See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ibuprofen

Medications That Interact with Ibuprofen: A Comprehensive Guide

Ibuprofen is a widely used over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication. While generally considered safe, ibuprofen can interact with other medications, increasing the risk of adverse effects or reducing its effectiveness. In this article, we'll explore the medications that interact with ibuprofen, helping you make informed decisions about your medication regimen.

What Are the Common Medications That Interact with Ibuprofen?

1. Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)
* Warfarin (Coumadin)
* Aspirin
* Clopidogrel (Plavix)
* Prasugrel (Effient)
* Ticagrelor (Brilinta)

Ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners. This is because ibuprofen can slow down the body's ability to form clots, making it more difficult to stop bleeding.

2. Aspirin

Taking aspirin with ibuprofen can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. This is because both medications can irritate the stomach lining, making it more susceptible to damage.

3. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding when taken with ibuprofen. This is because corticosteroids can reduce the production of stomach acid, making it more difficult for the stomach to heal.

4. Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

Ibuprofen can increase the levels of lithium in the blood, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity. This is because ibuprofen can slow down the elimination of lithium from the body.

5. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)

Ibuprofen can increase the levels of methotrexate in the blood, increasing the risk of methotrexate toxicity. This is because ibuprofen can slow down the elimination of methotrexate from the body.

6. ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors)

ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec) and lisinopril (Zestril), can increase the risk of kidney damage when taken with ibuprofen. This is because ACE inhibitors can reduce the blood flow to the kidneys, making them more susceptible to damage.

7. Diuretics

Diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix), can increase the risk of kidney damage when taken with ibuprofen. This is because diuretics can reduce the blood flow to the kidneys, making them more susceptible to damage.

8. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), can reduce the effectiveness of ibuprofen by decreasing the production of stomach acid. This can make it more difficult for ibuprofen to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

9. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with ibuprofen. This is because SSRIs can thin the blood, making it more susceptible to bleeding.

10. Warfarin (Coumadin) and Aspirin Combination

Taking warfarin and aspirin together with ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding. This is because warfarin can slow down the body's ability to form clots, while aspirin can thin the blood, making it more susceptible to bleeding.

What Can You Do to Avoid Interactions with Ibuprofen?

1. Read the Label: Always read the label of any medication you're taking, including ibuprofen, to see if it interacts with other medications.
2. Consult Your Doctor: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking multiple medications, including ibuprofen, to ensure that they don't interact with each other.
3. Monitor Your Medication Regimen: Monitor your medication regimen closely, and report any changes or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Use Alternative Pain Relievers: Consider using alternative pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), if you're taking medications that interact with ibuprofen.

Conclusion

Ibuprofen is a widely used medication, but it can interact with other medications, increasing the risk of adverse effects or reducing its effectiveness. By understanding the medications that interact with ibuprofen, you can take steps to avoid these interactions and ensure safe and effective treatment.

Key Takeaways

* Ibuprofen can interact with blood thinners, aspirin, corticosteroids, lithium, methotrexate, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, PPIs, SSRIs, and warfarin.
* These interactions can increase the risk of bleeding, stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and toxicity.
* Always read the label of any medication you're taking, including ibuprofen, to see if it interacts with other medications.
* Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking multiple medications, including ibuprofen, to ensure that they don't interact with each other.

FAQs

1. Q: Can I take ibuprofen with blood thinners?
A: No, it's not recommended to take ibuprofen with blood thinners, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.

2. Q: Can I take ibuprofen with aspirin?
A: No, it's not recommended to take ibuprofen with aspirin, as it can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

3. Q: Can I take ibuprofen with corticosteroids?
A: No, it's not recommended to take ibuprofen with corticosteroids, as it can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

4. Q: Can I take ibuprofen with lithium?
A: No, it's not recommended to take ibuprofen with lithium, as it can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.

5. Q: Can I take ibuprofen with methotrexate?
A: No, it's not recommended to take ibuprofen with methotrexate, as it can increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ibuprofen Patents and Patent Applications.
2. MedlinePlus. (2022). Ibuprofen.
3. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Ibuprofen: Uses, Side Effects, and Dosage.
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
5. World Health Organization. (2022). Ibuprofen.

Note: The sources cited are for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or recommendation.