Acetaminophen / Ibuprofen
Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) is an over-the-counter combination medication used to treat pain and inflammation (redness and swelling). It's available over the counter as a tablet (pill). The directions on the manufacturer's label state to take 2 tablets by mouth every 8 hours, or as directed by your provider. Some side effects of Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) include nausea, stomach upset and dizziness.
What is Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)?
What is Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) used for?
Temporary relief of minor aches and pains:
Toothache
Backache
Muscle aches
Minor arthritis pain
How Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) works
Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) is a combination of two medications that work together to relieve symptoms of minor aches and pains:
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body from making chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Acetaminophen is an analgesic that lowers the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause both pain and fever. The way acetaminophen works isn't fully understood.
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What are the side effects of Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)?
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Skin rashes
Other Side Effects
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Kidney problems
- Headache
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects
- Stroke: tiredness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, weakness on one side of the body
- Heart attack: dizziness, tiredness, cold sweat, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, anxiety
- Heart failure: trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, sudden weight gain
- Stomach bleeds: blood in your vomit, stool that looks like black coffee grounds, pain in your stomach that doesn't go away
- Liver damage: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes
- Kidney damage: urine changes (such as little or no urine, excessive urination at night), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, seizures, swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
- Severe asthma attack: chest pain, cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Serious allergic or skin reaction: fever, rash, body aches, cough, swelling of the face, peeling skin, painful blisters all over your body
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Increase in blood pressure
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach
Pros and cons of Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)
Pros
Works well for fever, pain, and inflammation
Starts to work within 45 minutes and lasts for 8 hours
Combines two medications into one tablet for convenience
Available over the counter
Cons
Might need to take it up to 3 times per day
Might not be a good option to use while pregnant
Has the potential to cause liver, kidney, or heart problems
Can cause stomach bleeding or ulcers
Pharmacist tips for Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)
If you're allergic to aspirin, talk to your provider or pharmacist before starting Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) because you might be allergic to this medication as well.
You can take Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) with or without food. However, it's best to take it with food or milk to prevent getting an upset stomach.
Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) raises the risk of stomach bleeding, so tell your provider right away if you experience unexplained vomiting or stomach pain, dark-colored stools, or blood in your vomit or stool.
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) because doing so raises your risk for liver problems and stomach bleeds. If you drink alcohol regularly and it's difficult for you to stop, ask your provider for resources to help you quit or limit how much you drink. Or ask them about safer ways to manage your pain.
Avoid using other medications containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen (or another NSAID) to help lower your risk for overdose and severe side effects (e.g., liver, kidney, heart, bleeding problems). Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure if the medications you take contain acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or an NSAID.
Tell your pharmacist or provider about all of your medications so they can make sure Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) is safe to take with your other medications. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen interact with many other medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), diuretics (water pills), and blood pressure medications.
If you're taking aspirin for your heart, ask your provider if it's safe for you to take Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen). If they say it's okay to take them together, make sure to take Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) at least 8 hours before taking aspirin or 30 minutes after taking aspirin. Taking both medications at the same time might lower the amount of aspirin your body absorbs and cause it to not work as well.
Stop using Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) and contact your provider if your pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days, if you notice any new symptoms, or if you see redness or swelling in the painful area. These might be signs of a more serious condition that needs more medical attention.
Store Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) up and away from children and pets so they're less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Frequently asked questions about Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)
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What are the risks and warnings for Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)?
Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Stomach bleeding and ulcers
Risk factors: Older adult | History of stomach bleeding or bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Taking Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) for a long time
Like all NSAIDS, the ibuprofen in Advil Dual Action raises your risk for stomach ulcers (sores) and bleeds, which can be dangerous. Make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist about all of your conditions and medications before starting Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) so they can talk with you about your risk for stomach bleeding. If you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while taking Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen), get medical attention right away.
Heart attack and stroke
Risk factors: Heart problems | Taking higher doses of Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) | Taking Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) for a long time | Past or planned heart surgery
Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) can raise your risk of having blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Try to take the lowest dose for the shortest time to minimize the risk for clots. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Don't take Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) if you had, or will have, heart surgery. Call 911 or get immediate help if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.
Liver damage
Risk factors: Drinking 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day | Taking other medications containing acetaminophen | Taking too much Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) | History of liver problems
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause severe, and potentially life-threatening, liver damage. For adults, the maximum amount of acetaminophen is typically 4,000 mg per day, but it can be lower depending on your provider's instructions and your risk for liver damage. Speak to your provider before taking Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) if you have liver problems since it can cause further damage to your liver. Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication to prevent harm to the liver. Signs of liver problems include dark urine, feeling tired, upset stomach or stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your provider right away.
Kidney damage
Risk factors: Older adult | Kidney problems | Heart failure | Liver problems | High blood sugar | Not enough fluids in the body (dehydration) | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems
Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) can cause kidney problems. Your risk is higher if you have certain factors like older age, certain medical problems like diabetes, or you're taking medications that can cause kidney problems. If you have any of the risk factors listed above, don't use Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) without asking your provider first. Get medical help if you develop any signs or symptoms of kidney failure, including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, and muscle cramps.
High blood pressure and heart failure
Risk factors: Heart problems
The ibuprofen in Advil Dual Action can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure or put you at risk for heart failure. Tell your provider if you have a history of heart problems, or are taking blood pressure medications, before starting Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) to make sure it's safe for you. Your provider will screen you for heart problems before starting you on this medication. If you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while taking Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen), contact your provider.
Severe allergic and skin reactions
Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy
Severe allergic reactions to Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before starting Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen), get medical attention right away.
Additionally, although rare, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can cause serious skin reactions, such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. If you notice changes in your skin, stop using Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) and get medical attention right away.
Accidental overdose
Risk factors: Taking Advil Dual Action with other NSAIDs or acetaminophen
Make sure to read the label of all medications. There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that contain acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or NSAIDs as one of the active ingredients. Avoid using multiple medications containing acetaminophen, ibuprofen or a NSAID. Doing so can raise your risk for an accidental overdose, which can lead to serious and sometimes fatal, side effects like bleeding, liver, kidney, or heart damage. If you or someone you know might've taken too much Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen), get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)
Each tablet of Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) contains 250 mg of acetaminophen and 125 mg of ibuprofen.
Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 tablets by mouth every 8 hours while symptoms last. Don't take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your provider.
Age under 12 years: Ask your child's provider.
How much does Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) cost?
Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) contraindications
Taking other medications containing acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or another NSAID
History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
Use of Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
What are alternatives to Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)?
Temporary relief of minor aches and pains:
Toothache
Backache
Muscle aches
Minor arthritis pain
Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
Fever
Mild-to-moderate pain
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
Pain from menstrual cramps
What is the latest news about Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen / ibuprofen)?
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References
Best studies we foundHaleon group of companies. (n.d.). Advil Dual Action Back Pain.
Kolasinski, S. L., et al. (2020). 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis & Rheumatology.
National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.
Retail Business Services, LLC. (2023). Acetaminophen and ibuprofen- NSAID tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2006). Concomitant use of ibuprofen and aspirin: potential for attenuation of the antiplatelet effect of aspirin.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA drug safety communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain medicine use during pregnancy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA drug safety communication: FDA warns of rare but serious skin reactions with the pain reliever/fever reducer acetaminophen.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA warns that using a type of pain and fever medication in second half of pregnancy could lead to complications.
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