Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen only if you can safely take both
Use the same dosing schedule every day and keep doses evenly spaced
Typical adult schedule:
Take ibuprofen every 6 hours
Take acetaminophen every 6 hours, alternating with ibuprofen so they are about 3 hours apart
Example adult timing:
8:00 AM: Tylenol
11:00 AM: Ibuprofen
2:00 PM: Tylenol
5:00 PM: Ibuprofen
8:00 PM: Tylenol
11:00 PM: Ibuprofen
Typical adult maximums:
Acetaminophen: do not exceed 3,000 mg in 24 hours (or follow your label/clinician instructions)
Ibuprofen: do not exceed 1,200 mg in 24 hours OTC (or follow your label/clinician instructions)
Use weight-based dosing for children only with a clinician’s guidance or the product’s dosing chart
Do not use both medicines more frequently than the label allows (or closer together than about 3 hours)
Avoid acetaminophen if you have severe liver disease or heavy alcohol use
Avoid ibuprofen if you have kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcers/bleeding, or are on blood thinners unless a clinician approves
Do not take ibuprofen if you are allergic to it or have NSAID-triggered asthma unless directed by a clinician
Keep track of exact times and doses (write them down)
Stop alternating and contact a clinician urgently if pain/fever persists or worsens, or if you notice rash, swelling, breathing trouble, black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, or unusual bruising
If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the scheduled time; do not double up