Taking Aleve (naproxen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is typically safe. However, this may not be the most effective way to take the medications.
Taking Aleve and Tylenol together is typically safe, provided it is only for a short time.
Aleve is the brand name for over-the-counter naproxen, and Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen. Doctors and pharmacists may recommend Tylenol or Aleve to reduce fevers or mild to moderate pain, such as that caused by:
- headaches
- sore throats
- menstrual cramps
- toothaches
- body aches caused by cold or flu
- earaches
- arthritis pain
If the pain is moderate or severe, a person may wonder if it is safe and effective to take both types of pain medication together.
Yes, Aleve and Tylenol are generally safe to take simultaneously. However, taking them at different times is often more effective.
A person could start, for example, by taking Tylenol in the morning. The pain may return before the next scheduled dose, depending on the strength of the Tylenol. At the first sign of pain, a person could take Aleve and continue to alternate the two as necessary.
Staggering the medications can help to extend the relief from pain. If, instead, a person takes both simultaneously, the combined pain relief may wear off before it is safe to take the next doses.
Considerations and risks
Both Aleve and Tylenol can cause side effects.
Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in over-the-counter medications, such as cough and cold medicines. It is a well-studied, well-tolerated drug and is safe to use as prescribed. However, there is a small risk of liver damage should a person take acetaminophen in excess. Taking as directed is safe.
Similarly, naproxen-based pain medication can also be harmful if a person does not take it as directed. The most common side effects are allergic reactions, dizziness, and headaches. In severe circumstances, excess consumption can cause stomach inflammation, bleeding, and more.
People with underlying medical conditions who are taking acetaminophen or NSAIDs can prove a risk should first speak to their primary care physician. For example, someone with renal failure, acute kidney injury, or a gastric ulcer should avoid NSAIDs. Someone with liver failure should avoid acetaminophen.
Read the labeling of these products carefully to understand the correct dosage and potential complications. When in doubt, it is important to speak with a doctor.
Healthcare professionals usually suggest starting off with the smallest dosage of a drug. If the symptoms persist, they then recommend increasing the dosage or adding another medication. Starting off with the lowest effective dosage reduces the risk of side effects.
Aleve is an anti-inflammatory drug. As inflammation decreases, a person usually experiences less pain.
Naproxen sodium is the active ingredient in Aleve. Naproxen sodium belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs reduce the chemicals that cause inflammation.
The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen, which blocks pain signals in the brain.
Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic. It inhibits the pain sensors in the nervous system, and it can also reduce fevers.
However, researchers still do not fully understand how acetaminophen blocks pain signals.
Taking Tylenol and Aleve together will not cause an adverse drug interaction between these two medications.
If a person takes either medication regularly, it may be a good idea to use the other when additional pain arises.
If either Aleve or Tylenol is insufficient to relieve pain, a person may benefit from adding a staggered dosage of the other medication.
Anyone experiencing ongoing pain should speak with their doctor about the best treatment options.
The medical community considers it generally safe to take Tylenol and Aleve simultaneously. However, if a person experiences significant or chronic pain that requires both medications, they should work with a healthcare professional to diagnose and treat the cause before taking these medications together.
A person should only take the recommended doses of these medications. Also, do not take Aleve or Tylenol for more than 10 days at a time.
Anyone with questions about these medications should speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
