Many people rely on over-the-counter painkillers to provide quick relief. However, if you regularly take acetaminophen and ibuprofen to manage chronic pain, you might have concerns about the impact on your body. Here is what you should know about safely taking these pain relief medications separately and together. 

Acetaminophen 

Most commonly known in the U.S. under the brand name Tylenol®, this product is used to control pain and fevers, but it doesn't help with inflammation. It can be taken as a standalone pill and is often included as a component in stronger prescription medications, such as an acetaminophen-codeine blend. It's essential to keep track of how much you're taking, especially if you're trying to manage chronic pain while treating other illnesses like a cold or flu. 

Dosage guidelines suggest that a regular, healthy adult should take no more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day from all sources. However, this threshold is not completely safe for some people, so it's best to follow dosage guidelines for the specific medications you're taking while staying below the 4,000-milligram limit. Surpassing these recommendations can result in liver damage or an acetaminophen overdose.

Further, exercise additional caution if you drink alcohol. Reduce your intake to two glasses per day for men or one glass per day for women since the body absorbs acetaminophen more easily when alcohol is involved. 

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is primarily used to treat inflammation and is known as popular brands like Advil® and Motrin®. By reducing inflammation in the joints and muscles, this medication relieves pain throughout the body. An average adult can take a maximum of 3,200 milligrams of ibuprofen a day. 

Like acetaminophen, you should follow the specific dosing guidelines of the medication that you're taking. Further, remember that many medications contain ibuprofen as an ingredient, so always keep track of what you're consuming. Excessive ibuprofen use can lead to digestive issues, an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and other severe health impacts.

People often wonder if it's safe to mix ibuprofen and acetaminophen. The answer is yes, although you need to be careful not to exceed the maximum dose of either drug on a given day. With moderation, the combination can be a more effective pain relief method than taking them separately.

Get your chronic pain under control by visiting O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates. This St. Charles County, MO, pain management team treats a variety of conditions using proven physical therapy and chiropractic techniques for a holistic approach. The staff works one on one with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of discomfort. Learn about their services online or schedule an appointment at (636) 978-3000.