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Aspirin and ibuprofen are mild pain relievers. Both can be used to reduce fever, headaches, and relieve inflammation. On the other hand, aspirin can be used to treat acne and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Meanwhile, ibuprofen is usually taken to relieve menstrual pain, toothaches, back pain, and sports injuries.
At times you may need to take two drugs at the same time to treat two different conditions. So, is it okay to take aspirin and ibuprofen together?
Can I take both aspirin and ibuprofen?
Both ibuprofen and aspirin are both classified as NSAID pain relievers. NSAIDs work to inhibit the action of COX I and COX II, two enzymes that trigger inflammation. That's why NSAIDs can help relieve pain and fever.
Since aspirin and ibuprofen are NSAIDs, the side effects are similar. The most common side effect risks from NSAIDs are nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. NSAID drugs can also cause allergic reactions (hives, rashes, blisters, facial swelling, and wheezing), high blood pressure, heart failure due to body swelling (fluid retention), decreased hearing function, kidney problems including kidney failure. So, taking two types of drugs of the same class can increase the risk of side effects that you may experience.
In addition, as reported by VeryWell, the FDA, the food and drug control agency in the United States which is the equivalent of the BPOM, reports that ibuprofen can interfere with the effects of aspirin drugs if taken together. Taking ibuprofen and low doses of aspirin (81 mg per day) has the potential to make aspirin work less effectively. In fact, aspirin can be used to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. That's whytaking these two drugs at once is not recommended especially in people who have heart problems or disorders.
Both of these drugs can also cause stomach bleeding if taken together, especially if taken for a long time. The risk of stomach bleeding increases even if:
- Over 60 years of age.
- Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
- Take blood thinners or steroids.
- Drink three or more glasses of alcohol every day.
- Take more drugs than recommended.
- Take the medication longer than recommended.
For this reason, you should not take these two drugs at the same time to avoid the various risks and side effects they cause.
What if you need to consume both?
If under certain conditions you need to consume both, the following recommendations from the FDA need to be considered:
