Can I take Ibuprofen gel 10% and Oxycodone together?

Why this happens

Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller that slows down the central nervous system. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory (NSAID). When used together, they can have an additive effect on the body, potentially increasing drowsiness. Although the gel is applied to the skin, a small amount enters the system and can interact with the way oxycodone affects the body and the stomach lining.

What you should do

It is generally safe to use these together for short periods, but you should use the ibuprofen gel sparingly. If you feel excessively sleepy, dizzy, or develop stomach pain, stop using the gel and speak to your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol while using these medicines, as it will make the drowsiness much worse.

Important precautions

Opioid dependence and respiratory depression

Oxycodone is highly addictive and can cause dangerous breathing problems. Do not take with alcohol or other sedatives, as this significantly increases the risk of a fatal overdose.

Asthma

Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma, as it can cause a life-threatening worsening of your breathing or a severe allergic reaction.

Pregnancy (third trimester)

Do not take ibuprofen if you are more than 6 months pregnant, as it can cause serious heart and kidney problems in the unborn baby and complications during birth.

Sunlight exposure

Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight or sunlamps during treatment and for two weeks after stopping, as the gel can make your skin significantly more sensitive to light, leading to severe rashes or burns.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking oxycodone. Combining alcohol with opioid painkillers like oxycodone significantly increases the risk of dangerous side effects, including extreme sleepiness, breathing difficulties, and a potentially fatal overdose.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while using ibuprofen. Although the amount of medicine absorbed through the skin is low, combining ibuprofen with alcohol can increase the risk of irritation to your stomach lining or, in rare cases, liver strain.

Grapefruit juice

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking oxycodone. Grapefruit can increase the amount of oxycodone in your blood, which makes side effects like drowsiness and breathing problems more likely.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.