Pain can throw off your whole day, which is why most of us reach for a tablet for relief. Combination tablets can provide more relief than just a stand-alone tablet that has just ibuprofen or paracetamol in it.
The basics: Ibuprofen and paracetamol
You might’ve seen these in your pain relief tablets, but how do they help with pain?
Ibuprofen is a type of pain-relief medicine and treats mild to moderate pain, including period pain, headache and toothache. Ibuprofen reduces your body’s ability to make the chemicals that trigger the feeling of pain and produce inflammation1.
Paracetamol is a different type of medicine that is used for mild to moderate pain, including muscle strains or migraines2.
For short term pain, like headaches, you can take safely take both together, but it’s not recommended for people with chronic pain.
The way paracetamol works in your body isn't fully understood, despite the fact it's been used in medicine for more than 70 years2.
What’s a combination tablet?
A combination tablet includes both paracetamol and ibuprofen, which can be an effective alternative to opioids like codeine and help avoid the risks of abuse and misuse.
Maxigesic was the first approved paracetamol and ibuprofen combination tablet and was introduced in 2014.
The patented combination of 500mgs of paracetamol and 150mgs of ibuprofen is clinically proven in dental studies to provide significantly more pain relief than paracetamol or ibuprofen alone3.
The combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen can also help relieve pain when you’re in post-operative pain and musculoskeletal pain4.
The Maxigesic Double Action Pain Relief Paracetamol & Ibuprofen 12 Tablets pack is also opioid-free and available over the counter, so you don’t need a prescription.
Is a combination tablet right for me?
A combination pain relief tablet like Maxigesic should be used strictly as directed on the packaging, as prolonged or excessive use can be harmful and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke or liver damage.
Maxigesic can provide temporary relief for a wide range of pain, including5:
- Arthritis
- Toothache
- Sinus pain
- Tennis elbow
- Period pain
If you are suffering from pain and aren’t able to find the relief you need, please speak to your doctor about the types of pain relief that are available.
Always read and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your health professional.
This is a sponsored article in partnership with Maxigesic. You can find more of their products here.
References:
1Healthdirect, Ibuprofen, accessed 28 January 2025
2Healthdirect, Paracetamol, accessed 28 January 2025
3Daniels et al (2018). “Analgesic Efficacy of an Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Fixed-dose Combination in Moderate to Severe Postoperative Dental Pain: A Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Placebo-controlled Trial”, Clinical Therapeutics 40 (10): 1765-1776. Result achieved in a trial of post-operative pain relief after removal of at least 2 impacted third molars using Maxigesic US fixed-dose combination (paracetamol 975mg/ibuprofen 292.5mg) compared with paracetamol 975mg or ibuprofen 292.5mg alone 4 times a day (paracetamol 3900mg or ibuprofen 1170mg per day). Study results assessed on the intent-to-treat (ITT) population with adjustment for the use of rescue medication. The Australian Maxigesic combination is bioequivalent to the US Maxigesic FDC in clinically relevant conditions (Aitken et al., J Bioequiv Availab 2018, 10:5). Research sponsored by AFT Pharmaceuticals.
4NPS MedicineWise, Paracetamol/ibuprofen combinations for acute pain, accessed 28 January 2025
5Maxigesic, MAXIGESIC® information, accessed 28 January 2025