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Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work together to reduce pain and fever through complementary mechanisms: acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, while ibuprofen inhibits peripheral cyclooxygenase enzymes.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work together to reduce pain and fever through complementary mechanisms: acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, while ibuprofen inhibits peripheral cyclooxygenase enzymes. Used for Mild to moderate pain, Fever reduction, Headache.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ibuprofen (Advil), Tylenol and Advil |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba |
| Drug class | Analgesic/Antipyretic combination (NSAID + non-NSAID) |
| Target | Prostaglandin synthesis pathway; COX-1/COX-2 enzymes |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management, Fever Reduction |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acetaminophen's exact mechanism remains incompletely understood but involves inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis primarily in the CNS, affecting pain perception and temperature regulation. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes peripherally, reducing prostaglandin production and thereby decreasing inflammation, pain, and fever. The combination provides additive analgesic and antipyretic effects.
Approved indications
- Mild to moderate pain
- Fever reduction
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Nausea
- Dyspepsia
- Hepatotoxicity (acetaminophen at high doses)
- Renal impairment (ibuprofen)
Key clinical trials
- Jaw Muscle Pain Post Wisdom Molar Surgery (PHASE2)
- Open-label Placebo (COLP) for Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Surgery+Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis (NA)
- Study of the Contribution of Osteopathic Treatment to Classic Medical Management in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain (NA)
- Comparing Analgesic Regimen Effectiveness and Safety for Surgery for Kids Trial (PHASE4)
- Selected Exercise Program on Upper Cross Syndrome Post-unilateral Mastectomy (NA)
- Phase 2 Herniorrhaphy Study for Opioid Elimination (PHASE2)
- Helping Osteoarthritis Patients to Walk With NSAID (PHASE4)
- Fentanyl Versus Opioid Free Multimodal Analgesia for Perioperative Pain Control in Children With Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Manitoba portfolio CI