Taking Nexium With Ibuprofen
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the safety of taking Nexium and ibuprofen together.
Does esomeprazole (generic Nexium) react badly when taken with ibuprofen? For example, can I still take Advil or Tylenol if I also take esomeprazole on the same day?
Mar 17, 2023- It is safe to take Nexium and ibuprofen together because there is no interaction between them.
- Taking Nexium with ibuprofen can actually reduce the risk of serious stomach problems like bleeding and ulcers that can occur with long-term ibuprofen use.
- Doctors often prescribe this combination specifically to protect your stomach when you need to take ibuprofen regularly.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out to us! Yes, it is safe to take Nexium (esomeprazole) and ibuprofen together. There is no interaction between them. In fact, in many cases, taking a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) like Nexium reduces the risk of some of the more serious side effects ibuprofen can cause.
Combining Nexium & Ibuprofen
Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is the active ingredient in a number of over-the-counter products, including Advil and Motrin.
Although relatively well-tolerated when used for short amounts of time, long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with an increased risk of stomach bleeding and ulceration. This is where PPIs, like Nexium, can come in to provide some positive benefit.
Studies have shown that the use of PPIs, such as Nexium, can significantly reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems caused by NSAIDs.
For example, one study reported the following:
Once-daily proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy also decreases the development of NSAID-associated ulcers and recurrent NSAID-related ulcer complications; it also decreases upper GI symptoms in NSAID users.
Another study found that the use of PPIs in combination with NSAIDs reduced the risk of symptomatic ulcers compared to the use of H2 receptor antagonists (drugs like Zantac and Pepcid).
Vimovo Contains An NSAID & PPI
Interestingly enough, there is a prescription drug on the market called Vimovo, which combines esomeprazole and naproxen, another NSAID in the same class as ibuprofen.
Vimovo is used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
The combination of esomeprazole and naproxen reduces the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding in individuals who require long-term NSAID therapy, just like I described above.
There is no single drug product that contains ibuprofen and esomeprazole, the drugs you are asking about in your question, but Vimovo is pretty close.
Final Words
Overall, the use of Nexium with ibuprofen is considered safe, and the combination is often prescribed to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems caused by NSAIDs, so yes, they can be taken the same day (as asked in your question). Tylenol is safe as well.
I hope this answer helped clear things up for you!
Thanks again for contacting us. Please do so again anytime.
References & sources
- Coprescribing proton-pump inhibitors with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: risks versus benefits — PubMed
- Proton pump inhibitor co-therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs--nice or necessary? — PubMed
- The use of proton pump inhibitors in treating and preventing NSAID-induced mucosal damage — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Nexium
- A brand name for the medication esomeprazole, which reduces stomach acid production.
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
- A type of medication that works by blocking acid production in the stomach.
- Ibuprofen
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- A class of medications that reduce pain, inflammation, and fever without containing steroids.
- Ulceration
- The formation of painful open sores or erosions in the stomach lining.
- Gastrointestinal
- Relating to the stomach and intestines.
- H2 receptor antagonists
- A class of acid-reducing medications that work differently than PPIs, including drugs like Zantac and Pepcid.
- Osteoarthritis
- A type of arthritis caused by wear and tear on joints over time.
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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