You have probably taken ibuprofen at some point – it might have been for a headache, cramps, or just everyday aches. One of the most commonly used over-the-counter painkillers, it is generally considered safe when taken correctly. But here is the real question: Can you mix alcohol and ibuprofen?
The straightforward answer is no, it is not a good idea. While one drink and the odd ibuprofen use do not lead to any severe damage – regularly combining the two in large amounts can lead to very real risks for your body. Here, let us break it down for you.
Why Mixing Alcohol and Ibuprofen Is Risky?
Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs work by blocking hormones called prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation and pain. On its own, ibuprofen can sometimes lead to side effects like vomiting, stomach irritation, and drowsiness.
Now, if you add alcohol to the mix, here are some high-risk effects that you can experience:
- Reduced pain relief, as alcohol interferes with how well ibuprofen works and reduces its pain-relieving effects.
- Unpleasant side effects, such as headaches, lightheadedness, vomiting, fatigue, and extreme drowsiness.
- Reduced alertness, as alcohol slows you down, but with ibuprofen, this can become dangerous. It can adversely impact your focus, coordination, and reaction times.
- One of the most serious risks is gastrointestinal bleeding. Both alcohol and ibuprofen irritate your stomach lining, so together they can trigger internal bleeding, which can show up as blood in stools and vomit.
- Heavy use of painkillers like ibuprofen along with alcohol can strain your kidney functioning, making it difficult for your body to filter out toxins.
While one drink and occasional use of ibuprofen do not lead to lasting consequences, the risks increase when you regularly combine the two.
How Ibuprofen and Alcohol Affect Your Kidneys?
Alcohol strains kidney functioning, while NSAIDs like ibuprofen impede the production of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) in order to reduce inflammation and pain. This affects the kidneys’ ability to filter out waste. When combined, they can damage the kidneys, especially among those with pre-existing kidney conditions.
How Ibuprofen and Alcohol Affect Your Heart Health?
If you are taking a heavy dosage of ibuprofen regularly, especially 2,400 mg or more per day, then combining this with alcohol can also affect your heart health and functioning, as it raises the risks of and can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
If you have any pre-existing heart conditions, be open about the use of ibuprofen and alcohol with your doctor. In most cases, you will be recommended safer options.
What If You Accidentally Take Ibuprofen With Alcohol?
If you have one drink and take ibuprofen, it is unlikely you will face a medical emergency. However, if you drink heavily or have a history of kidney problems, then it can be different. Keep an eye out for symptoms like stomach pain, blood in stools or vomit, lightheadedness, and swelling in your legs. If so, contact your doctor right away.
If you drink heavily or have pre-existing kidney conditions, then it is safe to be open and honest with your doctor if you are being prescribed ibuprofen.
So, Can You Mix Alcohol and Ibuprofen Safely?
The safest answer will be to avoid mixing alcohol and ibuprofen together. Even in low quantities, they can lead to unpredictable reactions, so it is best not to gamble with your health.
As it takes nearly 10 hours for ibuprofen to completely leave your body (or even 17 hours in case of pre-existing liver or kidney conditions), it is recommended to wait for at least this long after your last dose of ibuprofen before consuming alcohol.
What Are the Safer Alternatives to Ibuprofen?
If you are finding it difficult to avoid alcohol, then you might be wondering about the safer alternatives to ibuprofen. Unfortunately, switching to medications like aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen will not be effective, as they also interact dangerously with alcohol. Even natural remedies like herbs and supplements are not a safer option either.
So, the best bet is really to skip alcohol if you are taking any kind of pain medication or speak to your doctor for safer alternatives. However, in some cases, this may be easier said than done – especially if you are struggling with an alcohol use disorder (addiction).
Making the Safer Choice
If you have just been prescribed ibuprofen and avoiding alcohol feels difficult, then you do not have to navigate this alone. Reach out to Skyline Recovery Center – we offer a full continuum of outpatient recovery options that are personalized to your recovery needs and goals. Taking this step toward recovery can allow you to take back control of your health and future, beginning today.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (310) 269-0038 now – our expert team is always here for you.