Drug interactions
Cortisone + Ibuprofen
Severity: Moderate
Cortisone 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
Using an NSAID with a systemic corticosteroid substantially raises the risk of peptic ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is greatest in older patients, with higher doses or prolonged therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone 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 reduces protective gastric prostaglandins and corticosteroids impair mucosal healing, producing additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and consider a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection. Counsel patients to report black stools or abdominal pain.
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 Cortisone with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cortisone 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. Using an NSAID with a systemic corticosteroid substantially raises the risk of peptic ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is greatest in older patients, with higher doses or prolonged therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone 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: Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and consider a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection. Counsel patients to report black stools or abdominal pain.
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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