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. However, like any medication, it can interact with other drugs, supplements, and even certain foods. Understanding these interactions is crucial to ensure safe and effective use of ibuprofen. In this article, we will delve into the medications that interact with ibuprofen, exploring the potential risks and consequences of these interactions.

What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, gels, and liquids. Ibuprofen is often used to treat conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis.

Medications That Interact with Ibuprofen

1. Aspirin

Aspirin is another NSAID that can interact with ibuprofen. Taking both medications together can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. If you need to take both aspirin and ibuprofen, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine the appropriate dosage and monitoring schedule.

2. Blood Thinners

Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of bleeding. If you take a blood thinner and ibuprofen, monitor your blood clotting levels and report any unusual bleeding to your doctor.

3. Antihypertensives

Antihypertensives, such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, can interact with ibuprofen, reducing their effectiveness. If you take an antihypertensive and ibuprofen, monitor your blood pressure and report any changes to your doctor.

4. Diuretics

Diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix), can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of kidney damage. If you take a diuretic and ibuprofen, monitor your kidney function and report any changes to your doctor.

5. Lithium

Lithium, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder, can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity. If you take lithium and ibuprofen, monitor your lithium levels and report any changes to your doctor.

6. Methotrexate

Methotrexate, a medication used to treat cancer and autoimmune disorders, can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of methotrexate toxicity. If you take methotrexate and ibuprofen, monitor your methotrexate levels and report any changes to your doctor.

7. Warfarin and Other Anticoagulants

Warfarin and other anticoagulants, such as heparin and enoxaparin, can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of bleeding. If you take an anticoagulant and ibuprofen, monitor your blood clotting levels and report any unusual bleeding to your doctor.

8. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. If you take a corticosteroid and ibuprofen, monitor your stomach health and report any changes to your doctor.

9. ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, such as lisinopril and losartan, can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of kidney damage. If you take an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker and ibuprofen, monitor your kidney function and report any changes to your doctor.

10. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. If you take an SSRI and ibuprofen, monitor your mood and report any changes to your doctor.

11. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs, such as phenelzine (Nardil), can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. If you take an MAOI and ibuprofen, monitor your mood and report any changes to your doctor.

12. Blood Pressure Medications

Blood pressure medications, such as calcium channel blockers and alpha-blockers, can interact with ibuprofen, reducing their effectiveness. If you take a blood pressure medication and ibuprofen, monitor your blood pressure and report any changes to your doctor.

13. Diabetes Medications

Diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas and metformin, can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. If you take a diabetes medication and ibuprofen, monitor your blood sugar levels and report any changes to your doctor.

14. Antacids and Histamine-2 (H2) Receptor Antagonists

Antacids and H2 receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine (Zantac), can interact with ibuprofen, reducing its effectiveness. If you take an antacid or H2 receptor antagonist and ibuprofen, monitor your stomach health and report any changes to your doctor.

15. Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort, can interact with ibuprofen, increasing the risk of bleeding and serotonin syndrome. If you take an herbal supplement and ibuprofen, monitor your health and report any changes to your doctor.

Key Takeaways

* Ibuprofen can interact with various medications, supplements, and foods, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
* Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen with other medications.
* Monitor your health and report any changes to your doctor if you take ibuprofen with other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take ibuprofen with aspirin?

A: No, taking ibuprofen with aspirin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Q: Can I take ibuprofen with blood thinners?

A: No, taking ibuprofen with blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding. Monitor your blood clotting levels and report any unusual bleeding to your doctor.

Q: Can I take ibuprofen with antihypertensives?

A: Yes, but monitor your blood pressure and report any changes to your doctor.

Q: Can I take ibuprofen with diuretics?

A: No, taking ibuprofen with diuretics can increase the risk of kidney damage. Monitor your kidney function and report any changes to your doctor.

Q: Can I take ibuprofen with lithium?

A: No, taking ibuprofen with lithium can increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Monitor your lithium levels and report any changes to your doctor.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ibuprofen Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/ibuprofen>
2. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Ibuprofen: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing. Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20069585>
3. MedlinePlus. (2022). Ibuprofen. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682662.html>
4. WebMD. (2022). Ibuprofen: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing. Retrieved from <https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1443/ibuprofen-oral/details>

Note: The article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a healthcare professional.