Is it possible to give "Nurofen" and "Paracetamol" at the same time: drug compatibility and indications for use

In the pharmacological market, there are many drugs to reduce the temperature. Therefore, many mothers face a serious and responsible choice in favor of this or that remedy. Most often, it falls on Nurofen or Paracetamol, which have antipyretic properties, but affect the body in different ways. The advantage of these drugs is the fact that they are allowed to be taken even by children. But, like all medicines, they also have a number of contraindications and side effects. We will try to find out what are the differences between the drugs. We will find out whether it is possible to take Nurofen and Paracetamol at the same time. After all, this is really very important.

The drug "Nurofen": description, principle of action

The active substance is ibuprofen. The international nonproprietary name (INN) of Nurofen is ibuprofen. The main effect of the drug is aimed at reducing the symptoms associated with pain, redness of the skin, swelling and fever. Its effect on the body is to reduce the production of biologically active substances of prostaglandins. The effect lasts from 6 to 8 hours.

The action of ibuprofen is aimed at stopping headache, muscle, joint and toothache; as well as lowering body temperature at elevated rates.

For children, this temperature will be 38.5 degrees or more (in the absence of chronic diseases), for children with fever intolerance under the age of three months, this temperature threshold is 38 degrees. The dosage of the children's "Nurofen" is given below.

Contraindications

Apply "Nurofen" should not be:

• peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
• Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis;
• stomach bleeding provoked by the wrong intake of anti-inflammatory drugs;
• severe impairment of kidney or liver function;
• severe violation of the heart, which is accompanied by swelling and shortness of breath;
• the presence of a focal point of bleeding in any organ;
• diseases that interfere with the functioning of the blood coagulation system;
• intolerance or malabsorption of sugars (fructose, galactose, sucrose, glucose);
• allergic reactions to the active substance - ibuprofen.

It is not recommended to take the drug in the postoperative period after heart surgery. During pregnancy, for up to 24 weeks, reception is only allowed under the supervision of a doctor, and after the 24th week and during lactation, you can not take "Nurofen".

Side effects

Among the side effects noted: allergy to the active substance of the drug; upset gastrointestinal tract with the possible occurrence of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache. Very rare side effects include anemia, increased bleeding, damage to kidney and liver tissues, and the development of meningitis.

"Paracetamol": description and action

The active substance "Paracetamol" is acetaminophen. The mechanism of action is to reduce the activity of signals entering the brain from inflammatory biologically active substances.

The drug copes well with headache, chronic pain syndromes. The tool is used as an additional analgesic therapy. The drug is successfully used to lower body temperature at high rates, since it is able to lower the activity of the thermoregulatory center of the brain.

Indications for the use of "Paracetamol"

Prescribe a drug in the same cases as Nurofen:

• inflammatory pain;
• migraine;
• painful menstruation;
• fever.

In some cases, it can not be taken. About this - below.

Contraindications

For successful treatment with Paracetamol, a number of factors should be considered:

• against the background of the intake, a refusal to drink alcohol is necessary;
• allergy to the drug is possible;
• not recommended for kidney and liver diseases;
• with caution to take the drug for diseases associated with the thyroid gland.

The use of the drug is allowed for pregnant women, as well as during breastfeeding.

Side effects

Side effects include:

1. Anemia is a condition where the production of red blood cells decreases.
2. Agranulocytosis - the number of leukocytes in the bloodstream decreases.
3. Thrombocytopenia - bleeding increases due to the resulting deficiency of platelet cells.
4. Impaired kidney function.

If any negative manifestations occur, it is recommended to interrupt treatment with the drug and consult a doctor.

"Paracetamol" and "Nurofen": the correct dosage

These two drugs can be used to treat children. The difference is that the first can be used from the first month of life, the second is prescribed to children from three months, while the weight of the child is necessarily taken into account. The dosage of the children's "Nurofen" and "Paracetamol" is shown in the table. Consider her.

In one step, the dose is calculated by the weight of the child: 5-10 mg of the drug per 1 kg of body weight. If necessary, the tablet can be taken 3 or 4 times a day, provided that the daily dose does not exceed the recommended ratio: for Nurofen, it is 0.03 g per 1 kilogram of weight; for "Paracetamol" - 50 mg / kg of mass. Any such action should be discussed with your doctor.

The dosage of "Paracetamol" in tablets according to the instructions for use for adults is 500 mg at a time, but in case of emergency, doctors allow a single dose of the drug in a dosage of 800-1000 mg. At the same time, the patient’s weight is also taken into account: the lower the body mass index, the less medication will be needed.

Possible overdose

Any prescription of drugs should be carried out by the attending physician who correctly assesses the condition and body weight of the patient, prescribes the correct dosage of the drug. But it should be noted that self-reduction of admission or non-observance of the time period, as well as the use of Nurofen and Paracetamol, can simultaneously lead to intoxication. Self-medication is dangerous!

The main symptoms of Paracetamol poisoning are accompanied by:

• pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting;
• dizziness and confusion;
• liver failure;
• hepatic coma;
• an allergic reaction;
• violation of the functions of the hematopoietic system.

With an overdose of "Nurofen" observed:

• abdominal pain;
• nausea, to which vomiting may subsequently join;
• lethargic and drowsy state;
• diplopia;
• the appearance of a headache;
• masticatory muscle spasm;
• hearing impairment, extraneous tinnitus;
• lowering blood pressure;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• depressed state.

Listen to your body and consult your doctor if necessary.

Can I give Paracetamol and Nurofen at the same time?

Authoritative doctors are increasingly advocating the joint use of these two drugs for a more effective way to deal with high fever. It is only necessary to note that "Nurofen" and "Paracetamol" cannot be used simultaneously, they alternate after a certain time. This combination is used if the action of one of the drugs is not enough to lower the temperature and improve the general condition of the patient. There are times when the drug quickly, but not for long removes the fever, and after 4-5 hours a second dose is needed. In such situations, anti-inflammatory non-steroid drugs from different groups can be alternated.

How to alternate drugs?

First of all, we are waiting for the effect of the first drug taken to determine the interval for taking the second drug. It is best to start with ibuprofen, it has a slightly stronger effect on inflammatory processes. They have different working hours: "Paracetamol" in 1-2 hours copes with the disease, "Nurofen" - after 45-90 minutes.

If the previous intensity of symptoms persists, the second drug is taken.

But between these receptions should pass at least 4 hours. This algorithm of actions, based on the compatibility of Nurofen and Paracetamol, is the safest.

If we are talking about a children's body, then first you can try to bring down the temperature with "Nurofen." If the indicators do not change much, then no sooner than after 1.5–2 hours you can use Paracetamol in the form of rectal suppositories. Such a drug in a pharmacy is most often sold under the trade name "Cefecon". Suppositories will not adversely affect the baby's digestive tract. The effect of their use will not come so quickly, but the action of the drug will last up to 8 hours. "Paracetamol" and "Ibuprofen" together will help to most effectively bring down the temperature.

Useful Tips

For more successful and safer therapy, follow these guidelines:

• do not exceed the dosage prescribed by the doctor (on average: “Paracetamol” - 500 mg, “Nurofen” - 400 mg or depending on body weight);
• take the medicine once every four to six hours;
• spend no more than 10 days of therapy.

If there is no effect from treatment, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Which is better, Nurofen or Paracetamol? The opinion of doctors

If the use of Nurofen and Paracetamol at the same time is not possible, then there are criteria that will help determine which drug is better and which has fewer side effects:

1. Lowering body temperature - ibuprofen can do this faster.
2. Relieving pain during swallowing is better than Nurofen.
3. Relieving pain in the ear area - Ibuprofen is more anesthetized.
4. Safety of the medicine - during the intake of Nurofen and ibuprofen, cases of damage to the gastric mucosa were recorded. For "Paracetamol" when taken up to 10 days, this effect was not observed.
5. The ability to apply for bronchial asthma. When taking "Paracetamol" were not recorded cases of exacerbation of asthma.
6. An opportunity to apply at an open arterial duct. According to pediatric studies, both Ibuprofen and Paracetamol in this case have the same effect.

From the above it follows that "Paracetamol" is allowed for use by all people, including those suffering from bronchial asthma, to lower the temperature and relieve pain. It is prescribed to patients of any age, including newborn children.

"Nurofen" is more suitable for quickly removing fever, eliminating pain in the throat and in the ear region. It is allowed to use it to treat children from three months and with a baby weighing more than 5 kilograms. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used together, but only as directed by a doctor. At least four hours must elapse between medications.