Acetaminophen and ibuprofen (oral/injection)

Generic name: acetaminophen and ibuprofen (oral/injection) [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen-and-EYE-bue-PROE-fen ]
Brand names: Advil Dual Action With Acetaminophen, Combogesic, Combogesic IV, Motrin Dual Action With Tylenol
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (10 mg-3 mg/ml), oral tablet (250 mg-125 mg; 325 mg-97.5 mg)
Drug class: Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 24, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is acetaminophen and ibuprofen?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen is a combination medicine used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain such as headache, tooth pain, back pain, menstrual cramps, and muscle or joint pain.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen injection can also be used together with opioid pain medicine to treat moderate to severe pain.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• vision changes;

• severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears;

• fever, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness;

• heart problems--rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• signs of stomach bleeding--stomach pain or upset stomach, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• high blood potassium--weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, diarrhea, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), flu-like symptoms; or

• kidney problems--swelling, urinating less.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may also worsen asthma attacks in people who have asthma. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Older adults may be more likely to have serious stomach problems while taking medicine that contains an NSAID.

Common side effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• bleeding after medical procedures; or

• swelling of your face.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death.

Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use acetaminophen and ibuprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This can occur without warning, especially in older adults.

You should not use acetaminophen and ibuprofen if you are allergic to it, or if you have or have ever had:

• an asthma attack, hives or a severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID; or

• severe liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart problems such as a heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, or blood clot;

• heartburn, stomach ulcers, or stomach bleeding;

• fluid retention;

• asthma;

• liver disease, cirrhosis, alcoholism, or more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day; or

• kidney disease.

Do not use acetaminophen and ibuprofen during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using this medicine.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Some forms of acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use acetaminophen and ibuprofen?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest effective dose for your condition.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen oral is taken by mouth. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your medical caregivers if you feel any burning or pain when acetaminophen and ibuprofen injection is injected.

Take with food or milk if acetaminophen and ibuprofen oral upsets your stomach.

Taking more than your recommended dose will not make this medicine more effective, and may cause serious side effects.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a certain period of time, or if they get worse.

Store acetaminophen and ibuprofen oral at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

What should I avoid while using acetaminophen and ibuprofen?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) and ibuprofen (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding and liver damage.

If you take aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack: Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. Ask your doctor how far apart your doses should be.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and ibuprofen?

Ask your doctor before using acetaminophen and ibuprofen if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• steroids;

• heart or blood pressure medicine, including a diuretic or "water pill";

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect acetaminophen and ibuprofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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