Can Ibuprofen Interact with Antibiotics?

Ibuprofen is often taken for pain, fever, or inflammation - and many people also need antibiotics to treat infections. The short answer is:

Ibuprofen does not interact with most antibiotics, but there are some important exceptions.

For the majority of commonly prescribed antibiotics — such as penicillin, amoxicillin, or azithromycin — ibuprofen is generally safe to take.

However, taking ibuprofen with certain antibiotics, like fluoroquinolones (for example, ciprofloxacin), may increase the risk of nervous system side effects. It's been noted that in rare cases, this combination has been linked to seizures in sensitive individuals.

Furthermore, taking ibuprofen together with certain antibiotics can also increase stress on the kidneys. This risk is most concerning with aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin, tobramycin, or amikacin) and with vancomycin, which are already known to affect kidney function.

If you have kidney disease or are prescribed one of these antibiotics, the combination may raise the chance of kidney problems. To stay safe, always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you use.

FAQ

Is it safe to take ibuprofen with amoxicillin?
Yes. There are no known harmful interactions between ibuprofen and amoxicillin.

Which antibiotics may interact with ibuprofen?
Most antibiotics can be taken safely with ibuprofen, but there are a few important exceptions. Fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) may increase the risk of nervous system side effects when combined with ibuprofen. In addition, antibiotics that can stress the kidneys — such as aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin) and vancomycin — may increase the risk of kidney problems if used with ibuprofen, especially in people who already have kidney disease.

Does ibuprofen make antibiotics less effective?
No, ibuprofen does not reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. The main concern is side effects, not treatment failure.

Should I ask my doctor before mixing ibuprofen with antibiotics?
Yes. Even though most combinations are safe, your doctor or pharmacist can confirm based on the specific antibiotic and your individual health history. This website is for in general, informational purposes only, and should never be used as a substitute for asking your doctor about your own individual case.

Disclaimer

This page summarizes information from trusted medical sources and is provided for general knowledge only. lt is not medical advice; Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personal medical guidance (For a more comprehensive explanation please see the full disclaimer).

Resources

The information above has been gathered from several reputable sources, including the following:

[1] Medline Plus – Ibuprofen

[2] Drugs.com – Ibuprofen Drug Interactions

[3] Drugs.com - Ibuprofen & Antibiotics