Does Ibuprofen Interact With Naproxen?
The chance is higher if you: take more or for a longer time than directed take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product are age 60 or older take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs [aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others] Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Severity: Minor
Severity basis: warnings section. Combining Ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)) and Naproxen (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)) is classified as a minor interaction.
What to Do
This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.
How This Interaction Works
Interactions like this one can happen when two medicines have overlapping effects, or when one changes how the other is absorbed, broken down, or cleared from the body. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) and Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid); together they are documented as a minor interaction. How much this matters depends on your dose, your other medications, and your overall health.
If You Take Both Medications
If you have been prescribed both Ibuprofen and Naproxen, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
From the FDA Label
The chance is higher if you: take more or for a longer time than directed take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product are age 60 or older take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs [aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others] Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 00653b7c-7099-487e-9a01-e89781c21323).
Ibuprofen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Brands: Advil, Motrin
View Ibuprofen safety profileNaproxen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Brands: Aleve, Naprosyn
View Naproxen safety profileCheck these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take Ibuprofen and Naproxen together?
Ibuprofen and Naproxen have a documented minor interaction. This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.
How serious is the Ibuprofen and Naproxen interaction?
It is classified as a minor interaction, based on the FDA label's warnings section. A minor interaction is usually limited in effect but is still worth discussing with your care team.
What should I do if I'm taking both Ibuprofen and Naproxen?
If you have been prescribed both Ibuprofen and Naproxen, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
Other Ibuprofen Interactions
Other Naproxen Interactions
- Naproxen + Aspirin(contraindicated)
- Naproxen + Diclofenac(major)
- Naproxen + Indomethacin(major)
- Naproxen + Cyclosporine(moderate)
- Naproxen + Methotrexate(moderate)
- Naproxen + Warfarin(moderate)
- Naproxen + Celecoxib(minor)
- Naproxen + Digoxin(minor)
- Naproxen + Fluconazole(minor)
- Naproxen + Furosemide(minor)
- Naproxen + Gabapentin(minor)
- Naproxen + Lithium(minor)
- Naproxen + Meloxicam(minor)
- Naproxen + Propranolol(minor)
- Naproxen + Sucralfate(minor)