“Mixing tylenol ibuprofen...”

by Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR

Nathan Wei is a board-certified rheumatologist and author of the Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit. It's available exclusively at this website... not available in stores.

Click here: Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit



One question I’m asked a lot is, “Can I mix Tylenol with ibuprofen?”

The answer for the most part is, “Yes”.

When you take ibuprofen, you’re taking a drug that is a classic non steroidal anti inflammatory drug. It has analgesic (pain-killing) properties and it blocks inflammation.

Tylenol, or acetaminophen, is an analgesic only. It decreases pain but does not have anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanism of action is different from that of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.

You should not take two non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs together, though. So, for instance, it is a no-no to take ibuprofen and naproxen together.

And, it is a definite no-no to take a prescription NSAID along with ibuprofen.

As with all medications, if you find yourself taking these types of medicines on a daily basis for aches and pains, you need to check in with your physician.

Taking regular doses of either Tylenol or ibuprofen may lead to significant side-effects.

Many people don't realize the long term side effects that can occur with chronic Tylenol use. It leads to chronic kidney failure and often cause significant liver damage.

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