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Ibuprofen Interaction With Low Dose Aspirin

A 2008 University of Buffalo study confirmed earlier Food and Drug Administration findings that taking ibuprofen with aspirin negates aspirin's beneficial ability to reduce strokes and heart attacks. In December 2009, the FDA stated it is safe to use ibuprofen and aspirin on the same day, but recommended contacting your doctor regarding pill scheduling so both drugs will be effective.

  1. Effect of Ibuprofen

    • Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory pain killer commonly used to treat arthritis and headaches. As little as 400mg of ibuprofen can interfere with aspirin's ability to reduce blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

    Effect of Low Dose Aspirin

    • Low dose aspirin, usually 81mg a day, is commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots in people at risk for a stroke or heart attack. Aspirin bonds with platelets, a part of blood that causes clotting, to prevent formation of clots that block blood vessels.

    Interaction Between Ibuprofen and Aspirin

    • Ibuprofen, which does not alter clot formation, bonds more readily to platelets than aspirin does. Thus, taking ibuprofen and aspirin together cancels out the clot-reducing benefits aspirin provides. Because heart attacks and strokes occur when blocked blood vessels cut off the flow of oxygen and blood to body tissues, negating aspirin's clot-reducing effect increases stroke and heart attack risk.

    Drug Interaction Prevention

    • The FDA, Rx America, and the University of Buffalo 2008 study all confirm that drug interaction can be prevented by avoiding taking ibuprofen and aspirin together. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking immediate-release aspirin before taking ibuprofen. Wait 8 hours after taking ibuprofen to take aspirin. Do not take ibuprofen for 24 hours after taking enteric coated or extended-release aspirin. Or, take a different pain killer than ibuprofen.

    Aspirin-safe Alternatives to Ibuprofen

    • According to the FDA's 2006 findings, acetaminophen does not interfere with low dose aspirin and may provide a viable alternative to ibuprofen for pain control. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to be sure acetaminophen is appropriate for use with your medications and health conditions.

    Warnings

    • Many anti-inflammatory pain killers, such as Excedrin, Motrin, Advil and Aleve contain ibuprofen and will reduce or negate aspirin's anti-clotting action. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before changing or adding to your medication regimen.

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