Taking Neurontin (Gabapentin) With Ibuprofen
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between ibuprofen and Neurontin (gabapentin).
Can I take Neurontin, generic name gabapentin, with ibuprofen?
Oct 21, 2022- Gabapentin and ibuprofen can be taken together safely as there are no drug interactions between them.
- Taking these medications together may actually be more effective for certain types of pain than using either one alone.
- Ibuprofen can cause stomach upset, heartburn, or diarrhea in some patients and requires caution if you have heart or stomach problems or take blood thinners.
Answer
There are no drug interactions between ibuprofen (Advil) and gabapentin (Neurontin). Both are types of pain medications, but work differently and treat different types of pain.
In fact, some studies evaluating both of these drugs have found that their combined use can be more effective in treating certain types of pain than either alone:
Gabapentin and ibuprofen independently alter the facilitated state as measured by somatomotor and autonomic response. Together these agents interact in an additive fashion if delivered concurrently. This combination may prove useful in managing postinjury pain states in humans.
Below, we will discuss more information about each of these medications.
Gabapentin Info
Gabapentin reduces anxiety, pain, and seizure activity by binding to receptors in the central nervous system tissues.
Gabapentin is structurally related to GABA, a brain chemical that generally has a depressive or slowing effect. The half-life of gabapentin is about 6 hours.
Gabapentin was first approved by the FDA in 1993 for seizures and in 2002 for nerve pain associated with Shingles.
Usually, the dose for gabapentin is titrated over time to find the right dose and may be given up to three times daily. Gabapentin can cause drowsiness, fatigue, and headache in some patients.
Ibuprofen Info
NSAIDs work by inhibiting an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX).
There are two types of COX, known as COX-1 and COX-2. COX-2 has a more prominent role in the inflammation cascade.
Ibuprofen is considered non-selective and inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2. Drugs within the NSAID class differ based on the difference in selectivity, which can make a difference in the side effect profile and utility of these drugs.
All NSAIDs, including ibuprofen (Advil), can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, heartburn, and constipation (usually in less than 10% of patients).
Also, caution is advised in patients with previous cardiac and GI conditions which may increase the risk of worsening their condition.
Additionally, caution should be taken while taking other blood thinners like warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), clopidogrel (Plavix), or heparin products.
Final Words
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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Central nervous system
- The brain and spinal cord, which control all body functions and processes.
- GABA
- A brain chemical that slows down nerve activity and has a calming effect.
- Half-life
- The amount of time it takes for half of a drug dose to be eliminated from your body.
- NSAIDs
- A class of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications that includes ibuprofen.
- Cyclooxygenase
- An enzyme in the body that produces substances responsible for inflammation and pain.
- Inflammation cascade
- The chain of chemical reactions in the body that leads to swelling and irritation.
- Titrated
- Gradually adjusted up or down to find the right dose that works best for a patient.
- FDA
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the government agency that approves medications for safe use.
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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