In case of fever, or in the appearance of pain, our first reflex is often to take a tablet of paracetamol or ibuprofen. Sometimes some even plan to take both at a time. Is it a good idea? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical answers us.
Associating paracetamol and ibuprofen, it is possible, but with certain precautions
“”These two drugs can be used alone or alternately to relieve pain or fever“Confirm the doctor at first. Taking the two drugs is therefore possible. But with care, especially on how to absorb them.
Remember that paracetamol (Doliprane or Dafalgan in particular) remains the most frequently recommended molecule in first intention. It relieves pain and lowers fever, but has no effect on inflammation.
“”Paracetamol has fewer side effects than ibuprofen, but it does not reduce inflammation. It is therefore suitable for headaches, dental pain, aches or simple fever “ underlines the emergency room.
Conversely, ibuprofen, like Advil or Nurofen, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs). It combines anti-doweling, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect, but is accompanied by more precautions.
“”Ibuprofen is useful for inflammatory pain such as painful rules or tendinitis, and for certain fevers resistant to paracetamol “.
How to properly associate the two drugs?
There are two ways to take paracetamol and ibuprofen: alternately, or simultaneously, but this last method remains rare and reserved for specific cases.
The alternation is the most common method. It helps maintain a continuous painting effect without exceeding the boundary doses. We can for example take a tablet of paracetamol at 8 a.m., then one of ibuprofen at 11 a.m., then again paracetamol at 2 p.m. … and so on. “”This diagram avoids peaks of pain or fever while respecting the intervals between each socket“Exhibits our expert again.
But the simultaneous association of the two molecules is also possible. However, it will be possible “only on medical advice” warns Dr. Kierzek. This type of combination is reserved for special situations, such as post-operative pain.
“”The simultaneous association must be done under medical control, it is not a reflex to be adopted in self -medication“.
What are the strict rules to be observed when taking these drugs?
Regarding these two molecules, here are certain rules to scrupulously respect:
- Never exceed maximum daily doses, namely 1 gram of paracetamol every 6 hours and maximum 4G per day;
- And 200 to 400 mg of ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours, with a maximum of 1.2 g per day.
Dr. Kierzek also recalls that it is essential to always respect the interval between the sockets. He also advises to take ibuprofen during meals to protect the stomach and avoid alcohol throughout the duration of treatment.
Precautions and contraindications to know absolutely
Before choosing one or the other, or alternating them, it is imperative to verify that there is no contraindication, because the side effects can be serious.
The medical director of True Medical lists them. “”Among the paracetamol contraindications, there is allergy (rather rare), serious liver disease, chronic alcoholism and the risk of overdose with liver damage. With regard to ibuprofen, there is allergy to NSAIDs, the history of ulcer or digestive bleeding, renal or cardiac insufficiency, pregnancy from the 6th month, chickenpox (risk of skin complications), anticoagulant treatments. So if you have risky terrain, it is better to favor paracetamol in first intention “.
When to favor one molecule rather than the other?
For our expert, we must therefore “Favor paracetamol when the pain is light to moderate, that there is no inflammation, or to treat a simple fever. It is also the recommended choice in children”.
Regarding ibuprofen, “The molecule is useful when there is an inflammatory component, or if paracetamol alone is not enough. But always with caution “.
Finally, some signals must alert, underlines the emergency doctor, especially if:
- Pain persists for more than 3 days;
- The fever has exceeded 38.5 ° C for more than 48 hours; D
- Worrying symptoms appear (unusual pain, swelling, etc.);
- You have a chronic disease (liver, kidneys, heart, etc.);
- You take other drugs in parallel.
“”This type of situation should stop you self -medication and push you to quickly consult a doctor “ concludes Dr. Kierzek.