Can You Take Ibuprofen And Excedrin Together?

Answer

There is a drug interaction between ibuprofen and Excedrin which can lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Ibuprofen is an NSAID and Excedrin is a combination drug product that also contains an NSAID (aspirin). Taking both is considered a therapeutic duplication and is generally not recommended.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called 'Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs' (NSAIDs). It is sold under the names Advil, Motrin, Ibuprin, and Ibuprofen. It is commonly used for:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Fever
• Painful period (menstrual) cycles
• Arthritis

It works by inhibiting a chemical in the body that causes inflammation called prostaglandins.

Some common side effects of ibuprofen include:

• Dyspepsia
• Nausea
• GI ulceration/bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Rash
• Hypertension
• Raised liver enzymes

What Is Excedrin?

Excedrin is a combination product that contains aspirin, acetaminophen (the main ingredient in Tylenol), and caffeine. It is used primarily to treat migraine headaches and to ease pain.

• Aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called salicylates, which works by inhibiting a chemical in the body that causes inflammation called prostaglandins (similar to ibuprofen).

• Acetaminophen belongs to a class of medications used to treat pain called non-opioid analgesics. It works by blocking the enzyme that produces pain and inflammation generating prostaglandins. However, acetaminophen does not reduce swelling or inflammation.

• Caffeine is a mild stimulant.

Some common side effects of Excedrin include:

• Stomach ache
• Heartburn
• Headache
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

Ibuprofen With Excedrin Concerns

The increased risk of bleeding from the use of ibuprofen and Excedrin comes from the additive effects of ibuprofen, and the aspirin that Excedrin contains. 

Although Excedrin has been shown to be effective at treating migraine headaches, there are a number of other alternative therapies, which may not interact with ibuprofen that can be used in its place if replacement therapy is desired.

There is an additional concern as well with taking ibuprofen and aspirin together.

Many individuals take aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack (i.e. myocardial infarction) by preventing the formation of clots that contribute to atherosclerosis. Certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may interfere with this inhibitory action, reducing the protective effects on the heart that aspirin provides.

Final Words

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