Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Naproxen
Severity: Major
Ibuprofen and Naproxen: major 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
Taking two NSAIDs together adds no therapeutic benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment and cardiovascular events. Ibuprofen may also interfere with naproxen elimination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Naproxen 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.
Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Therapeutic duplication with additive cyclooxygenase inhibition, plus possible competition for renal tubular secretion.
What to do
Avoid combining systemic NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. Add paracetamol if more analgesia is needed.
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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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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibuprofen and Naproxen 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 therapeutic benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment and cardiovascular events. Ibuprofen may also interfere with naproxen elimination.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Naproxen?
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 combining systemic NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. Add paracetamol if more analgesia is needed.
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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