Drug Interaction Report

Ibuprofen and Feverfew: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Ibuprofen and Feverfew interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Ibuprofen

Addaprin Addaprin® Advil Caldolor Cedaprin® Counteract IB dvil® Genpril
+

Feverfew

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 302 documented Ibuprofen interactions, 235 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Increased risk of adverse effects from the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent (ie, gastrointestinal, renal effects)

Interaction Deep Dive

Theoretically, concomitant use of feverfew with an NSAID may predispose the patient to more adverse effects (eg, gastropathy, increased risk of bleeding, and nephropathy). There is insufficient benefit to offset perceived risk in combining these 2 agents. Feverfew inhibits prostaglandin synthesis but does not inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme123. Thromboxane synthesis is also suppressed by feverfew 4. It is unlikely that further suppression with an NSAID will lead to any clinical benefit.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive prostaglandin and thromboxane inhibition

Common questions

Can I take Ibuprofen and Feverfew together?

Increased risk of adverse effects from the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent (ie, gastrointestinal, renal effects) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Ibuprofen and Feverfew interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Ibuprofen or Feverfew need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (4)

  1. Sumner H, Salan U, Knight DW, et al: Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase in leukocytes by feverfew. Biochem Pharmacol 1992; 43:2313-2320. DOI
  2. Makheja A & Bailey J: A platelet phospholipase inhibitor from the medicinal herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Prost Leuk Med 1982; 8:653-660.
  3. Collier HOJ, Butt NM, McDonald-Gibson WJ, et al: Extract of feverfew inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis. Lancet 1980; 1:922-923. PubMed
  4. Abebe W: Herbal medication: Potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther 2002; 27(6):391-401. DOI
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Ibuprofen

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All Ibuprofen interactions (302) Ibuprofen drug information
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Feverfew

Keep reading about Feverfew

All Feverfew interactions (37)
Also serious with: Ketorolac Flurbiprofen Naproxen Ketorolac Ophthalmic
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Ibuprofen + Activated Charcoal Asarabacca Beer Danshen Piracetam Siberian Cocklebur Wine Aconite + 278 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.