When you have a headache, joint pain, hangover or any other ache or pain, it’s almost second nature to reach for ibuprofen (you may know ibuprofen better by its brand names, like Motrin IB and Advil). Dr. Danielle Oncer, Pharm.D., the Chief Wellness Officer of Shroombiosis.com, adds that you can often find it in combination products, like Advil PM.
“Ibuprofen is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often abbreviated as ‘NSAID,'” Dr. Oncer tells Parade. “FDA-approved uses for nonprescription NSAIDs include reducing fever, relieving minor pain such as headaches, colds, dental pain, muscle aches, backaches, arthritis and menstrual cramps.”
She says it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen daily and to limit self-treatment to 10 days for pain and three days for a fever. Your doctor can also prescribe ibuprofen if you need a higher dose. If you’re sensing a pattern here, it’s that, yes, you should still talk to your doctor about ibuprofen, even if you’re taking an over-the-counter version.
Your doctor can also share best practices for taking ibuprofen or any OTC drug, including whether it may interact with another medication or supplement you take for your health.
“Knowing the correct way to take an OTC medication is essential to protect the patient from unnecessary risks or adverse side effects and also to ensure the medication works as effectively as possible,” Dr. Oncer explains. “Patients on multiple medications should consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, OTC or prescribed, to avoid any adverse interactions.”
Whether you’re on other medications or not, pharmacists don’t recommend taking ibuprofen this specific way. Scroll on for the common mistake that can cause more pain, which isn’t your goal when you take this remedy.
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Stop Taking Ibuprofen This Way, Pharmacists Beg
Pharmacists don’t recommend taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach. While it doesn’t have the same potentially fatal consequences as drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach can cause stomach aches.
“Ibuprofen can be taken without food, but taking it on an empty stomach increases the chances of stomach discomfort, such as stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn and nausea,” warns Dr. Christine Cadiz, Pharm.D., a health sciences clinical associate professor at the University of California, Irvine.
Consider the fact that you’re likely taking an ibuprofen to soothe pain—so why bother adding more?
Dr. Oncer points out that enzymes in your body called COX-1 normally produce protective chemicals called prostaglandins. These prostaglandins coat the stomach lining, protecting it with a thick mucous layer that shields it from strong stomach acid. The issue with ibuprofen is that it blocks COX-1—and those protective prostaglandins. Cue the GI troubles.
“Theoretically, taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach may accelerate or trigger direct irritation to the stomach because there is no food to buffer the medication there,” she adds. “Most pharmacists, including myself, would err on the side of caution and always take any NSAID with light food or a glass of milk or water.”
Dr. Oncer says that this advice is especially important if you have risk factors for stomach irritation, like:
- Advanced age
- Previous history of stomach ulcers or bleeds
- Recent surgery
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking history
- Heartburn
- GERD
- Taking ibuprofen too frequently
Related: The Supplement Pharmacists Wish More People Would Tell Their Doctor They’re Taking
Wait—Does Taking Ibuprofen on an Empty Stomach Provide Faster Relief?
It might, but pharmacists stress that it’s important to consider the pros and cons of taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach.
“There is evidence to suggest that taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach can provide faster pain relief and possibly more effective pain relief because there is no food to buffer absorption,” Dr. Oncer shares.
But is it worth it? Not in Dr. Oncer’s opinion.
“Taking ibuprofen with food will delay absorption, as the food will buffer it and delay its effectiveness, but it does not decrease the amount absorbed,” she notes. “The delay in pain relief is only about 30-60 minutes at most. You can take it with a full glass of water to help move it quickly through your digestive tract.”
Related: Rheumatologists Say This ‘Healthy’ Habit Could Actually Worsen Joint Pain
How Much Food Should You Eat With Ibuprofen?
You don’t need to eat a whole Thanksgiving dinner with Advil (or a full meal). “A snack or glass of milk should be sufficient,” Dr. Cadiz tells Parade.
She shares that there isn’t a specific “best food to have with ibuprofen,” either.
“I would recommend foods that are generally easy on the stomach, such as toast, crackers, banana, yogurt or cereal,” Dr. Cadiz says. “Avoid foods that tend to be harder on the stomach, such as acidic foods and spicy foods.”
You don’t have to take ibuprofen with a full meal, but it’s fine if your next dose and meal align.
“Just keep in mind that large meals or very high-fat meals will slow down the medication absorption more and make it take longer to work,” she states.
Drinks work, too. “Water is one of the best choices,” Dr. Oncer notes. “Not only does it help it absorb into our bodies more quickly, but it also hydrates you. Drinking water also helps your kidneys function better when taking medications, so they can be flushed out better.”
Alcohol, however, is definitely not a good idea, as it could severely irritate your stomach and cause stomach bleeding or ulcers—cheers to avoiding that.
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Related: Pharmacists Warn GLP-1 Users To Watch Their Timing With This Other Common Medication
Sources:
- Dr. Danielle Oncer, Pharm.D., the Chief Wellness Officer of Shroombiosis.com
- Dr. Christine Cadiz, Pharm.D., an associate professor at the University of California, Irvine.
- Ibuprofen. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- IBUPROFEN tablet, film coated. DailyMed.
- Effects of food on pharmacokinetics of immediate release oral formulations of aspirin, dipyrone, paracetamol and NSAIDs – a systematic review. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.