What Is Combogesic? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Combogesic is a prescription combination analgesic that pairs two well-known pain-relievers — acetaminophen and ibuprofen — in a single formulation. It was FDA-approved in 2023 and commercially launched in the United States in 2024. Here's a complete guide to what it is, how it works, how to take it, and what you should know before using it.

What Is Combogesic?

Combogesic is the brand name for a fixed-dose combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. It is manufactured by Hikma Pharmaceuticals under license from AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited, the New Zealand company that developed the formulation. Combogesic is known as Maxigesic in countries outside the United States and is approved in over 40 countries worldwide.

Combogesic is available in two FDA-approved forms in the United States:

Combogesic oral tablets: Each tablet contains acetaminophen 325 mg and ibuprofen 97.5 mg. Available by prescription at retail pharmacies.

Combogesic IV (intravenous): Contains acetaminophen 1,000 mg and ibuprofen 300 mg per 100 mL. Used exclusively in hospital settings, administered by healthcare professionals.

What Is Combogesic Used For?

The FDA has approved Combogesic for specific indications. The oral tablet form is indicated for:

Short-term management of mild to moderate acute pain in adults

The IV form is indicated in adults where an intravenous route is clinically necessary for:

Relief of mild to moderate pain

Management of moderate to severe pain as an adjunct to opioid analgesics (meaning it helps reduce the amount of opioids needed)

Common real-world uses include postoperative pain management, dental pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and other acute pain conditions. Both forms are intended for short-term use only — the IV form for up to 5 days; the oral form also for short-term acute pain management.

How Does Combogesic Work?

Combogesic's effectiveness comes from combining two drugs with different mechanisms of action. Acetaminophen works primarily in the central nervous system, altering how your brain perceives pain. Ibuprofen, an NSAID, works peripherally by blocking COX enzymes and reducing prostaglandin production — the chemicals that drive inflammation, swelling, and pain. By targeting both pathways simultaneously, Combogesic provides more comprehensive pain relief than either drug alone.

In Phase 3 clinical trials, Combogesic IV provided more than double the pain relief compared to acetaminophen IV or ibuprofen IV alone. Time to meaningful pain relief was shorter in the Combogesic IV group.

Combogesic Dosage: How Do I Take It?

Oral tablets (adults):

Dose: 3 tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain

Maximum: 12 tablets per day (equals 3,900 mg acetaminophen and 1,170 mg ibuprofen)

Take with food or milk to help reduce stomach upset

Do NOT exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day from all sources (including other acetaminophen-containing products)

Combogesic IV (adults):

Dose: Infusion of 100 mL (1,000 mg acetaminophen + 300 mg ibuprofen) every 6 hours over 15 minutes

Maximum daily dose: 4,000 mg acetaminophen and 1,200 mg ibuprofen in 24 hours

Duration: Short-term use of 5 days or less

Who Should NOT Take Combogesic?

Combogesic is contraindicated in patients who:

Are allergic to acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or any NSAID

Have had asthma, hives, or allergic reactions triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs

Are having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

Have severe liver disease or severe active liver disease

Are at or beyond 30 weeks of pregnancy (NSAID restriction)

Is Combogesic a Controlled Substance?

No. Combogesic is not a controlled substance. Neither acetaminophen nor ibuprofen is scheduled by the DEA. This means Combogesic can be prescribed by any licensed provider without DEA registration requirements, and it can be called in or e-prescribed like a standard non-controlled medication. It may be prescribed via telehealth.

Where Can I Find Combogesic?

As a newer brand-only prescription, Combogesic isn't stocked at every pharmacy. medfinder can help you find pharmacies near you that currently have it in stock. For detailed tips, see: How to find Combogesic in stock near you.