I have a question about taking Ibuprofen with Excedrin?

Question

I have sinus headaches quite a bit and am always combining 2 Excedrin with 4 Advil Cold & Sinus. I may take that entire combination once every day! And when I'm sick, I may take it twice a day! How bad would this combination affect my liver and/or stomach? And how long would it take to possibly damage the liver, kidneys, stomach and anything else? Any suggestions as to what to take or do besides this?

Answer 1

It sounds like you have a chronic condition that needs to be treated accurately - instead of treating the symptoms. You could have a nasal obstruction, or allergies, etc.

There is no way to predict how much, to what extent, etc, the damage to be done by these things could be. You have (if I remember right 5 drugs [asperin, acetominophine, caffiene, pseudoephadrine, and ibuprofen) which means that you increase the chances that each one of those five drugs will interact with another one of those drugs. These interactions do not need to take place instantly. It could occur over time - each one of those drugs has what is called a "half life" (meaning the time if takes for half of the drug to be removed from your system. - not the time that it works mind you, the time it is in your body) This is how drugs build up in your system.

The point that I am getting at, is that taking these medications regularly, could have detrimental effects, and should NOT be taken so consistantly without a medical consult.

If you believe allergies may play a part, try googling "allergies" and "enviormental controls" you will get lots of info.

Also, google "neti pots" - they sound weird, but its totally safe and generally good for chronic nasal conditions.

Good Luck

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Answer 2

Well, I do the same thing, kinda. You have to make sure the Excedrin doesn't contain Ibuprofen, because some of it does now, that would mean you would be overdosing on Advil(Ibuprofen), but if the excedrin is just aspirin and even if it contains acetaminophen, its ok to take with Motrin(Advil, Ibuprofen). My mix for sinus headaches is Aspirin(just one), 4-6 Motrins(Advils) and 2 extra strength tylenols along with a good decongestant. Try psuedoephedrine. It IS o.k to take tylenol, advil, AND aspirin, along with a decongestant and even an antihistamine(like benadryl). As far as liver or other damage, it probably doesn't help, but I have been doing it for so long, and dare I say I am fine?! Too much Tylenol(like anything over 1,500 mg) can be harmful, even more can be fatal. Just be careful. The pharmacists are there for a job, they HAVE to tell u what is recommended, but if you find a good enough one, they'll tell you the truth, that's what i did. Good luck!

Answer 3

If you have that much trouble with your sinus's go to the doctor and get a nasal spray that will keep you clear.

If I were you, I would take psuedoephedrine for nasal congestion first and see if it helps. Then, if the pain is still present then take Ibuprofen OR Excedrin OR Tylenol. You may be in pain because the sinus's are just clogged. The psuedophedrine will clear you and it may relieve the pain (without you taking all that stuff).

Also, try using an overthecounter spray (saline) that will keep your sinuses moist and less likely to get clogged up. Alot of times infection sets in because the mucous membranes get dry and cracked and infected.

If these remedies do not help, see your doctor. Maybe you could get your sinuses scraped, too.

Answer 4

You should probably ask a pharmacist, but there is web page where you can check drug interactions: http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
- No interactions reported between acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

After I had an orthopedic operation, the doc recommended taking a combo of Alleve and acetaminophen, or ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but definitely NOT ibuprofen and Alleve (they both work the same way). Alleve works longer than ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen is hard on the stomach, and any of these things can cause liver problems in some individuals. You can detect signs of liver problems with a simple blood test. Your doc could set up a liver function test for you and you could get the sample drawn after taking you usual dose before the test. This is a pretty common blood test.

Answer 5

Not a good mix. Excedrin and Percocet both contain acetaminophen for starters. Unless you're doing this under the supervision of a Dr, you def shouldn't do it.

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Answer 6

well for one thing, ask a primary Dr or PA or even a pharmacist. if you cannot do that, i would not combine two different drugs while trying to fix a single problem. it seems to me like you'd be double dosing yourself. and that's dangerous not only right at the time, but down the timeline as well.

Answer 7

there are medic alert sites that warn about long term use of aspirin substitutes leads to liver and kidney cancer. i only use aspirin