Ibuprofen — Drug Interactions, Alcohol & Pregnancy Guide

Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database

About Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter painkillers in the UK. It treats pain, reduces fever, and reduces inflammation. Common forms include tablets (200mg, 400mg), gel (Ibugel), and liquid.

Also sold as: Nurofen, Advil, Motrin, Brufen, Calprofen

Drug class NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
Used for Pain relief, Fever reduction, Inflammation
Max adult dose 400mg three times daily (OTC); up to 600mg three times daily (prescription)
OTC in UK Yes

Ibuprofen and Alcohol

🟡 USE WITH CAUTION

Avoid combining ibuprofen and alcohol — both irritate the stomach lining and together significantly increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Full guide →

Ibuprofen in Pregnancy

🔴 AVOID

Avoid ibuprofen in pregnancy — particularly in the third trimester, where it can cause serious complications including premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.

Full guide →

Ibuprofen — Drug Combinations

🟢
Ibuprofen + Paracetamol
Yes — ibuprofen and paracetamol can safely be taken together and are often recom…
🟡
Ibuprofen + Aspirin
Generally avoid — ibuprofen can reduce the blood-thinning effect of low-dose asp…
🟢
Ibuprofen + Codeine
Generally safe — ibuprofen and codeine are often combined deliberately in produc…
🟡
Ibuprofen + Metformin
Use with caution — ibuprofen can affect kidney function, which may cause metform…
🟢
Ibuprofen + Amoxicillin
Generally safe — ibuprofen and amoxicillin do not interact significantly and can…
🔴
Ibuprofen + Naproxen
Do not take naproxen and ibuprofen together — they are both NSAIDs and combining…
🟡
Ibuprofen + Sertraline
Sertraline combined with ibuprofen significantly increases the risk of stomach b…
🟡
Ibuprofen + Ramipril
Ibuprofen can blunt ramipril's blood-pressure control and, combined with dehydra…
🟢
Ibuprofen + Doxycycline
Doxycycline and ibuprofen have no significant interaction — you can take ibuprof…
🟡
Ibuprofen + Prednisolone
Prednisolone plus ibuprofen substantially raises the risk of stomach ulcers and …
🟡
Ibuprofen + Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine plus ibuprofen raises stomach-bleeding risk several-fold — fine occas…
🔴
Ibuprofen + Warfarin
Never take ibuprofen with warfarin — it dramatically increases bleeding risk by …
🟡
Ibuprofen + Tramadol
Tramadol and ibuprofen can be combined for pain — they work differently and are …
🟢
Ibuprofen + Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin and ibuprofen can be taken together — there is no significant drug …
🟢
Ibuprofen + Co-Amoxiclav
Co-amoxiclav and ibuprofen can be taken together — there's no significant drug i…

⭐ Recommended on Amazon

⭐ Top Pick · Recommended on Amazon

Weekly Pill Organiser

Keep track of multiple medications with a clear 7-day pill box — reduces missed and double doses.

View on Amazon →
Recommended on Amazon

Medication Record Book

Log your medications, doses and times to stay safe and flag any concerns to your pharmacist.

View on Amazon →
Recommended on Amazon

Lockable Medicine Cabinet

Store all your medications safely in one place, out of reach of children.

View on Amazon →

Affiliate links below. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

👨‍⚕️

Not sure if Ibuprofen is safe with your other medications?

Speak to a pharmacist online →