Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Ibuprofen and Sertraline: 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
Sertraline depletes platelet serotonin and ibuprofen inhibits platelet function and irritates gastric mucosa. Combined, the risk of upper GI bleeding is significantly increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Sertraline 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; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive impairment of platelet aggregation with NSAID-induced mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid prolonged combined use where possible; add a proton pump inhibitor for patients at risk and watch for signs of GI bleeding.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ibuprofen and Sertraline 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. Sertraline depletes platelet serotonin and ibuprofen inhibits platelet function and irritates gastric mucosa. Combined, the risk of upper GI bleeding is significantly increased.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Sertraline?
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 prolonged combined use where possible; add a proton pump inhibitor for patients at risk and watch for signs of GI 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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