Health Information

Ibuprofen

Drug Information

Ibuprofen is a member of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) family. NSAIDs reduce inflammation (swelling), pain, and temperature. Ibuprofen is used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, Reference osteoarthritis, Reference rheumatoid arthritis, primary Reference dysmenorrhea, and other conditions. Ibuprofen is available in prescription and nonprescription strengths.

Common brand names:

Advil, Motrin, PediaCare Fever, Midol Maximum Strength Cramp Formula

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

Reference What Are Nutrient Interactions

Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

Reference Iron

NSAIDs cause gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, bleeding, and iron loss.¹ Iron supplements can cause GI irritation.² However, iron supplementation is sometimes needed in people taking NSAIDs if those drugs have caused enough blood loss to lead to Reference iron deficiency. If both iron and ibuprofen are prescribed, they should be taken with food to reduce GI irritation and bleeding risk.

Reduce Side Effects

Reference Licorice

The flavonoids found in the extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) known as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) are helpful for avoiding the irritating actions NSAIDs have on the stomach and intestines. One study found that 350 mg of chewable DGL taken together with each dose of aspirin reduced gastrointestinal bleeding caused by the aspirin.³ DGL has been shown in controlled human research to be as effective as drug therapy (Reference cimetidine) in healing stomach ulcers.⁴

Support Medicine

none

Reduces Effectiveness

none

Potential Negative Interaction

Reference Ginkgo

It has been argued that ginkgo has a blood-thinning effect and might therefore further increase the risk of bleeing when taken in combination with drugs (including ibuprofen) that thin the blood. However, the bulk of the evidence suggests that ginkgo does not, in fact, have a blood-thinning effect⁵.

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Sodium

Ibuprofen may cause sodium and water retention.⁶ It is healthful to reduce dietary salt intake by eliminating table salt and heavily salted foods.

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Reference White Willow

White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to Reference aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs.⁷ Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Explanation Required

Reference Potassium

Ibuprofen has caused kidney dysfunction and increased blood potassium levels, especially in older people.⁸ People taking ibuprofen should not supplement potassium without consulting with their doctor.
Reference Copper

Supplementation may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs while reducing their Reference ulcerogenic effects. One study found that when various anti-inflammatory drugs were chelated with copper, the anti-inflammatory activity was increased.⁹ Animal models of inflammation have found that the copper chelate of Reference aspirin was active at one-eighth the effective amount of aspirin. These copper complexes are less toxic than the parent compounds as well.

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Bjarnason I, Macpherson AJ. Intestinal toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pharmacol Ther 1994;62:145–57.

2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Blood Modifiers, Iron-Containing Products. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jun 1998, 62–9a.

3. Rees WDW, Rhodes J, Wright JE, et al. Effect of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice on gastric mucosal damage by aspirin. Scand J Gastroenterol 1979;14:605–7.

4. Morgan AG, McAdam WAF, Pascoo C, Darnborough A. Comparison between cimetidine and Caved-S in the treatment of gastric ulceration, and subsequent maintenance therapy. Gut 1982;23:545–51.

5. Kellermann AJ, Kloft C. Is there a risk of bleeding associated with standardized Ginkgo biloba extract therapy? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacotherapy 2011;31:490-502.

6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1993, 251j–1l.

7. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172–90.

8. Bailie GR. Acute renal failure. In Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs, 6th ed. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics, 1995, 29–33.

9. Sorenson JRJ. Copper chelates as possible active forms of the antiarthritic agents. J Medicinal Chem 1976;19:135–48.

Last Review: 11-07-2012

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

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