Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Prasugrel
Severity: Major
Ibuprofen and Prasugrel: 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
Combining an NSAID with the potent antiplatelet prasugrel increases the risk of bleeding, notably gastrointestinal bleeding. Prasugrel already carries a significant bleeding risk, which NSAID-induced mucosal injury and platelet inhibition compound.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Prasugrel 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; Prasugrel belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects (reversible COX-1 inhibition plus P2Y12 blockade) together with NSAID gastric mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid regular NSAID use with prasugrel where possible and use paracetamol for analgesia. If an NSAID is unavoidable, add gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding.
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 Prasugrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Prasugrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibuprofen and Prasugrel 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. Combining an NSAID with the potent antiplatelet prasugrel increases the risk of bleeding, notably gastrointestinal bleeding. Prasugrel already carries a significant bleeding risk, which NSAID-induced mucosal injury and platelet inhibition compound.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Prasugrel?
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 regular NSAID use with prasugrel where possible and use paracetamol for analgesia. If an NSAID is unavoidable, add gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding.
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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