The combined use of acetaminophen with ibuprofen has long been in clinical use because the target of action of each drug is different and they do not interfere with each other. Appropriate dosing and managing of these drugs do not likely lead to organ toxicity. However, both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can induce liver problems and acute kidney failure, respectively, if administered at high doses. We report the case of a female child, in treatment with both acetaminophen and ibuprofen, administered at therapeutic antipyretic doses in condition of volume depletion, who suffered acute kidney and liver failure.
Conclusion: The combined ibuprofen and acetaminophen treatment, even if administered at therapeutic dosages and in a reduced number of doses, may be dangerous in conditions of volume depletion.