How long is it ok to take paracetamol/ibuprofen for?

[IWorkAtTheCheescakeFactory]

I started getting two new teeth on Saturday, one top, one bottom, both on the same side. It was really painful (still is) so I took ibuprofen on Saturday evening and then paracetamol from Sunday morning. Then on Monday night I burnt the roof of my mouth with my lasagne agony! (Still sore now) so continued taking paracetamol. Then yesterday my sinuses started aching, I have a cold and they always flare up and usually get infected when I have one so that will be more pain relief. It’s all on the one side of my face (teeth, burnt mouth, sinuses) and it’s really sore. I last took ibuprofen last night and really need some pain relief now but I’m worried I’ve been taking a mix of ibuprofen and paracetamol for 4 days solid now. Is it safe to keep taking them for as long as the pain is there?

do you mean your wisdom teeth are coming through?

So you can take a maximum of 1200mg ibuprofen a day (so three doses of 2x200mg tablets, best taken with or after meals).

You can also take a maximum of 4000mg of paracetamol in one day (so four doses of 2x500mg tablets) - you must be careful not to double up on paracetamol if you are already taking cold remedies.

Certainly as long as you aren't on any other medications or have other health issues then continuing with this is fine. Some people are taking these permanently. Just make sure you don't go over the recommended dose. If you are finding that the pain is not getting any better after a few days then pop into your local pharamcy for advice.

It must be wisdom teeth, yes! ( I forgot they had a specific name! do you get them on the bottom as well?

Thanks britnay, I definitely haven’t exceeded the doses, I’ve been stretching out between doses as long as I can cope and have been alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol. I’m not taking any other medications.

I’ve been stretching out between doses as long as I can cope and have been alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol. I’m not taking any other medications.

You don't need to stretch the doses out, in fact that can make the pain worse. Just don't take more than the maximum in 24 hours. And take both at the same time for maximum effect. It won't do you any harm. The two drugs don't affect each other.

Thanks prawn, that’s good to know!

So long as you stay within the recommended daily limits you are fine to take them as long as necessary until the pain subsides. Ensure that you take the ibuprofen with food though or else it can damage the stomach lining.

I would consult the dentist if the pain is for extended periods of time or you are in a great deal of pain.

I've been on paracetamol every 6 hours for about 5 months now. Was also on high dose of diclofenac (nsaid like ibuprofen) for 4 months but that's been swapped now.

I have been taking cocodamol 30 /500 for a few years now for constant pain. I am worried about damage to my organs but my gp says so long as I sta within the guidelines I will be OK. I used to take only 4 a day but now I take between 6 and 8 depending on pain levels. I get regular blood tests.

They say consult your doctor if more than 3 days, but I think that's more because you need to address the pain rather than just masking it - but I don't think this applies if you've been taking it for different things.

Paracetamol is generally a weak drug anyway, and so long as it's only in the short term that you're taking it all the time, I wouldn't worry too much.

Thank you everyone. Yes I’ve just had a run of bad luck with everything being painful one after the other rather than one thing being painful for ages. I was just worried incase there was any effect from using it for longer than a few days.

I've been on Naproxen (like Ibuprofen) plus Paracetamol for about 6 weeks now following major orthopaedic surgery. I've been told I can take it as long as the pain is there. I don't drink any alcohol however as I understand that mixing that with Ibuprofen can cause stomach problems.

I was told by a doctor that long term use of paracetamol is fine as long as you stick to the dose and maximums. Ibuprofen is risky. I'm not able to take it because it reacted with another medication and damaged my stomach lining. I can't take any NSAIDs now because of it. I would be careful with ibuprofen because I know a lot people who have had problems with it. CBD oil can also help.