COVID-19 vaccination.

Products

• Can I get samples of Advil?

  Talk to your doctor about getting samples of Advil. If you’re a healthcare provider, you can request samples of Advil for your patients, find coupons, and access data and other helpful resources here.

• What are the best options for over the counter pain relief?

  You have a lot of over-the-counter options when it comes to pain relief, which can be overwhelming. Your best option may depend on your specific pain needs and the advice of your doctor.

  However, it’s important to know the difference between Advil and other pain relievers. The pain ingredient in Advil is ibuprofen, which is part of a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs). When you take Advil you get relief right at the site of pain. Wherever it is, Advil stops pain right where it starts.

  The makers of Advil do not produce store brand ibuprofen pain medicine.

• What type of closure is on the bottle? Is it child-resistant?

  Advil products are available with child-resistant caps. For those who may suffer from joint pain, Advil Tablets and Advil Liqui-Gels are also available with a non-child resistant, Easy Open Arthritis Cap. Since it is easier to open, make sure to keep the Easy Open Arthritis Cap products out of reach from children.

• Are individual Advil packets available?

  Yes, travel-size Advil packs are available. Check out our Where to Buy page to find a store near you or where to buy Advil online.

• Is Advil an antihistamine?

  No. Single ingredient Advil products do not contain an antihistamine. The active ingredient in Advil is ibuprofen which is part of a class of drugs called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Check out the Ingredients section of this FAQ to learn more about what is in Advil. If you are interested in an antihistamine, check out our Advil Cold Allergy Products.

• Where can I find information about other Advil products?

  In addition to the pain relieving power of Advil there are a variety of other Advil products that provide relief. We’ve included links to more information for those products below:

  • Advil PM
  • Advil Cold & Allergy Products
  • Children’s Advil

• What does concentrated ibuprofen mean?

  Advil Liqui-Gels minis patented technology enables us to concentrate the powerful pain relief of Advil Liqui-Gels into a 33% smaller capsule. Advil Liqui-Gels minis don’t contain a special form of ibuprofen, just a more concentrated dosage form.

• Can I use an HSA or FSA to buy Advil products?

  You can use your HSA and FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase certain OTC products including Advil. The passage of the CARES Act by Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility under tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. Your plan details may vary, so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility.

  Source: https://www.chpa.org/Monograph_FSA_CARES.aspx

Dosage

• How many Advil should I take?

  It depends. For most Advil products you can take 1 capsule/tablet every 4 to 6 hours. For Advil Migraine take 2 capsules with a glass of water every 24 hours. For Advil Dual Action take 2 caplets every 8 hours. Click on a product to learn more.

  Advil

  Advil- Liqui-Gels

  Advil- Liqui-Gels minis

  Advil-Dual-Action

  Advil- Migraine

• Can I take Advil every day?

  Advil should be used only as directed on the label. Stop taking Advil and talk to your doctor if your pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days, or if your fever gets worse or lasts for more than 3 days.

• Is it possible to overdose on Advil?

  Signs of overdose are known to occur at 40x the maximum daily dose (1200mg). This low toxicity profile makes Advil a safe and effective pain reliever for multiple aches and pains.

• What’s the difference between OTC and RX adult dosage for Advil?

  RX ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil) has a higher dosage than OTC and must be prescribed by a doctor.

• Will the pain-relieving effect of Advil weaken with long-term use?

  No. While no studies have shown a tolerance build up (or weakening of pain relieving power), over-the-counter pain relievers (including Advil) should not be used for longer than 10 days unless directed by a physician.

Usages

• Can I take Advil for a cold or the flu?

  Yes, Advil offers a variety of treatment options depending on your cold and flu symptoms.

  Advil Tablets, Gel Caplets, Liqui-Gels and Liqui-Gels minis contain an active ingredient, called ibuprofen, which temporarily reduces fever, as well as relieves minor aches and pains due to the common cold.

  If you have additional symptoms, you can also consider using Advil Cold & Sinus and Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain products for additional relief. These products contain ibuprofen plus a nasal decongestant to provide relief for symptoms including: headache, fever, minor body aches and pains, sinus pressure, and nasal congestion.

  For further questions concerning your use of Advil products, please speak with a healthcare provider. If your symptoms continue to persist or get worse, please contact a physician immediately.

• What is Advil used for?

  Advil temporarily reduces fever and relieves minor aches and pains due to headaches, toothaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, the common cold, muscular aches and the minor pain of arthritis.

  Whether it’s joint pain, headache or minor arthritis, Advil is tough on pain, but gentle on your body.

  Learn More

• Can Advil be used to treat inflammation or swelling?

  No. The OTC dose in found in Advil products does not treat inflammation. However, Advil does relieve the pain associated with inflammation.

• Does Advil help you sleep?

  For sleeplessness associated with pain, check out Advil PM.

Comparisons

• What’s the difference between Tylenol and Advil?

  The pain reliever in all Advil products is ibuprofen which targets pain at the source. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, blocks off pain signals. Advil Dual Action is first and only FDA approved combination of the two. It is also the only Advil product that contains acetaminophen. Read more

• Is Advil opioid free?

  Yes, Advil is opioid free. Advil (Ibuprofen) is a NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug) which treats acute pain and fever by blocking the formation of pain promoting chemicals at the source and is not addictive. Opioids, on the other hand, work on receptors in the brain to block the transmission of pain. They’re addictive and cause side effects like sedation and euphoria.

• What are the differences between prescription opioids and OTC pain relievers?

  Like the name implies, over-the-counter pain relievers can be bought without a prescription and are used to treat moderate pain and fever. Opioids are a different class of drug that treat severe or chronic pain and require a prescription from a doctor. If you want to learn about how Advil and opioids interact, click here.

Ingredients

• Does Advil contain sodium?

  Fast-acting Advil Film-Coated contains ibuprofen sodium-a salt form of ibuprofen that dissolves differently from standard ibuprofen. However, each tablet contains 22 mg of sodium. Even if the maximum daily dose is taken (6 tablets), the total amount of sodium ingested is only 132 mg. Per the FDA, the recommended daily value for sodium is less than 2,400 mg per day, although some people may need less due to health concerns. Speak with your doctor about your sodium intake.

  *”Sodium in Your Diet: Use the Nutrition Facts Label and Reduce Your Intake” retrieved from FDA.gov.

• Does Advil have caffeine?

  No. If pain is keeping you awake at night and you want a medication that can help you fall asleep, learn more about Advil PM.

• Is Advil gluten free?

  We cannot guarantee that Advil is gluten-free. Although gluten isn’t added to our products during manufacturing, we can’t control whether or not trace amounts of it end up in the raw materials we get from suppliers.

• What is ibuprofen?

  Ibuprofen is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). When your body is hurt or aching, it produces chemicals that trigger pain signals. Ibuprofen, the main ingredient in Advil, stops the production of these chemicals at the source of injury to reduce pain.

  Learn More

• What are NSAIDs?

  NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a group of chemical compounds that often are chemically unrelated but share therapeutic actions such as analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects.

  Learn More

• Does Advil contain aspirin?

  No. The pain reliever in Advil is ibuprofen, however both are part of the class of drugs known as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

• Does Advil contain acetaminophen?

  Advil Dual Action is the only Advil product that contains Acetaminophen. Advil Dual Action fights pain in two ways: Acetaminophen blocks pain signals while Ibuprofen targets pain at the source.

Directions

• How quickly does Advil work? How long does it last?

  It depends on which form of Advil you take as well as how your body responds to the medicine. Some Advil products are designed to deliver faster relief, so read the product label to see how often you can take a dose.

• Should I take Advil with food?

  You do not have to take Advil with food. However, if you experience an upset stomach, you can take it with food or milk. If you have a history of serious stomach problems like ulcers, be sure that you talk to your doctor before taking Advil or any NSAID.

• Should I chew Advil?

  No, Advil is designed to be swallowed. However, we do make a chewable option for children aged 6-11. 

• Can I take Advil if I have a hangover?

  We don’t recommend taking Advil if you have a hangover. NSAIDs, like Advil, can cause severe stomach bleeding, especially if taken at higher doses. Those chances become even higher if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day while taking Advil.

• Can I take Advil without water?

  No, Advil should be taken with a full glass of water.

Safety

• What effect will Advil have on the kidneys?

  It’s uncommon for Advil to harm the kidneys when it’s taken as directed. But higher doses or prolonged use can cause adverse effects. It’s also important to get clearance from your doctor if you are taking a diuretic, have kidney disease or have any other concerns.

• Can Advil be taken with vitamins and supplements?

  Some vitamins and supplements contain ingredients that can interact with medications like Advil (ibuprofen) so it’s best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking them together.

• Can I take Advil if I’m on a CBD therapy?

  Cannabidiol or CBD products are new to the market and not enough studies have been done to know how they interact with medications like Advil. If you’re thinking about taking CBD it’s best to talk to your doctor before using it with another drug.

• Can Advil be taken with other OTC pain relievers like Excedrin or Aleve?

  No. Do not take Advil with other pain relievers that contain ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, or aspirin. To learn more about drug interactions, click here.

• Can I take Advil if I’m taking opioid medication?

  It’s best to talk to your doctor about combining Advil with opioids since there’s possibility for drug interaction.

  It’s important to know that studies show that taking ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce the amount of opioids needed for pain relief, and in some cases they’re even prescribed together.

• Can I take Advil with alcohol?

  It’s best to not take Advil with alcohol. Advil and other NSAIDs can cause severe stomach bleeding, especially if taken at higher doses for long periods of time. Those chances increase if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day while taking Advil.

• Can I take Advil if I’m on aspirin therapy?

  It’s best not to unless directed to do so by your doctor. Advil and ibuprofen, its active ingredient, have potential to interfere with aspirin’s anti-blood clotting effect, reducing its ability protect your heart and prevent stroke.

• Is Advil Safe?

  For more than 30 years, extensive consumer use and numerous clinical studies have shown that, ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil, when used as directed, is a safe and effective OTC pain reliever and fever reducer.

  Please refer to the full product labeling for additional safety information related to Advil.

Side Effects

• Can I take Advil if I have a heart condition?

  Talk to your doctor before taking Advil if you have a history of heart problems like high blood pressure or heart disease. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure or stroke, so it’s important to how they might affect your specific condition.

• Does Advil make you sleepy?

  Advil does not contain any ingredients or antihistamines that would make you sleepy. If you are suffering from occasional sleeplessness associated with pain, Advil PM combines the pain-relieving power of Advil with a non-habit forming sleep aid, diphenhydramine.

• Can Advil keep me awake?

  No. Advil doesn’t contain caffeine or any other stimulants that can keep you up. 

• Can Advil upset my stomach?

  Yes. Like many medications, Advil has potential to cause a minor upset stomach. However, studies have shown that there’s no significant difference between Advil and a placebo in causing an upset stomach.

• Can NSAIDS cause ulcers or stomach bleeding?

  NSAIDs may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chances are higher if you: are 60 or older; have a history of stomach problems; take a blood thinner; take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs [aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others]; have more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day; or take more than directed.

• What are the long-term effects of taking Advil?

  Advil is only intended for short-term use and taking more than directed or for longer than directed can cause adverse side effects. So, make sure to talk to your doctor if your pain lasts more than 10 days, or if your fever doesn’t go away after 3 days.

• Is Advil bad for my liver?

  When used as directed, adverse effects on the liver are uncommon. Effects on the liver are rare but may include liver disorder, abnormal liver function, hepatitis and jaundice, and, they may occur at higher than recommended OTC doses.

  Consult your doctor before taking Advil if you have liver cirrhosis, or any other concerns about taking this product.

• Can Advil cause a stroke?

  If you have an existing heart condition or are at risk for it, talk to your doctor before taking Advil. NSAIDs like Advil can increase your risk of stroke and that risk becomes higher if you take more than directed or longer than directed.

• What are the side effects of taking Advil?

  As with all medications, taking Advil has potential side effects which may include:

  • Hives
  • Facial Swelling
  • Wheezing
  • Rash or blisters
  • Stomach bleeding
  • Chest pain
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke

  Click here to see a full list of side effects.

  If you have certain pre-existing health conditions, be aware that taking Advil can cause more serious side effects. Click here to learn more. 

  Learn More

• Is Ibuprofen addictive? Will it cause withdrawal symptoms?

  No. Advil is not habit forming, and it does not demonstrate addictive properties. Studies show that ibuprofen primarily works in the body (peripherally active), and not in the brain (not centrally active). Advil is not an opioid (it is non-narcotic).

• Is Advil bad for my stomach?

  NSAIDs like Advil can cause severe stomach bleeding. The chances are higher if you: are 60 or older; have a history of stomach problems; take a blood thinner; have more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day; or take more than directed.

What temperature should be brought down and is ibuprofen harmful in coronavirus? Discussed with the therapist

Why it is important to drink plenty of fluids at high temperatures and why give up heavy food, as well as what “antipyretic” folk remedies can be dangerous to health, said the therapist Olga Sergeevna Shukh.

– Why can the temperature rise?

– It must be remembered that body temperature changes during the day. So, in the morning in a person, it can be lower than usual – even 35.5-36.0 degrees Celsius, and in the evening rise a little by about half a degree. This is an absolutely normal physiological process. If the temperature has risen above 37.0 degrees, then this is an occasion to pay attention to your health and understand the reasons for the increased indicators.

Increased body temperature is a protective reaction of our body to some external “irritant”. These can be infectious agents viruses / bacteria and foreign substances that are formed during many inflammatory, allergic processes or during the decay of tumor tissues. Also, an increase in body temperature can be caused by physical factors, such as injury or overheating.

This allows our immune system to activate and fight the disease. Therefore, you do not need to try to bring down the indicators on the thermometer. We always focus on our well-being.

– When should you sound the alarm and go to the doctor?

– If the body temperature exceeds 38. 5 degrees Celsius and is accompanied by severe chills and fever, persists for more than 5 days, or other symptoms of an acute respiratory infection are present, a doctor should be consulted if any of these signs are present.

– What temperature should be brought down?

– Doctors recommend starting to lower body temperature at 38.5 degrees. However, this indicator is conditional. It was installed so that a person without a medical education could navigate. It’s better to take care of your health. If, for example, the body temperature has reached 38.0 degrees, but the person feels extremely unwell, then measures must be taken regardless of the values ​​on the thermometer. Conversely, fever can reach 390 degrees, but a person tolerates this condition relatively well, then it is not advisable to reduce this temperature with medicines.

In children, it is always necessary to reduce body temperature above 38.5 degrees. At higher values, febrile convulsions are possible in young children.

– How can you lower the temperature at home yourself?

– The following conditions are necessary for effective control of body temperature. Firstly, the room should be cool air, about 18-22 degrees, humidity 40-60%. Frequent airing of the room and wet cleaning are necessary.

Secondly, you need to take a shower with cool water. Sweaty and dirty skin cannot fully remove excess heat. An alternative would be to rub down with room temperature water. You need to make sure that your clothes are dry and clean.

Thirdly, an indispensable condition is to drink plenty of water. It can be drinking water, fruit drinks, warm teas, natural juices, fresh juices. At high temperatures, metabolic processes are accelerated, oxygen consumption increases, fluid loss increases, and an increased load on the heart is created, which can be dangerous for chronic patients and children. No medication will work for dehydration. Food should be easily digestible so that the body spends energy on fighting the disease, and not on digesting “heavy” food. If you don’t feel like eating, don’t force yourself.

Fourth, you should take medicines according to the instructions or as prescribed by your doctor.

– When do you need to call an ambulance?

– An ambulance must be called in case of a fever over 38.5, which not only does not decrease with medicines and other methods, but also grows steadily.

For example, if you have a high temperature of 38.5 degrees and feel extremely unwell, you have taken ibuprofen at a dosage of 200 mg. Wait an hour (it is during this period of time that the tablet forms of the drug begin to act). If after a while the temperature does not decrease, but rather rises, then a more effective method is needed (for example, increasing the dosage of the drug or taking another drug).

If the temperature rises, and the measures taken and the medications do not help, then it’s time to call an ambulance. The doctor will be able to assess the situation. Perhaps this is a viral disease with the development of pneumonia, which causes such a temperature.

However, during a pandemic, you need to understand that an ambulance is a contact person for COVID-19 and the risk may exceed the benefit. Only as a last resort, I recommend calling an ambulance to reduce high body temperature. Therefore, if possible, it is better to contact the clinic or call a doctor at home if it is daytime.

– A couple of months ago, people on social media were talking about the dangers of ibuprofen and paracetamol, are they really that bad?

– The side effects of ibuprofen and paracetamol have been known for a long time, but they are effective in helping to fight the temperature. In general, any medicine can turn out to be poison if the dosage is violated.

The dosage should be chosen by the physician depending on the state of health and medical history.

Ibuprofen and paracetamol are safe when taken as directed. If you have a fever, you can take these medicines four hours apart. I do not recommend using ibuclin, which in its composition contains two substances at once: ibuprofen and paracetamol. In this case, not only the effectiveness of lowering the temperature increases, but also the risk of side effects increases. Including hepatotoxicity (negative effect on liver cells).

You can also get by with paracetamol, ibuprofen separately, alternating these drugs. In some cases, you can additionally take an antispasmodic for spasms of the peripheral vessels of the extremities, when the “icy” hands and feet.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that pharmacies have a huge range of antipyretic drugs, they all have trade names, you must always pay attention to the active substance in order not to take the same drug in a high dosage.

– And what about the famous triad, can it be used in critical cases?

– “Troychatka” consists of three active ingredients: analgin, drotaverine and diphenhydramine. Analgin anesthetizes and reduces temperature, drotaverine is an antispasmodic and acts on smooth muscle cells, dilates peripheral vessels during their spasm, diphenhydramine is a first-generation antiallergic drug that has a sedative effect (it makes you want to sleep). An injection is made from these medicinal devices, which is put by the ambulance team.

Troychatka can be taken in tablet form. The only thing is that the effect does not develop as quickly as from an injection. After that, the person falls asleep and wakes up in good health and with a low temperature. Do not forget that this is only the elimination of symptoms, and not the treatment of the cause of fever or high body temperature!

– What should not be done to reduce the temperature?

– Do not create the so-called “greenhouse effect”: cover with several blankets, dress warmly. This contributes to dehydration of the body.

Do not wipe the sick person with alcohol or vinegar. It can harm, provoke an allergic reaction or burn the skin.

– What other errors are there when lowering the high temperature?

– Some people think that by drinking alcohol they will immediately get better. On the contrary, because of this, the body begins to experience a tremendous load. Moreover, alcohol is not compatible with any of the drugs, especially anti-inflammatory drugs.

Daria ZIMAK

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What antipyretic drugs during infectious diseases should the patient take.

In connection with the current epidemiological situation regarding the spread of coronavirus infection in the region, citizens who are in self-isolation, please do not panic and do not succumb to “fake” rumors, articles and posts in various information sources (Internet sites and social networks)!

If you have a fever, remember that a large group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have antipyretic effects. These drugs can be in various forms: tablets, suspensions, suppositories, solutions for intramuscular injection.

Antipyretics are prescribed to patients with a temperature above 38 ºС. If a person does not tolerate a febrile syndrome, he is tormented by headaches, pressure rises, a strong heartbeat (pronounced tachycardia) begins, then antipyretics are also used at lower temperatures.

The safest drugs are ibuprofen and paracetamol. However, we must remember that each of these drugs has its own contraindications, features of use, dosing and side effects!

Paracetamol (Efferalgan, Panadol, etc.) is approved for use in children from 3 months, it has a number of contraindications: hypersensitivity, severe impairment of kidney and liver function. The smallest effective dose should be taken, in children the dose is calculated per kilogram of weight, so should only be used as directed by a doctor! Mandatory interval between doses of at least 4 hours! Maintaining the interval is very important, because. high chance of side effects! Duration no more than 3 days.

Paracetamol should not be used simultaneously with other paracetamol-containing drugs, as it has a number of side effects, the main of which is impaired liver function (hepatotoxicity).

On March 19, the WHO lifted its earlier recommendation not to use ibuprofen in the treatment of patients with coronavirus. Physicians treating COVID-19 patients are not reporting any negative effects of ibuprofen beyond the usual known side effects, according to the organization.

Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Dolgit, Ibufen, MIG, etc.) is also approved for use from 3 months, it has contraindications: erosive and ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase, “aspirin” bronchial asthma, etc. Compared with paracetamol longer effect, administered 2-3 times a day.

Combination preparations of paracetamol and ibuprofen (Ibuklin, Next) are registered in the Russian Federation.

Other non-steroidal NSAIDs can be used as antipyretics , most often it is diclofenac (Voltaren, Ortafen, etc., including suppositories), indomethacin, ketoprofen (OKI, Ketonal, Artrosilen, etc.), meloxicam (Movalis, Artrozan, Amelotex, Moovasin, etc., nimesulide (Nimesil , Nise, Nimulid, Nemulex, etc.)

All drugs from the NSAID group have contraindications, their use may cause side effects, most often this is a lesion of the gastrointestinal tract.