Acetaminophen / ibuprofen Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 27, 2023.

Applies to acetaminophen / ibuprofen: oral tablet.

Oral route (Tablet)

Warning: Hepatotoxicity, Cardiovascular Risk, and Gastrointestinal RiskHepatotoxicityAcetaminophen / ibuprofen contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed 4000 milligrams per day, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product.Cardiovascular RiskAcetaminophen / ibuprofen contains ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use.Acetaminophen / ibuprofen is contraindicated for treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.Gastrointestinal RiskNSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, acetaminophen / ibuprofen may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking acetaminophen / ibuprofen:

Incidence not known

Agitation
blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
blood in the urine
bloody or black, tarry stools
blurred vision
changes in vision, especially night blindness
chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
chills
coma
confusion
constipation
cough
cracks in the skin
dark urine
decreased urine output
depression
difficulty in speaking
difficulty swallowing
dilated neck veins
dizziness
double vision
fast heartbeat
fever
glare or snowy image caused by bright light
headache
heartburn
hives, itching, skin rash
inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
inability to speak
indigestion
irritability
joint or muscle pain
lethargy
loss of appetite
loss of heat from the body
muscle twitching
nausea or vomiting
numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
nervousness
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pounding in the ears
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
red, swollen skin
red irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
scaly skin
seizures
slow or fast heartbeat
slow speech
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stiff neck or back
stomach pain, cramping, or burning
stupor
sweating
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
swollen glands
trouble breathing
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
weakness or heaviness of legs
weight gain

Other side effects

Some side effects of acetaminophen / ibuprofen may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: