Can I take Omeprazole and Ibuprofen together?

You can take omeprazole and ibuprofen together. It is often done intentionally as omeprazole can help protect your stomach from the irritation or ulcers that ibuprofen can sometimes cause.

Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of stomach ulcers. Omeprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces, which provides a protective layer and lowers the risk of these side effects.

From a chemical standpoint, omeprazole raises the pH (lowers the acidity) of the stomach, which can theoretically change how quickly ibuprofen dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream, but this is rarely a problem in practice.

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.

Severe diarrhoea

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe or persistent watery diarrhoea, as omeprazole can increase the risk of a serious bowel infection called C. difficile.

Lupus-like skin reactions - omeprazole

Seek medical advice if you develop a skin rash, especially in areas exposed to the sun, as this may be a sign of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE).

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen can increase the risk of stomach irritation and serious side effects like stomach bleeding or ulcers. It is best to limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking omeprazole. Alcohol can increase the amount of acid your stomach produces, which may worsen your symptoms or make the medicine less effective. Additionally, both alcohol and omeprazole can irritate the stomach lining.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

Caffeine can trigger or worsen indigestion and acid reflux by increasing stomach acid production. This may counteract the benefits of taking omeprazole.

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.