Paracetamol can be taken every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 grams (or 8 tablets of 500mg) in 24 hours for adults. Ibuprofen can be taken every 6 to 8 hours, with a maximum of about 1.2 grams to 2.4 grams daily depending on whether it is over-the-counter or prescribed. Specifically:
- Paracetamol: Up to 1 gram every 4 to 6 hours, not more than 4 grams per day.
- Ibuprofen: Typically 400mg to 600mg three to four times daily. The over-the-counter dose max is 1.2g per day (e.g., 400mg three times daily), while prescribed doses can go up to 2.4g daily (e.g., 600mg four times daily).
Taking paracetamol and ibuprofen together is generally safe and can be done simultaneously or alternated, but both should not exceed their respective maximum doses. Ibuprofen should be taken with food. It is important not to take other medicines containing either drug simultaneously to avoid accidental overdose.
