Taking Advil (Ibuprofen) With Prednisone

Prolonged use of both drugs concurrently should be avoided.

Question

Can you take Advil with prednisone?

Asked by Sean On Oct 09, 2022

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Oct 09, 2022
Last updated Mar 28, 2024

Key points

  • There is a potential interaction between prednisone and Advil (ibuprofen). Among other things, taking both can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Speak with your doctor before combining these medications.
  • The combination of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and corticosteroids (like prednisone) can increase the risk of several side effects. Short-term use may be recommended by your doctor, but prolonged use should generally be avoided.

Answer

Thanks for reaching out to us! There is an interaction between Advil (ibuprofen) and prednisone. Their use together should generally be avoided unless specifically directed by your doctor.

The combined use of Advil and prednisone can increase the risk of adverse GI effects and alter electrolyte/fluid balance. Additionally, Advil can mask symptoms of infection, which you could be at an increased risk for while taking prednisone.

Having said this, short-term use of both is fairly common and can represent the best therapy option for some individuals in certain situations.

However, prolonged use should be avoided as this increases the risk of adverse reactions (as mentioned above)

If you are taking prednisone, be sure to ask your doctor if Advil is appropriate for you in your medical situation.

Interaction Info - More Detail

Prednisone is a corticosteroid while Advil (ibuprofen) is classified as an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Multiple studies have shown that concomitant use of corticosteroids (like prednisone) and NSAIDs can have a variety of adverse effects, including:

  • Increased risk of adverse GI events (e.g. nausea, cramping, ulceration).
  • Altered sodium/potassium electrolytes and fluid balance.

If prednisone and Advil are used together for an extended period of time, it is sometimes recommended to periodically monitor potassium levels in the body as hypokalemia (low potassium) has commonly been reported.

It is important to note that prednisone can weaken the immune system, especially with high doses or long-term use. NSAIDs, like Advil, can mask fever, pain, swelling, and other signs and symptoms of an infection. The issue is that a potential infection may not be appropriately treated.

Lastly, the 'Beers Criteria' recommends that the combination of NSAIDs and corticosteroids be avoided. If the combination is necessary and cannot be avoided, it is recommended to also use some sort of gastrointestinal protection.

As stated previously, short-term use of both medications has been used safely, but they should only be used together if recommended by your doctor. If you need a pain reliever while taking prednisone, Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be a better option for you.

Final Words

Thanks again for contacting us. I hope you found this helpful.

References

  • Corticosteroids and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed
  • Drug Interactions Added to the Beers Criteria, Pharmacy Times
  • Medication-Induced Hypokalemia, PubMed
  • American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults, Geriatrics Care Online

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

Recent Questions