How Long After Tylenol Can I Take Ibuprofen (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 4 Hours

Tylenol and ibuprofen work differently and are cleared from the body by different organs. Tylenol can put some pressure on the liver and ibuprofen can put some pressure on the stomach and kidneys, but if you are taking these drugs in safe amounts, this is not a big concern.

Tylenol is almost completely broken down by the liver, so the kidneys are almost inactive. However, if you take too much Tylenol or take it with alcohol, you may develop acute liver damage due to the stress it puts on your liver and that could be harmful to one’s body.

How Long After Tylenol Can I Take Ibuprofen?

A person can take Tylenol and ibuprofen at the same time, but he should make sure that he doesn’t take more than the recommended dose. Some people get an upset stomach or abdominal pain when they take the two together. In this case, it is best to alternate the intake of each medication.

For example, if a person takes ibuprofen first, then Tylenol four hours later, and then repeat the process if necessary. The dates can also be substituted. For example, if a person takes ibuprofen on Monday, takes Tylenol on Tuesday, and so on.

Tylenol and ibuprofen are two different types of over-the-counter pain relievers, while it is safe to take both types together, it is important to make sure you are not taking more than the recommended doses of each.

Tylenol and ibuprofen relieve pain, but they work differently in the body. They are available in various forms and concentrations. Each drug may cause different safety concerns, especially if you already have health problems. If you’re still not sure if one of these medicines is right for you, you should talk and consult your doctor.

While it is safe to take these pain relievers together, the doctors only rarely recommend taking Tylenol and ibuprofen at the same time. Sometimes the doctors have to substitute patients who take ibuprofen or Tylenol specifically as an antipyretic, so they can benefit from both drugs without the risk of side effects, which was advised by the doctors themselves.

Why Can I Take Ibuprofen So Long After Tylenol?

Both of the drugs can be used in infants, children, and adults. Ibuprofen can be used by people 6 months and older. Tylenol can be used at any age, but you should talk to your doctor before using it if your child is less than 2 years old. Infants and young children may be given fluids and suppositories.

Older children find it easier to chew and swallow as there can be chewable or oral tablets of both of these medicines. Strength and dosage are age-dependent, so always refer to product instructions for the exact amount that would be consumed.

The side effects of Tylenol and ibuprofen can be different. This is because your body breaks them down differently.
For example, the liver breaks down and removes Tylenol. Tylenol is advised with a warning of liver damage as it can cause a lot of it, which can be fatal (cause death). If you take too much in a 24 hour period, liver damage can occur.

Do not take more than one product containing Tylenol at the same time. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is excreted by the kidneys. Prolonged use may cause kidney damage and gastric bleeding.

Using high doses of ibuprofen longer than recommended may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

Conclusion

Rare but serious side effects are associated with ibuprofen and Tylenol that include allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling), hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and chest pain hence, too much consumption of ibuprofen or Tylenol can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and aggravate stomach ulcers

Moreover, liver damage can occur as a result of paracetamol abuse. These symptoms require medical attention. Therefore a person should call a nearby clinic or hospital or go to an emergency room as soon as possible.

References:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008874909000471
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/009286158501900204