Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Vancomycin
Severity: Moderate
Ibuprofen and Vancomycin: 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
Ibuprofen given to neonates, for example for patent ductus arteriosus closure, has been associated with reduced vancomycin clearance and higher serum levels. In any patient, the combination may add to nephrotoxic risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Vancomycin 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; Vancomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
NSAID-induced reduction in renal prostaglandin-dependent perfusion and glomerular filtration lowers vancomycin clearance.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and vancomycin trough or AUC levels and adjust the dose, with particular care in neonates and renally impaired patients.
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 Vancomycin
- Amikacin + Vancomycin Major
- Bacitracin + Vancomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Vancomycin Major
- Cephaloridine + Vancomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Vancomycin Major
- Cisplatin + Vancomycin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ibuprofen and Vancomycin 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 given to neonates, for example for patent ductus arteriosus closure, has been associated with reduced vancomycin clearance and higher serum levels. In any patient, the combination may add to nephrotoxic risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Vancomycin?
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 serum creatinine and vancomycin trough or AUC levels and adjust the dose, with particular care in neonates and renally impaired patients.
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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