Can I Take These?

Can You Take Ciprofloxacin and Ibuprofen Together?

Ciprofloxacin's FDA label warns that NSAIDs like ibuprofen, combined with very high quinolone doses, provoked convulsions in pre-clinical studies.

Use cautionEvidence: Moderate

See the full Ciprofloxacin page and Ibuprofen page for other reviewed interactions and reference information.

What the interaction means

Ciprofloxacin's FDA prescribing information states, in its Drug Interactions precautions: "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (but not acetyl salicylic acid) in combination of very high doses of quinolones have been shown to provoke convulsions in pre-clinical studies." Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is not excluded from this warning the way aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) explicitly is.

Why it may happen

Not further specified by the label beyond classifying ibuprofen within the NSAID drug class named as a preclinical seizure-risk factor when combined with very high doses of quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin.

Practical context

This finding is based on pre-clinical (non-human) studies at very high quinolone doses, not confirmed clinical data at typical human dosing, but it is a real, direct mention on ciprofloxacin's label. Anyone with a seizure disorder or on high-dose ciprofloxacin therapy who also uses ibuprofen regularly should mention it to their prescriber.

What the sources say

Ciprofloxacin Tablet — FDA Prescribing Information — Rising Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (via DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine)

Last reviewed 2026-08-24

Medical information disclaimer: this information is general and educational. It does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, or determine whether a combination is safe for you personally. Follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist or clinician before starting, stopping, or combining products. Full disclaimer.

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