Yes, most adults can use paracetamol and ibuprofen on the same day, but not at the same moment. The HSE advises not to take them at the same time unless your GP tells you to, so space them apart. They are different medicines that work in different ways, and used on the same day they often control pain and fever better than either one alone. Here is how to do it, from the pharmacists at Laois Pharmacy in Portlaoise.
Work out your doses
Who is the pain relief for?
Paracetamol: 500mg to 1g per dose, at least 4 hours between doses, up to 4 times in 24 hours. Never more than 4g (8 × 500mg tablets) in 24 hours. If you weigh under 50kg, your GP may recommend a lower dose.
Ibuprofen: 200mg to 400mg per dose, up to 3 times in 24 hours, no more than 1,200mg in 24 hours, always with or after food.
An example for bad pain or fever, keeping the two apart: paracetamol at 8am, 2pm and 8pm, and ibuprofen with food at about 11am and 5pm. If you still need both after 3 days, talk to us or your GP.
The only way to take both at the same moment is a licensed combination tablet such as Nuromol Dual Action, used as directed (adults 18 and over, up to 3 days). Never add separate paracetamol or ibuprofen on top of it.
Skip the ibuprofen and ask us first if you have a stomach ulcer, kidney problems, are on blood thinners, have aspirin-sensitive asthma, or are pregnant.
Read our full child fever guide, including the warning signs that mean it’s a doctor visit, not a pharmacy one.
Why the combination works
Paracetamol works mainly in the brain on how you perceive pain and on your temperature set-point. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, it works at the site of the problem, reducing the swelling and inflammation that cause the pain. Because they work in different ways, using both on the same day can give better relief than either alone, as long as you keep them apart and stay within each one’s daily limit.
Can I take 400mg ibuprofen with 500mg paracetamol?
Most adults can use both on the same day, but the HSE advises not taking them at the same time unless your GP tells you to. Take the 400mg of ibuprofen with food and the paracetamol at a different time. Stay within 1,200mg of ibuprofen and 4g of paracetamol in 24 hours, and keep at least 4 hours between paracetamol doses.
Both in one tablet
Nuromol Dual Action
Ibuprofen 200mg and paracetamol 500mg in one tablet, for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain in adults aged 18 and over, for up to 3 days.
From €10.95. Pharmacy medicine, sold after a few quick pharmacist questions.
Do not take with other paracetamol or ibuprofen products. Always read the leaflet.
The mistakes we see most
- Doubling up on hidden paracetamol. Solpadeine, Panadol Cold & Flu, Lemsip and many combination remedies already contain paracetamol. Adding more tablets on top is how accidental overdoses happen, always check the box, or ask us.
- Ibuprofen on an empty stomach, hard on the stomach lining. Take it with food, every time.
- Running both at full dose for days on end. These are short-term tools. Pain that needs constant maximum doses beyond a few days needs a diagnosis, talk to us or your GP.
Taking other medicines too?
Painkillers interact with blood thinners, blood pressure tablets and more. Tell us what you take, checking takes our pharmacists two minutes and it’s free.
Pain relief you can buy from us today
The everyday painkillers our pharmacists reach for, with delivery across Ireland.
Panadol Pain Relief Tablets Paracetamol 500mg 24sParacetamol for pain and fever, gentle on the stomach€4.95View product
Nurofen Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets 48'sIbuprofen 200mg for inflammation, swelling and period pain€9.95View product
Nurofen Rapid Relief 400mg Tablets, 20sIbuprofen 400mg for stronger, faster relief€9.95View product
Nuromol Dual Action Tablets (Paracetamol 500mg + Ibuprofen 200mg)Paracetamol and ibuprofen in one tabletFrom €10.95View product
Pfizer Paracetamol 500mg Film-Coated Tablets, 12 TabletsBudget paracetamol, same active ingredient€2.05View product
Easofen 400mg Max Strength Ibuprofen - 24 TabletsMaximum strength ibuprofen 400mg€10.95View productMedicines are sold subject to a short pharmacist questionnaire at checkout. Ask our pharmacist on WhatsApp if you are unsure what suits you.
Paracetamol & ibuprofen FAQs
Can I take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time?
Most adults can use both on the same day, but the HSE advises not to take them at the same time unless your GP tells you to. Space them apart, stay within each medicine’s own 24 hour limit, and take ibuprofen with food.
How far apart should I space them?
Take them at different times rather than together, for example one medicine and then the other a few hours later if you still need relief. Keep at least 4 hours between paracetamol doses and take each ibuprofen dose with food. Ask us if you are unsure what suits you.
What is the most paracetamol and ibuprofen an adult can take in 24 hours?
Paracetamol: up to 4 doses of 500mg to 1g, with at least 4 hours between doses, and no more than 4g (eight 500mg tablets) in 24 hours. Your GP may advise a lower dose if you weigh under 50kg. Ibuprofen bought without a prescription: 200mg to 400mg per dose with food, no more than 1,200mg in 24 hours.
Is there a tablet with paracetamol and ibuprofen combined?
Yes. Nuromol Dual Action contains ibuprofen 200mg and paracetamol 500mg in one tablet. It is a pharmacy medicine for adults 18 and over, for pain not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen alone, for no more than 3 days. Take one tablet with food up to three times a day, or two if one does not help, at least 6 hours apart, and no more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take extra paracetamol or ibuprofen on top.
Who shouldn’t take ibuprofen?
People with stomach ulcers, significant kidney problems, aspirin-sensitive asthma, those on blood thinners, and women who are pregnant should avoid ibuprofen unless a doctor says otherwise. Paracetamol is often the better choice for them, so ask us.
Can children have paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Not at the same time. The HSE says you can give your child both on the same day, but not at the same time unless a doctor, nurse or pharmacist tells you to. Start with one, dosed by age and weight, and if pain or fever is still there 1 hour after paracetamol you could try ibuprofen. See our child fever guide for the warning signs.
Reviewed by Deirdre O’Donovan MPSI, pharmacist (registered since 1981), Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise, October 2026. This is general guidance, not a substitute for personal advice, ask our pharmacists about your own situation.
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