The answer to this question is yes – Ibuprofen (Nurofen) and paracetamol (Calpol) can be taken together if needed and if they are suitable for your child.

Calpol contains paracetamol. Paracetamol is used to treat two things in children – pain and high temperature/fever.

Nurofen contains ibuprofen which is a useful drug for the reduction of a high temperature and mild to moderate pain. It is a member of the ‘Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory’ drugs.  It works differently to paracetamol and needs to be avoided in people with a history of asthma or bronchospasm. It should also be avoided in children who are dehydrated or who have ever suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding. Ibuprofen is useful as whilst it also, like paracetamol, treats pain and fever it additionally helps with swelling and inflammation.

The recommendations are to only use antipyretic (fever reducing) agents (calpol or nurofen) for a fever if your child appears distressed or unwell.  Start with paracetamol and then if there is not an adequate reduction in your child’s symptoms you can give nurofen in addition. The correct dosage must be given at the correct time intervals and in the correct way to ensure safety. These medications should only be used when needed.  Some people also find one more effective than the other so absolutely you can use ibuprofen instead of paracetamol first line if your find this the case.  I tend to recommend paracetamol first as it is easier on the stomach.

There are several products on the market which contain Ibuprofen and paracetamol so it is important to ensure that two products contains either Ibuprofen/paracetamol are not taken at the same time.