Ibuprofen and Alcohol
Ibuprofen is a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Popular as a mild pain reliever, it goes by the brand names Advil and Motrin. It is also a common ingredient in other medications that treat fever, flu, migraine, and severe pain. It’s available in a wide range of doses, both over the counter and by prescription. While Ibuprofen and alcohol is not a commonly known combination to cause serious issues, it is always best to avoid mixing when possible and practice care.
Side Effects of Ibuprofen:
- Stomach ulcers
- Internal bleeding
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Stomach discomfort
- Longer healing time for wounds and cuts
- Dizziness
- Kidney problems and failure
- Liver problems
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Most people think of ibuprofen as a safe occasional pain reliever. However, there are situations when taking it can be harmful to your health. It can interact negatively with many medications, and isn’t always suitable for people with conditions such as asthma.
Mixing Ibuprofen And Alcohol
Ibuprofen can be especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol or other recreational substances. Even though it doesn’t produce or enhance a high, it can still intensify the negative side effects of alcohol and other drugs. Similarly, alcohol can worsen ibuprofen’s negative side effects.
Ibuprofen should always be taken at the lowest dosage needed to relieve pain, and you should never take it for extended periods of time. While a low dosage of Advil and alcohol is generally not dangerous, there is no way to predict how this will affect an individual. Depending on the dosage, frequency, and individual health factors, the effects of mixing ibuprofen with alcohol can be mild, severe, or sometimes even fatal.
If someone takes ibuprofen regularly (or takes more than the recommended dose) and drinks more than a small amount of alcohol, negative side effects can show up. A moderate amount of alcohol is different for everyone, but is usually around one drink for women and two drinks for men each day.