Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Salicylates
Severity: Moderate
Ibuprofen and Salicylates: 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
Combining ibuprofen with another salicylate/NSAID duplicates therapy and increases gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding and renal adverse effects without added benefit. Bleeding risk is raised by combined platelet effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Salicylates 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.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition causing reduced gastroprotective prostaglandins, platelet inhibition and renal prostaglandin suppression.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of multiple NSAIDs or salicylates. If both are used, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Salicylates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ibuprofen and Salicylates 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. Combining ibuprofen with another salicylate/NSAID duplicates therapy and increases gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding and renal adverse effects without added benefit. Bleeding risk is raised by combined platelet effects.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Salicylates?
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 concurrent use of multiple NSAIDs or salicylates. If both are used, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function.
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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