Melatonin - Advil (Ibuprofen) Interaction

Interaction Details

Ibuprofen is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, melatonin may have anticoagulant effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There are isolated case reports of minor bleeding and decreased prothrombin activity in people taking melatonin with warfarin (Coumadin). The mechanism, if any, of this interaction is unknown. Taking melatonin orally seems to decrease coagulation activity within one hour of dosing in healthy men.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

There is some theoretical concern that melatonin may increase the risk of bleeding if used with drugs that have a 'blood-thinning' effect, like ibuprofen, but it should be noted that the evidence on the potential interaction is limited and conflicting.

In isolated case reports, there have been some reports of minor bleeding and decreased prothrombin activity in people taking melatonin with warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant. The mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood but melatonin is thought to have mild anticoagulant effects in some individuals.

Overall, the risk of an interaction between melatonin and ibuprofen is low, particularly if you are not currently taking any other medications that thin the blood.

However, it's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements, including melatonin and ibuprofen, to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you.

References

• Herxheimer A, Petrie KJ. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;2:CD001520.
• Wirtz, P. H., Spillmann, M., Bartschi, C., Ehlert, U., and von Kanel, R. Oral melatonin reduces blood coagulation activity: a placebo-controlled study in healthy young men. J Pineal Res 2008;44(2):127-133.
• U.S.Food and Drug Administration. Special Nutritionals Adverse Events Monitoring System: registered case reports.

Ibuprofen Overview

• Prescription ibuprofen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints). It is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain (pain that happens before or during a menstrual period). Nonprescription ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches. Ibuprofen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

Melatonin - More Interactions

Melatonin interacts with 1424 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.