Drug interactions
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Ibuprofen
Severity: Moderate
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Ibuprofen: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Ibuprofen taken regularly can interfere with the irreversible platelet inhibition by aspirin, potentially weakening its cardioprotective effect. Concomitant use also adds to gastrointestinal bleeding risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Ibuprofen can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Ibuprofen competitively occupies the platelet cyclooxygenase-1 site and blocks aspirin's access for acetylation.
What to do
If both are required, dose ibuprofen at least 30 minutes after or more than 8 hours before immediate-release aspirin, or use an alternative analgesic. Avoid regular ibuprofen in patients on aspirin for cardiovascular prevention.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Ibuprofen can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ibuprofen taken regularly can interfere with the irreversible platelet inhibition by aspirin, potentially weakening its cardioprotective effect. Concomitant use also adds to gastrointestinal bleeding risk.
How serious is the interaction between Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If both are required, dose ibuprofen at least 30 minutes after or more than 8 hours before immediate-release aspirin, or use an alternative analgesic. Avoid regular ibuprofen in patients on aspirin for cardiovascular prevention.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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