Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Ofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Ibuprofen and Ofloxacin: 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
NSAIDs combined with fluoroquinolones may increase the risk of central nervous system stimulation and seizures. The risk is greater in patients with epilepsy, prior seizures, renal impairment or in the elderly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Ofloxacin 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 belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Fluoroquinolones antagonize GABA-A receptors, and NSAIDs may enhance this effect, lowering seizure threshold.
What to do
Avoid the combination in patients with a seizure history or other risk factors, and consider paracetamol for analgesia. Stop the fluoroquinolone and seek care if seizures or marked agitation occur.
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
Other interactions of Ofloxacin
- Ofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ofloxacin Major
- Amiodarone + Ofloxacin Major
- Amisulpride + Ofloxacin Major
- Anagrelide + Ofloxacin Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Ofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ibuprofen and Ofloxacin 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. NSAIDs combined with fluoroquinolones may increase the risk of central nervous system stimulation and seizures. The risk is greater in patients with epilepsy, prior seizures, renal impairment or in the elderly.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination in patients with a seizure history or other risk factors, and consider paracetamol for analgesia. Stop the fluoroquinolone and seek care if seizures or marked agitation occur.
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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