Taking paracetamol and ibruprofen

[JensensMummyforever]

I have what I assume.is a brutal viral cold or something. Body aches, dizzy head, just generally feel horrendous. My little boy has it too. Can I take paracetamol every four hours and ibuprofen every four but staggered. So say I've taken paracetamol at 8:30, then ibruprofen at 10:30 then para at 12:30 and so on. Is this safe? Its the only way I can see getting through especially as I've got a sick toddler to look after.

Never had an issue taking both (2x para / 2x ibu) every 4 hours together at the same time, as long as the maximum for the day isn't met.

Yes it’s safe. Doctor advised this when our then 6 year old had tonsils/adenoids removed (and he’s asthmatic)

I take them at same time but there are exceptions re medications etc.
I'd call your local pharmacy and get their advice.

I did this for years for period pain with no problems - only thing that got me through every month.

I don't take any other medications.. these body aches are something else so I need to keep on top of it.

Don't forget not to take ibu on an empty stomach (unless you already take a PPI such as lansoprazole).

You can but in your example you'll reach your maximum for the day (4xparacetamol, 3xibuprofen) by 8.30. This is fine if you think you'll be able to sleep without anything, but I like to space it out a bit more to avoid that problem.

I'd put money on this being Covid. I tested positive on Saturday and the body aches have been another level. I honestly feel like I've been beaten up and then ran a marathon. I often stagger ibuprofen and paracetamol as described and it's fine as long as you don't go over the daily dosage for either.

Yes, I stagger them too to give less of a 'dip' in pain relief. Just don't go over the daily max and make sure you have enough left for bedtime!
All the best.

Thanks everyone. I did think about covid. Iv had it four times though and whatever this is is by far the worst!! My little boy has it too and he is really poorly. I'm going to stagger the pain relief as described and see what how it goes. DH started with it Saturday and is feeling a bit better today. Just snotty and bad cough now.