KEY TAKEAWAYS
The risks of taking ibuprofen and alcohol are:
Risks Of Taking Ibuprofen And Alcohol
Kidney Disease
Combining alcohol and ibuprofen causes kidney disease, as it stops the production of cyclooxygenase [2].
Stomach Conditions
The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding rises 2.8% when mixing ibuprofen and alcohol [3].
Gastritis, stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding are caused by mixing ibuprofen and alcohol [4].
Liver Damage
Ibuprofen mixed with alcohol increases liver cirrhosis or disease by 40%; as both are filtered through the liver [5].
Increased Risk Factors With Co-occurring Conditions
Liver Cirrhosis
Mixing ibuprofen and alcohol is specifically not advised in those suffering from cirrhosis as the liver is unable to process alcohol or ibuprofen [6].
Mental Health Conditions
Those with anxiety, depression or schizophrenia are 51% more likely to self-medicate with alcohol and ibuprofen and be less concerned about potential health risks [7].
Anaemia
Mixing ibuprofen and alcohol causes lower production of red blood cells, stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding; causing anaemia.
Increased Risk Factors With Co-occurring Medication
Blood Thinners
Ibuprofen, alcohol and anti-coagulant medicines all have blood thinning capabilities, causing a 3-fold increased risk of haemorrhage [8] [9].
Prescribed Steroids
Drinking alcohol with steroids causes peptic ulcers, whereas ibuprofen and steroids suppress the immune system, causing the body to be unable to fight off ulcers or other infections.
Codeine
Ibuprofen and codeine are combined as pain relief, but when mixed with alcohol cause drowsiness [10].
Asthma Medication
Mixing alcohol, ibuprofen and asthma medication has a 35% chance of increasing asthma symptoms [11].
Heart Medication
Drinking alcohol with ibuprofen and amlodipine causes a 1.6% increase in blood pressure [12].
Combining alcohol and beta blockers lowers blood pressure, leading to hypertension; whereas ibuprofen reduces the effects of beta blockers by 16.6%, leading to stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers [13].
Increased Risk Factors - Other Drug Interactions
Cocaine
Those who combine cocaine, ibuprofen and alcohol are 9 times more likely to suffer from heart disease or heart attacks [14].
Cocaine and alcohol use produces cocaethylene that builds in the liver, when combined with ibuprofen, leading to liver disease or cirrhosis.
Heroin
Consuming alcohol with heroin and ibuprofen causes respiratory depression, damage to organs as a result of oxygen deprivation and a coma.
Benzodiazepines
Alcohol, benzodiazepines and ibuprofen cause suppressed breathing and lower the amount of alcohol needed to overdose.
The body metabolises alcohol before benzodiazepines and ibuprofen, leading to both drugs remaining in the system; causing overdose, liver disease and kidney disease.
At-Risk Groups When Combining Ibuprofen & Alcohol
Older Adults
When getting older, the body becomes less able to break down alcohol and ibuprofen; and interactions cause kidney disease, liver disease or stomach ulcers [15].
Young People
90% of of all alcoholic drinks consumed by young people are through binge drinking, that when combined with a 47.5% risk of gastrointestinal bleeding due to ibuprofen, increases the risk of damage to the body by 33% [16] [17].
Pregnancy
Combined alcohol use with ibuprofen leads to a 1 in 10,000 increased risk of gastroschisis, poor lung development, joint contractures and pulmonary hypertension in newborns [18].
Reasons Behind Ibuprofen + Alcohol Use
Groups of people most likely to combine ibuprofen and alcohol are:
As combining ibuprofen and alcohol does not effectively treat any of these scenarios; medical professionals recommend instead:
Specific Settings Change Associated Risks
Ibuprofen And Alcohol - Reduced Risk
Combining ibuprofen and alcohol has a reduced risk when:
Ibuprofen And Alcohol - Increased Risk
Combining alcohol and ibuprofen has an increased risk when:
