Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Valproic acid
Severity: Minor
Ibuprofen and Valproic acid: 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
Valproic acid may modestly increase ibuprofen exposure, and both drugs can affect platelet function and bleeding. The pharmacokinetic effect is probably small, but the additive bleeding tendency deserves attention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Valproic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Valproate may inhibit CYP2C9-mediated ibuprofen metabolism and displace it from plasma proteins; both also impair platelet function.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed; watch for bruising or bleeding and for NSAID adverse effects in long-term combined use.
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
Other interactions of Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ibuprofen and Valproic acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Valproic acid may modestly increase ibuprofen exposure, and both drugs can affect platelet function and bleeding. The pharmacokinetic effect is probably small, but the additive bleeding tendency deserves attention.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is usually needed; watch for bruising or bleeding and for NSAID adverse effects in long-term combined use.
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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