Ibuprofen is one of the most well known non-prescription painkillers in the UK and treats many common ailments including menstrual cramps, headaches, and dental pain. Show
Every year, Scots consume millions of these pills and see no major side effects. But experts are now warning that Ibuprofen should not be mixed with common blood pressure medication after a study revealed that doing so could damage kidneys. As reported by the Mirror, people living with high blood pressure are often prescribed diuretic water-loss tablets and renin-angiotensin system (RSA) inhibitors, but combining them with ibuprofen could be a "triple whammy" of acute kidney damage, Researchers at the University of Waterloo used a computer-simulated drug trial to model the interaction of ibuprofen with these common treatments for hypertension and determine their impact on the kidneys. The "triple whammy" of combining water-loss tablets with an RSA inhibitor like Advil, as well as ibuprofen, reduces your kidney's ability to process these drugs and can cause major damage. Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (Image: Getty Images/ Mirror Online)The study's scientists advise people being treated for high blood pressure to talk to their doctor about choosing a different form of painkiller. The NHS already advises against ibuprofen usage in the later stages of pregnancy and for anyone who has experienced shortness of breath after taking aspirin or Ibuprofen. Many people are unaware of these potentially adverse effects from taking the painkiller. More widely, ibuprofen should also not be used by people with asthma, Crohn's disease, stomach ulcers, arterial disease, heart disease, or a history of strokes. "It's not that everyone who happens to take this combination of drugs is going to have problems," said Professor Anita Layton, one of the study's authors. "But the research shows it's enough of a problem that you should exercise caution." "Diuretics are a family of drugs that make the body hold less water," Layton said. "Being dehydrated is a major factor in acute kidney injury, and then the RAS inhibitor and ibuprofen hit the kidney with this triple whammy. "If you happen to be on these hypertension drugs and need a painkiller, consider acetaminophen instead." Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Updated on September 16, 2022 Ibuprofen can cause your
blood pressure drugs to be less effective, as can other medications. There's a good chance you may be taking one or more of them. Several popular over-the-counter (OTC) remedies do that, including some antacids, as well as a number of prescription drugs. Proper blood pressure control is important for your cardiovascular health. So it's wise to key an eye on your blood pressure readings if you're taking anything that could cause a problem. That includes vitamins and other supplements that can affect your blood pressure. This article looks at common drug types that can make your hypertension (high blood pressure) worse. It also discusses what they're typically used to treat and what you can try instead, keeping in mind that you should always discuss medication used with your healthcare provider. 1 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugsfrankieleon / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in the world. They're used to:
While NSAIDs are typically safe, prolonged use can raise your blood pressure. Long-term use has also been linked to changes in kidney function. The kidneys play a key role in blood pressure regulation. There's research evidence that finds NSAIDs may increase cardiovascular risks, like heart attack and stroke, in some people. OTC NSAIDs include:
Ask your healthcare provider about pain-relief options that may be safer for you. What Is the Safest Anti-Inflammatory?All NSAIDs, except for aspirin, are linked to a higher risk of heart problems. They also present gastrointestinal and renal (kidney) concerns that grow with higher doses and length of time you take them. Aspirin is an option but it increases the risk of bleeding, so it's not for everyone. More research is needed, but some findings suggest Aleve (naproxen) may be safer for the heart. 2 Nasal DecongestantsTom Merton / Getty Images Decongestants slow the production of mucus, which can clog breathing passages. They do this by constricting blood vessels in your nose and sinuses. That opens airways and makes you feel less stuffed up from colds or allergies. Most decongestants contain either:
Those are both stimulants known to increase blood pressure. When used short-term, decongestants are largely safe and effective. But overuse may raise blood pressure and undermine your treatment. Look for non-stimulant decongestants, which may be just as effective for certain nasal conditions. 3 Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu RemediesJupiterimages / Getty Images Dozens of combination pills, syrups, and tablets are marketed for cold and flu symptoms. Each has a different blend of similar ingredients. These include:
Constricted blood vessels and fluid retention are effects of these drugs when taken together. They can cause short-term blood pressure increases and make your treatment less effective. 4 Hormonal Birth ControlPhotoAlto / Getty Images Virtually all hormonal birth control pills, patches, and devices can raise blood pressure. Blood-vessel constriction is a common side effect of these products. They often have a larger effect on women who smoke, are overweight, or are over age 35. Oral contraceptives with lower-dose estrogen may have lesser effects on blood pressure. If you still have a problem while taking these, you may need to consider other forms of birth control. Increased MonitoringNot all women are affected by hormonal birth control. But if you have hypertension, your healthcare provider will likely want to monitor you closely. Ideally, you should get checked every six to 12 months. 5 Antidepressant DrugsJonathan Nourok / Getty Images Antidepressants change the activity of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) tied to mood. They include:
These drugs increase your levels of adrenaline and other stimulating hormones. That can increase blood pressure. Dopamine is even used in emergencies to raise critically low blood pressure. Several antidepressant classes are linked to increased blood pressure, such as:
Ups and Downs of MAOIs*MAOIs alone can lower your blood pressure. But they can lead to dangerously high blood pressure when combined with:
SummaryDrugs that increase blood pressure either constrict blood vessels, increase fluid retention, or raise hormone levels. Use care with NSAIDs, decongestants, combination cold and flu medicines, hormonal birth control, and antidepressants. A Word From Verywell If you take any of these OTC drugs, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk of
hypertension. You may want to check your blood pressure at home until you know how the medication affects you. You may need to switch drugs, lower your dosage, or up the dosage of an anti-hypertensive drug. Frequently Asked Questions
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By
Craig O. Weber, MD Thanks for your feedback! What happens if you take ibuprofen with high blood pressure?Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can raise your blood pressure. But this change is usually small. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, make sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen. Using ibuprofen regularly can cause potentially serious side effects, such as stomach ulcers.
What painkiller can I take with high blood pressure?Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often the pain reliever of choice for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) because most other options are types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), which can raise blood pressure.
Which blood pressure medications interact with ibuprofen?Both ACE inhibitors and ARBs can interact with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can make these medications less effective at lowering blood pressure. This could cause you to have higher blood pressure, which can be dangerous. Combining ibuprofen with ACE inhibitors or ARBs can also cause kidney problems.
What antiAspirin does not elevate blood pressure. Among nonselective NSAIDs, ibuprofen increases the risk of hypertension and stroke. Diclofenac does not increase the risk of hypertension, but does increase the risk of stroke. Naproxen (Naprosyn) does not increase the risk of hypertension or stroke.
|