Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available over-the-counter and by prescription, used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.

Medication

What it is

Ibuprofen is an NSAID that, per MedlinePlus, 'works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.' Prescription-strength ibuprofen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; nonprescription-strength ibuprofen treats minor aches and pains (headache, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, backaches) and reduces fever. Its FDA prescribing information documents drug interactions with ACE-inhibitors (diminished antihypertensive effect), aspirin (reduced ibuprofen protein binding, increased adverse-effect potential), diuretics (reduced natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides), lithium (elevated plasma lithium levels), methotrexate (potential enhanced toxicity), and warfarin-type (coumarin) anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk).

Food and timing considerations

Per its FDA label, ibuprofen's drug-interaction guidance does not specify particular timing/spacing between doses of ibuprofen and other medications; interacting drugs listed involve pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic effects rather than absorption timing.

Known interaction categories

  • Insufficient evidence
  • Monitor
  • Use caution
  • Informational

Published interaction pages on this site

Related guides

Sources

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.