What's the Difference between Ibuprofen and Excedrin? Can We Take Them Together?

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that operates by diminishing the hormones responsible for inflammation and pain within the body.

It's commonly employed to alleviate fever and address pain or inflammation stemming from various conditions such as headaches, toothaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injuries. Ibuprofen is used in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

Excedrin

Excedrin is formulated with a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Acetaminophen serves as both a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Aspirin, classified as a salicylate drug, functions by diminishing the substances in the body responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. Meanwhile, caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, relaxing muscle contractions in blood vessels to enhance blood flow.

Excedrin is utilized to alleviate pain stemming from tension headaches, migraine headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, toothaches, the common cold, or nasal congestion.

Can We Take Them Together?

Before combining Excedrin Migraine with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), it's crucial to consult your doctor. Each caplet or geltab of Excedrin Migraine contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Both aspirin and ibuprofen are classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and mixing them could result in serious side effects or drug interactions.

Here are some important points to consider:
1. Each Excedrin Migraine tablet contains 65 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, 250 mg of acetaminophen, and 250 mg of aspirin.
2. Combining Excedrin Migraine and ibuprofen may heighten the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, and perforation, particularly in older patients.
3. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or increase the frequency of monitoring for potential side effects if you use these medications concurrently.
4. There's a possibility that your doctor may advise against using these medicines together.
5. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen carry a Boxed Warning regarding an elevated risk of heart attack or stroke, whereas aspirin does not have this warning.