Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like Ibuprofen have been shown to effectively relieve migraine pain. The commonly used dosage of these drugs to treat migraine are as follows:

In children and teenagers, Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can be administered. For children aged 12 years and above, Acetaminophen also in combination with Metoclopramide can be used.^[1]

Ibuprofen: 

• It is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract
• Rapid onset of action
• In comparison to the tablet formulation, the solubilised liquid-containing capsules show a faster onset of action and a superior response rate for headache relief at 1 hour.
• Short half-life (2 hours) and thus multiple doses are required. 
• Higher doses are not more effective than the standard 400-mg dose.
• Less gastric irritation.^[2]

Acetaminophen (mild or moderate migraine attack):

• For acute migraine headaches, Paracetamol 1000 mg alone is helpful, and the addition of 10 mg Metoclopramide provides short-term efficacy.

• Acetaminophen causes fewer gastric side effects
• Does not affect platelet function
• Short half-life of 2-3 hours and thus multiple doses are required.
• To minimise hepatotoxic side effects, the total daily dose should not exceed 4000 mg.

Acetaminophen can also be used with other medications. When given in comparable doses, the combination of Aspirin, Paracetamol, and caffeine has been shown to be more effective. To avoid the medication-overuse headache, Acetaminophen or NSAIDs should be used for not more than 14 days per month when used alone; the use of a combination of these drugs should be limited to 10 days a month.