Ibuprofen Drug Interactions

Ibuprofen belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs group and it is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation. Ibuprofen is available without prescription and it is one of the most commonly used medicines in the cases of headache, migraine, muscle pains, rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia and common cold.

Ibuprofen can interact with a number of other drugs. That is why it is advisable to inform your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs that you are using.

Ibuprofen is known to interact with:

• aspirin - taking ibuprofen along with aspirin (325mg) can lead to a higher risk of adverse effects( including gastrointestinal bleeding).  Moreover, according to several studies ibuprofen can decrease the anti-platelet effect of aspirin (75-100mg). An occasional dose of ibuprofen is not likely to do this but in case you need a long-term treatment with ibuprofen, inform your doctor that you are on aspirin.

• Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex and Meloxicam – the combination can result in more frequent and severe adverse effects.
• Ciclosporin –there is a risk of kidney damagе.
• Medicines used for the treatment of high blood pressure and diuretics (water pills), such as furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone (Aldactone).  Ibuprofen decreases the effectiveness of these groups of drugs, especially that of beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, nebivolol, carvedilol etc.) and ACE inhibitors (Enalapril, Lisinopril, Ramipril etc.). In addition to this, beta blockers can decrease the anti-inflammatory effect of ibuprofen. The combination of ACE inhibitors and ibuprofen is also connected with increased risk of kidney harm. People that already have some kind of kidney dysfunction are at increased risk of kidney failure if they take ibuprofen and diuretics without medical control.
• Some antibiotics, especially aminoglycosides (gentamicin, amikacin) and chinolons (ciprofloxacin). These combinations can lead to increased nephrotoxicity.
• Blood-thinners, such as Warfarin, Plavix, Sintrom etc. There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. So these medications should not be combined without medical supervision and very strict laboratory control.
• SSRIs (Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) such as Citalopram, Zoloft, and Prozac – increased risk of bleeding
• Corticosteroids (methylprednisolone, prednisone, betamethasone, Decadron etc.). This combination is likely to increase the risk of bleeding.
• Methotrexate – the concomitant administering leads to increased toxicity of methotrexate.
• Zidovudine -the combination results in increased hemotoxicity of zidovudine.
• Lithium (drug used to prevent maniac episodes), digoxin (heart stimulating medicine), phenytoin (antiepileptic medicine). Higher blood concentration of these medications is registered when they are taken with ibuprofen.
•  Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone –drugs used to treat gout. These medications slow down the excretion of ibuprofen from the body.
• Sulfonylurea derivates (medicines used for the treatment of diabetes type 2), such as Glimepiride (Amaryl), Gliquidone(Glurenorm)– close monitoring is needed as there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

This list is not complete and other drugs can also interact with ibuprofen. Always consult your doctor before taking any prescription, over-the-counter drugs, herbs or dietary supplements.