Occasionally taking the recommended dose of ibuprofen alongside alcohol usually isn’t a major concern. However, doing so frequently can damage your stomach and kidneys.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to ease pain, inflammation, and fever. It’s available under many brand names, including Advil, Midol, and Motrin, and is commonly sold over the counter (OTC). That means you can buy it without a prescription, though some prescription formulations also contain ibuprofen.
When discomfort strikes, it’s tempting to grab a pill from the medicine cabinet. Don’t confuse convenience with harmlessness. Even OTC medications like ibuprofen are potent and carry risks if misused. That’s why you should pause before mixing ibuprofen with a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Is it safe to mix ibuprofen and alcohol?
Mixing medicines with alcohol can be harmful. Alcohol can alter how some drugs work and can amplify side effects. This kind of interaction is what may occur when ibuprofen and alcohol are combined.
In many cases, having a small amount of alcohol while taking ibuprofen won’t cause harm. Still, exceeding the recommended ibuprofen dose or drinking heavily greatly increases the chance of serious complications.
Gastrointestinal bleeding
A study involving 1,224 people found that regular ibuprofen use raised the risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding among those who drank alcohol. People who drank but only used ibuprofen sporadically did not show this increased risk.
If you notice any stomach-related symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Warning signs can include:
- a persistent upset stomach
- black, tarry stools
- blood in vomit or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
Kidney damage
Long-term ibuprofen use can harm the kidneys, and alcohol can also negatively affect kidney function. Using both together can significantly raise the likelihood of kidney problems.
Signs of kidney trouble may include:
- unusual tiredness
- swelling, especially in the hands, feet, or ankles
- shortness of breath
Reduced alertness
Ibuprofen can lessen pain and promote relaxation, and alcohol similarly produces calming effects. Combined, they can impair attention, slow reaction times, and increase the chance of falling asleep unexpectedly. Drinking and driving is never safe; if you’ve consumed alcohol while taking ibuprofen, you should not drive.
What should you do?
If you take ibuprofen as part of long-term therapy, discuss alcohol use with your doctor before drinking. Your provider can advise whether occasional alcohol is acceptable given your individual risk factors. If you only take ibuprofen occasionally, moderate drinking may be safe, but even one drink while on ibuprofen could irritate your stomach.
Other ibuprofen side effects
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and, in some cases, cause a perforation of the stomach or intestine, which can be life-threatening. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest period necessary to reduce risk.
The ibuprofen package warnings note that the risk of stomach bleeding is higher if you:
- are older than 60
- take high doses of ibuprofen
- use the drug for an extended time
- take blood thinners or corticosteroids
- have a history of stomach bleeding
Other possible adverse effects include:
- stomach ulcers
- gastritis (stomach inflammation)
- fluid retention and swelling
- headache
- high blood pressure
- dizziness
- allergic reactions (such as hives, rash, or facial swelling)
If you have asthma, ibuprofen may worsen respiratory symptoms. High doses or prolonged use can also increase the risk of kidney failure, heart attack, or stroke.
If you’re breastfeeding or taking other prescription or OTC medications, consult your doctor about ibuprofen’s safety. Using ibuprofen during pregnancy may pose risks to an unborn baby. Always read the full label before taking the drug.
Talk with your doctor
Occasional ibuprofen use with moderate alcohol intake may be acceptable for some people, but weigh your health risks before combining them. If you remain unsure or concerned about drinking while taking ibuprofen, speak with your healthcare provider.
Also consider potential interactions with other common substances — for example, if you’re curious about how aspirin interacts with alcohol, see aspirin alcohol, or if you have questions about testing, check urine test alcohol.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.