Why Mixing Ibuprofen and Alcohol is a Bad Idea: Health Risks Explained

It’s not uncommon for people to have an alcoholic beverage or two and then take an ibuprofen or other over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to manage or mitigate minor physical discomfort. But is mixing ibuprofen with alcohol dangerous?

Generally speaking, no. Drinking alcohol doesn’t typically mean you can’t take an OTC medication that contains ibuprofen. However, there are circumstances that make mixing the two a riskier and even dangerous combination. Below, we’ll take a look at why some people should be cautious when mixing ibuprofen with alcohol, and what you can do to avoid any negative effects.

Understanding Ibuprofen

OTC drugs are those that are sold to individuals without needing a prescription from a qualified physician or medical practitioner. Ibuprofen is a type of OTC medication that falls into the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. NSAIDs also include other types of medication like aspirin, meloxicam, and naproxen, all of which work to reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen, another popular OTC medication, is not an NSAID, as it has no anti-inflammatory properties.

You can find ibuprofen in most pharmacies and stores that sell OTC medications under the following brand names:

There may be others, so it is always best to check the labels on any brand-name OTC medication and look for the active ingredient.

All of these medications are considered to be generally safe for most adults to take, but they don’t come without risks. A study has shown that up to 15% of adults over-consume ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, taking them at potentially dangerous levels.

Risks of Mixing Ibuprofen with Alcoholic Drinks

Most drugs, even when proven to be relatively safe, can be accompanied by serious side effects when consumed with alcohol. These side effects can present based on your body chemistry, medical conditions, medications, or substance use. If you struggle with alcohol use disorder, you are much more likely to be at risk for the following when combining ibuprofen and alcohol:

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding doesn’t just start overnight, but it can become a problem when you combine long-term ibuprofen use with excessive alcohol intake. Signs of a problem can include ongoing stomach aches, tarry stools, or vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a health emergency, and you will need to seek medical help right away if you notice these signs.

Liver Damage

Long-term alcohol consumption can cause damage to the liver, and this damage can be exacerbated by ibuprofen and other NSAIDs. People with liver disease should not consume alcohol or take ibuprofen. However, even for those with a healthy liver, ibuprofen consumption can raise the risk for alcohol-related damage. If you notice any yellowing of the skin, vomiting, or pain in your upper-right abdomen, contact your physician, and be sure to disclose your alcohol intake and ibuprofen consumption.

Kidney Problems

Both alcohol and ibuprofen have been shown to cause kidney issues when consumed in excess. For those with existing kidney disease or problems, the risk is much higher. And when these are taken in combination, the strain placed on your kidneys can be disastrous. Contact a doctor if you notice changes in urination, leg or ankle swelling, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue.

Enhanced Impairment or Prolonged Effects

Ibuprofen is effective because it reduces inflammation, which relieves pain and relaxes the body. When combined with large amounts of alcohol, it can increase the feeling and effects of intoxication. This can be particularly risky for those who are already heavily affected by alcohol, such as the elderly population. Over-consumption can increase the risk of falling, dizziness, slowing of reaction times, drowsiness, and lack of alertness. It can even lead to more serious issues, like heart attacks and other chronic health conditions.

Why Mixing Ibuprofen with Alcohol is Dangerous

Opioids, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, for pain management often come with clear warnings about harmful interactions and risks of mixing them with alcohol, but the same warnings don’t exist for NSAIDs like ibuprofen. This can lead people to believe that ibuprofen or other NSAIDs are safe to pair with alcohol, without examining additional risk factors.

It's important to take ibuprofen only as directed. However, keep in mind that alcohol can still cause harmful side effects even after the recommended dosage window for ibuprofen has passed. Ibuprofen can stay in your system for up to 10 hours. If you struggle with alcohol use disorder, it's best to wait until the ibuprofen is completely out of your system before drinking alcohol — or avoid ibuprofen if you've already been drinking.

Mixing alcohol with any medication, including ibuprofen, can reduce the medication's effectiveness while increasing the risk of side effects. In addition, alcohol may have a stronger impact on your body when combined with ibuprofen, making you feel more relaxed than usual. This can increase the risk of alcohol-related complications, such as impaired judgment and coordination, which can be dangerous.

Guidelines for Safe Use of OTC Painkillers for Minor Pain Relief

Alcohol use at any level can have an impact on your body and your health. Heavy consumption is linked to numerous health risks, and can be made worse when combined with other medications. Here’s what you can do to protect your well-being:

Don’t Mix Alcohol and NSAIDs

While ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are considered “safe” OTC medications, it isn’t worth the risk of taking them around the same time you’re consuming alcohol. Always err on the side of caution, and be sure your system is free of either alcohol or medication before taking the other.

Always Check Dosage

It is very easy to take too much of an over-the-counter pain reliever, even when alcohol isn’t involved. Be sure to read the packaging carefully and take the medication exactly as recommended. Do not take high doses that are more than the recommended amount and do not take it again before the recommended time has passed. Generally, you should wait 10 hours for ibuprofen to leave your system before drinking alcohol, or 24 hours after drinking alcohol to take ibuprofen.

Don’t Substitute Other OTC Pain Relievers

If you’ve been drinking and aren’t feeling well, you might be tempted to grab the closest pain reliever. However, this can be a dangerous choice. For example, taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) while drinking can significantly increase your risk of severe liver damage. Similarly, mixing alcohol with prescription medications can lead to serious health risks. Only take prescription drugs as directed by a healthcare provider and follow their advice when considering alcohol use.

Seek Support for Alcohol Use Disorder

Normal aches and pains can be aided by safe OTC medications when taken as directed. However, if you’re dealing with alcohol use disorder, these typically safe medications can pose too much of a risk to your long-term health. The best way to feel better and prevent harmful interactions? Look for addiction treatment for alcohol. When you are able to drink responsibly, or not at all, you are less likely to be impacted by the negative side effects of ibuprofen and other OTC medications.

How Caron Can Help You Avoid the Side Effects of Mixing Ibuprofen and Alcohol

We understand that overcoming alcohol use disorder is not easy. Our alcohol treatment programs are designed with that in mind. We offer compassionate, non-judgemental treatment options backed by 70 years of experience and knowledge. We’ve treated 100,000 patients and families through their journey to recovery, and we can do the same for you or your loved one. Chat with us or contact us today to find out how we can support you and your well-being.