Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Ibuprofen and Propranolol: 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
Regular ibuprofen use can weaken the antihypertensive effect of propranolol, leading to higher blood pressure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Propranolol 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; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
NSAIDs inhibit vasodilatory prostaglandin synthesis and cause sodium and fluid retention.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure during prolonged ibuprofen therapy and adjust antihypertensive therapy as required. Consider paracetamol instead.
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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Albuterol + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ibuprofen and Propranolol 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. Regular ibuprofen use can weaken the antihypertensive effect of propranolol, leading to higher blood pressure.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Propranolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure during prolonged ibuprofen therapy and adjust antihypertensive therapy as required. Consider paracetamol instead.
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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