Drug interactions
Celecoxib + Ibuprofen
Severity: Major
Celecoxib and Ibuprofen: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Taking two NSAIDs together adds no proven efficacy but increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, renal injury and cardiovascular events. Ibuprofen can also interfere with the platelet effects of other NSAIDs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Celecoxib and Ibuprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Celecoxib belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of cyclooxygenase leading to reduced protective prostaglandins and additive effects on platelets, kidney and gastric mucosa.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two NSAIDs and choose a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If analgesia is inadequate, add paracetamol or change therapy rather than adding another NSAID.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Other interactions of Celecoxib
- Celecoxib + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Celecoxib + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Celecoxib Major
- Acemetacin + Celecoxib Major
- Amiloride + Celecoxib Major
- Apixaban + Celecoxib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Celecoxib with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Celecoxib and Ibuprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Taking two NSAIDs together adds no proven efficacy but increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, renal injury and cardiovascular events. Ibuprofen can also interfere with the platelet effects of other NSAIDs.
How serious is the interaction between Celecoxib and Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use of two NSAIDs and choose a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If analgesia is inadequate, add paracetamol or change therapy rather than adding another NSAID.
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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