Can You Take Advil With Augmentin?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not you can safely combine Advil and Augmentin.
Can I take Advil with Amox/Clav?
Jan 22, 2023- It is safe to take Advil and Augmentin together as there is no known interaction between them.
- Most common pain relievers including Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol are safe to use with Augmentin.
Answer
Yes, it is safe to combine Advil (ibuprofen) and Augmentin (amoxicillin; clavulanic acid) as there is no known interaction between the two.
We answered a similar question not too long ago, where someone asked if Advil was safe to take with amoxicillin (which is one component of the drug you asked about). Advil is alone safe with amoxicillin alone (i.e., not combined with clavulanic acid).
Augmentin Vs. Amoxicillin
The only difference between your question and the one we answered before is that we are talking now about Augmentin, which is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
Amoxicillin is an aminopenicillin, which works to eradicate bacteria by targeting the bacterial cell wall. The cell wall is made up of a complex structure of molecules, including a substance called peptidoglycan. Amoxicillin interferes with the formation of this peptidoglycan, causing the cell wall to weaken and eventually break down.
One of the resistance mechanisms of some bacteria is the production of beta-lactamase, an enzyme that destroys certain antibiotics (such as amoxicillin).
Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. In combination with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clavulanic acid works by blocking the action of beta-lactamase, which helps antibiotics maintain their potency, allowing them to effectively target and kill the bacteria.
Pain Medications With Augmentin
Like with amoxicillin, Advil is safe with Augmentin. In fact, most pain relievers are safe to take with Augmentin. This also includes Aleve (naproxen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Final Words
Thank you for reaching out to us! I hope this helps.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Ibuprofen
- A common pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication sold under brand names like Advil.
- Amoxicillin
- An antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections.
- Clavulanic acid
- A substance added to amoxicillin that helps prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotic.
- Aminopenicillin
- A type of antibiotic derived from penicillin that works against a wide range of bacteria.
- Peptidoglycan
- A structural component of bacterial cell walls that antibiotics like amoxicillin target to kill bacteria.
- Beta-lactamase
- An enzyme produced by certain bacteria that destroys antibiotics and allows them to resist treatment.
- Beta-lactamase inhibitor
- A substance that blocks an enzyme bacteria use to resist antibiotics, making the antibiotics more effective.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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