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What OTC analgesics are mutually potentiating and safe in combination?

Asked by ETpro (34605points) May 1st, 2012

Tylenol (acetaminophen), Asprin (acetylsalicylic acid), and caffeine are the base ingredients of Excedrin. In combination, each helps potentiate the analgesic (pain killing) effect of the other two. It’s also common to pair acetaminophen with codeine in prescription cough medicines and with Percocet (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone) in moderate to severe prescription pain medications. The acetaminophen amplifies the analgesic properties of the opiod, and also inhibits abuse, since taking more than the prescribed dose would create a risk of liver damage due to acetaminophen overdose.

The list of over the counter (OTC) analgesics includes Asprin (acetylsalicylic acid), Tylenol (acetaminophen), Aleve (naproxen sodium), Advil (ibuprofen), and Actron Orudis (ketoprofen) to name a few.

I know that combining regular Asprin with ibuprofen would be a bad idea, as both can cause stomach problems including bleeding and ulcers. Can they safely be combined if the Asprin has an enteric coating so that it passes through the stomach before dissolving? Are they mutually synergistic as pain relievers? What OTC pain meds do boost each others effectiveness and yet present little or no added risk of complications or unwanted side effects?

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