Can I take Ibuprofen and Amoxicillin together?

Why this happens

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria, while ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation. They work in different ways and are processed by the body through different pathways, so they do not interfere with each other's effectiveness or safety.

What you should do

You can take both medicines as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. To help prevent stomach upset, it is a good idea to take ibuprofen with food or a milky drink. Always finish the full course of amoxicillin, even if you start to feel better.

Important precautions

Asthma

Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma, as it can cause a life-threatening worsening of your breathing or a severe allergic reaction.

Stomach ulcers or bleeding

Avoid ibuprofen if you have ever had a stomach ulcer, perforation, or bleeding, as it can cause serious damage to the stomach lining.

Pregnancy (third trimester)

Do not take ibuprofen if you are more than 6 months pregnant, as it can cause serious heart and kidney problems in the unborn baby and complications during birth.

Penicillin allergy

Do not take amoxicillin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, as this can cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Glandular fever (Infectious Mononucleosis)

Avoid taking amoxicillin if you have or suspect you have glandular fever, as it frequently causes a widespread, itchy skin rash in people with this condition.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking ibuprofen. Combining alcohol with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen increases the risk of irritation to your stomach lining and can lead to stomach ulcers or bleeding.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking amoxicillin. While there is no direct chemical interaction, alcohol can dehydrate you and interfere with your sleep, which may slow down your recovery from infection. Additionally, both alcohol and amoxicillin can cause stomach upset or nausea, and combining them may make these side effects worse.

Food (General)

It is recommended to take ibuprofen with food or a glass of milk to reduce the risk of stomach upset or indigestion.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.