Table of contents:
- Effects of taking ibuprofen and alcohol
- 1. Stomach and stomach bleeding
- 2. Kidney damage
- 3. Liver damage
- 4. Not vigilant
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter drug that belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen is often used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and relieve fever. Ibuprofen is safe for consumption if it is recommended. However, if you mix ibuprofen and alcohol together, the effects are certainly dangerous for your health.
Effects of taking ibuprofen and alcohol
Alcohol can interfere with the action of some drugs, so the drugs do not work. Alcohol can also make the side effects of certain drugs worse. Well, mixing ibuprofen and alcohol will cause drug interactions. Suppose you drink alcohol after taking ibuprofen or take ibuprofen with alcohol.
While it is generally safe to take ibuprofen and alcohol, it is highly recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking any medication, especially ibuprofen.
If you are taking ibuprofen for long-term treatment, consult your doctor before you want to drink alcohol. Your doctor will tell you if it's okay to drink alcohol based on your condition.
If you only take ibuprofen occasionally, it may be safe for you to drink alcohol in moderation. However, you need to know that drinking alcohol just once while taking the medication ibuprofen can cause the following.
1. Stomach and stomach bleeding
A study of 1,224 participants showed that taking ibuprofen regularly increased the risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding in people who also drank alcohol. The reason is, ibuprofen has the risk of injuring the stomach and intestines, as well as alcohol. While people who drink alcohol but only take ibuprofen a few times do not have an increased risk of this.
If you have any of the following signs of stomach problems, contact your doctor immediately.
- Prolonged stomach pain
- Black and hard stool
- Vomiting blood with vomit looks like coffee grounds
2. Kidney damage
Taking ibuprofen long-term can damage your kidneys, and drinking alcohol can also harm your kidneys. So, the combination of the drug ibuprofen and alcohol together will further increase the risk of kidney problems.
Symptoms of kidney problems can include:
- Limp body
- Swelling, especially in the hands, feet, or ankles
- Hard to breathe
3. Liver damage
Taking ibuprofen and alcohol can cause liver damage, although ibuprofen is usually safe when taken at the recommended dosage and for a short period of time, but the risk of liver damage can increase in people who take ibuprofen in the long term.
Elevated enzymes in the liver, which indicate damage to liver cells, can occur in up to 15 percent of patients who take ibuprofen frequently.
Taking ibuprofen and alcohol together further increases the chance of liver damage. The reason is, alcohol activates an enzyme that makes ibuprofen more toxic than usual.
Over time, the use of ibuprofen and alcohol can cause liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, jaundice, and liver failure.
4. Not vigilant
Ibuprofen causes your pain to go away, which can be relaxing. Alcohol can also relax you. Both can increase your risk such as losing control, slowing down your body's reactions, and falling asleep.
Therefore, drinking ibuprofen and alcohol is certainly dangerous if afterward you drive, operate machinery or heavy equipment, or play sports that are prone to injury.
