Taking Methylprednisolone With Advil (Ibuprofen) Or Aleve (Naproxen)
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen with Medrol (methylprednisolone).
Just finished a 5-day course of 4mg methylprednisolone last night. How long before I can take Advil or Aleve?
Sep 02, 2022- Advil or Aleve should not be taken at the same time as methylprednisolone due to serious additive stomach side effects, but they may be taken after your course is finished. If you must take both medications together, short-term use is generally safe, but you should take them with food to help prevent stomach problems. Your doctor may recommend taking an NSAID like Advil or Aleve even while on methylprednisolone if it is your best treatment option.
Answer
While they generally should not be taken at the same time due to possible serious additive GI effects, Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) may be taken after a normal course of methylprednisolone has been completed.
Ideally, you should wait between 6 and 8 hours before taking Advil or Aleve after finishing methylprednisolone to avoid additive GI side effects.
It is important to note that there are cases where an NSAID, like Aleve or Advil, may be your best treatment option and recommended by your doctor, even if you are already taking methylprednisolone.
The risk of gastrointestinal side effects is far greater with long-term use of both drugs, and short-term use may be safe, with only a small added risk of things like nausea and cramping.
How Long To Wait
Methylprednisolone does have a long half-life (around 18–36 hours) and will last in the body for 4 to 7 days after finishing your course of therapy. Nevertheless, peak effects of methylprednisolone occur within a few hours after taking it by mouth and the risk of additive GI effects significantly decreases a few hours after your last dose.
If you can avoid taking both together, I would do so, but, again, if your doctor recommends taking both, it is generally safe for the short term. I would take the medications with food however to help mitigate side effects.
About Advil And Aleve
Advil (Ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are most commonly used to treat pain, arthritis, and inflammation. NSAIDs should be administered with food or milk to help prevent gastrointestinal irritation. Common side effects associated with taking NSAIDs include but are not limited to:
- Dyspepsia
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
About Methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It can be used for its anti-inflammatory, hormone-modifying, and/or immunosuppressive effects.
In general, methylprednisolone should be given with a meal and in the morning although more specific dosing schedules are often given when using an oral steroid. Common side effects associated with taking methylprednisolone include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- GI irritation
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Hypertension
Final Words
Thanks for your question and feel free to reach back out any time!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Additive GI effects
- Increased stomach and intestinal side effects that occur when two medications that each cause digestive problems are taken together.
- NSAID
- A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a type of medication used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever without steroids.
- Half-life
- The amount of time it takes for half of a medication to be eliminated from your body.
- Corticosteroid
- A type of steroid medication that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
- Immunosuppressive
- The ability of a medication to weaken or reduce the activity of the immune system.
- Dyspepsia
- Indigestion or stomach discomfort, often described as pain or burning in the upper abdomen.
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Inflammation or discomfort in the stomach and intestines that can cause nausea, cramping, or other digestive problems.
- Oral steroid
- A steroid medication taken by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid.
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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