Tramadol With Advil (Ibuprofen)
Our pharmacist answers the latest question regarding whether or not there is an interaction between tramadol and ibuprofen.
I have been taking tramadol and I am still having pain. Can I take tramadol and ibuprofen together?
Aug 21, 2022- Tramadol and ibuprofen can be taken together safely since they work by different mechanisms and have no known interaction between them.
- Taking both medications together may provide better pain relief than either one alone, but you should take them with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Be aware that both medications can increase bleeding risk, so inform your doctor if you have conditions that put you at higher risk of bleeding.
Yes, you can take Advil (ibuprofen) and tramadol together.
There is no known interaction between the two medications. While both medications are used for pain relief, they work by different mechanisms and will not interact with one another. Additionally, ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties while tramadol does not. Using both together can have a synergistic effect.
In fact, certain studies have found that the combination of tramadol and ibuprofen is both safe and effective for most individuals.
For the most part, the drugs don't share the side effect profiles, aside from the fact that they can both cause stomach upset. It would be prudent to take them with food. There are some precautions to take note of, especially if you are at an increased risk of bleeding (as both can increase that risk further), but overall, again, they are safe to use together.
Advil (Ibuprofen) Info
Ibuprofen (Advil) is an NSAID, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug. It is available over the counter in a dose of 200mg and is also available by prescription at higher strengths.
Ibuprofen (Advil) works as a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
While effective, all NSAID drugs carry an increased risk of certain adverse effects such as bleeding and ulceration...especially if given at high doses for long periods of time.
Tramadol (Ultram) Info
Tramadol is a pain reliever that is used for more moderate to severe pain.
It is classified as an opioid agonist, similar to hydrocodone and oxycodone, but is generally considered to be less potent than most opioid agonists.
It also works on several neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Tramadol is a controlled medication and may be habit-forming with long-term use.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- NSAID
- A class of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs that includes ibuprofen and works by reducing inflammation in the body.
- Synergistic effect
- When two medications work together to produce a combined effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
- Anti-inflammatory
- A medication or property that reduces swelling and inflammation in the body.
- Opioid agonist
- A type of pain medication that activates opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system to relieve pain.
- Neurotransmitters
- Chemical messengers in the brain that carry signals between nerve cells and affect mood, pain perception, and other body functions.
- Controlled medication
- A drug regulated by the government because it has the potential to be abused or cause dependence.
- Habit-forming
- A medication that can lead to physical or psychological dependence with continued use over time.
- Ulceration
- Open sores or erosions that form in the lining of the stomach or intestines.
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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