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Can you take Advil & Tylenol together? Safe Dosing Guide

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on July 22, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Yes, it is safe to take Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) together if you need to for extra pain relief, such as for a dental extraction. This combination is more effective than taking either medication alone because they work through different mechanisms with minimal overlapping of side effects. But it is important to follow key safety guidelines which include:

Can you take Advil and Tylenol at the same time?

Yes, you can take Advil (ibuprofen) at the same time as Tylenol (acetaminophen). But if you want to get pain relief that lasts around the clock, then it is better to alternate them.

How do you alternate Advil and Tylenol for maximum relief?

The best way to alternate Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) is to take them 3 to 4 hours apart. For example, if you get up at 6.00 AM, you can take a dose of ibuprofen, then at 9.00 AM, you can take a dose of acetaminophen. You can continue this regimen throughout the day, making sure you don’t exceed the recommended maximum dose for each drug.

3-Hour Advil/Tylenol Alternating Schedule (Adults)

4-Hour Advil/Tylenol Alternating Schedule (Adults) (24/7 Pain Relief)

Both schedules stay within safe daily limits: 3000 mg/day for acetaminophen and 1200 mg/day for OTC ibuprofen.

Safe Dosage Limits

Ibuprofen (Advil) Dosing

Related questions

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing

Clinical Trials: Combination ibuprofen and acetaminophen works

Several clinical trials report that the combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is more effective than taking either one alone.

How do ibuprofen and acetaminophen work?

Hidden acetaminophen warning

When taking pain relief, always check the product labels for "hidden" acetaminophen, so you don't accidentally double up on the dose. These common medications also contain acetaminophen:

When to Avoid This Combination

Don't combine ibuprofen and acetaminophen if you have:

Frequently asked questions about Advil & Tylenol

Can you take ibuprofen and acetaminophen at exactly the same time?

Yes, but alternating every 3-4 hours provides better around-the-clock pain relief.

How long can you safely alternate them?

For acute pain, 2-3 days is typically safe. Consult a doctor for longer-term use.

Is the combination of Advil & Tylenol safe for children?

Yes, with age-appropriate dosing. Younger children need pediatric formulations.

References
  1. Mehlisch DR, Aspley S, Daniels SE, Southerden KA, Christensen KS. A single-tablet fixed-dose combination of racemic ibuprofen/paracetamol in the management of moderate to severe postoperative dental pain in adult and adolescent patients: a multicenter, two-stage, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, factorial study. Clinical therapeutics 2010; 32(6): 1033‐1049.
  2. Moore PA, Hersh EV. Combining ibuprofen and acetaminophen for acute pain management after third-molar extractions: translating clinical research to dental practice. J Am Dent Assoc. 2013 Aug;144(8):898-908. doi: 10.14219/jada.archive.2013.0207. PMID: 23904576. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23904576/
  3. Chang AK, Bijur PE, Esses D, Barnaby DP, Baer J. Effect of a Single Dose of Oral Opioid and Nonopioid Analgesics on Acute Extremity Pain in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017 Nov 7;318(17):1661-1667. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.16190. PMID: 29114833; PMCID: PMC5818795. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29114833/

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