2 weeks Ago
Pain relief meds are what we reach for when suffering with period pain, migraines or the dreaded toothache. Taking ibuprofen can be a quick way to relieve symptoms – but the NHS warns that it doesn’t mix well with other medications. For instance, if you're already taking anti-depressants or medicine for high blood pressure or to prevent blood clots, then you should inform a doctor before taking ibuprofen.
The NHS has explained the medications you should inform your doctor about before taking the pain relief drug as well as if and how you should take it alongside other painkillers. Some local pharmacies may have different opening hours over the Easter bank holiday. To find an open pharmacy near you visit https://t.
co/DFVK4RRE9Q . pic.twitter.
com/5mEdEU00fR — NHS (@NHSuk) April 16, 2025 What medicines should I tell my doctor about before taking ibuprofen? The NHS has advised that you should inform your doctor about any of the below medications before taking any kind of ibuprofen. medicines that help to prevent blood clots such as warfarin anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin, diclofenac, mefenamic acid or naproxen medicines for high blood pressure steroid medicines such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone or prednisolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin or ofloxacin antidepressants such as citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, paroxetine or sertraline diabetes medicines such as gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide or tolbutamide For further guidance, visit the NHS website. Is it safe to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together? The NHS has explained that it is safe to take ibuprofen with painkillers like paracetamol and codeine.
However, it is advised you take them spaced apart, according to Boots Health Hub , that shares advice from doctors and pharmacists. Boots' advice is: “If you’re aged 16 or over you can take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time or spaced apart, as long as you take them according to the instructions on the label. How much water should you drink daily? “You can take paracetamol on an empty stomach, but ibuprofen is best taken with or after food.
“It’s also usually fine to take aspirin with paracetamol as long as you follow the dosage instructions.” However, it is urged not to take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor first. The experts explained that this is because ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen all belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
"If you take them together, it may increase the chance of you getting side effects like stomach ache," the NHS advice reads. NSAIDs are also used in medicines you can buy from pharmacies, such as cough and cold remedies. Recommended reading: What are the health benefits of taking apple cider vinegar? 5 drinks that could help hay fever symptoms amid pollen bomb 11 health conditions you can see a pharmacist for rather than a GP "Before taking any other medicines, check the label to see if they contain aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs,” the NHS goes on to state.
The NHS has also said that it is best not to take gingko biloba with ibuprofen since it can increase the chance of bleeding. It's best to follow medicine safety guidance on its website that urges people to tell their doctor or pharmacist if they're taking any other medicines - this including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements..
