Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Pau d'arco
Severity: Minor
Ibuprofen and Pau d'arco: minor 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
Pau d'arco contains naphthoquinones such as lapachol, which may have anticoagulant activity. Together with ibuprofen, an increased tendency to bleed is theoretically possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Pau d'arco have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical additive effects on coagulation and platelet function; not well characterized.
What to do
Advise avoiding pau d'arco while on regular NSAID therapy. Monitor for bruising or bleeding if used.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Ibuprofen with Pau d'arco?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ibuprofen and Pau d'arco have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pau d'arco contains naphthoquinones such as lapachol, which may have anticoagulant activity. Together with ibuprofen, an increased tendency to bleed is theoretically possible.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Pau d'arco?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise avoiding pau d'arco while on regular NSAID therapy. Monitor for bruising or bleeding if used.
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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