Can I take Lansoprazole and Ibuprofen together?

Why this happens

Ibuprofen (an NSAID) inhibits prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining. Lansoprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) reduces the production of gastric acid, which lowers the risk of stomach irritation or ulcers caused by the ibuprofen.

What you should do

It is safe to take these together. In fact, if you are taking ibuprofen long-term, your doctor may have prescribed lansoprazole specifically to protect your stomach. Always take ibuprofen with food to further reduce the risk of indigestion.

Important precautions

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.

Stomach ulcers or bleeding

Avoid ibuprofen if you have ever had a stomach ulcer, perforation, or bleeding, as it can cause serious damage to the stomach lining.

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.

Severe diarrhoea

Lansoprazole can increase your risk of serious bowel infections. If you develop severe or persistent watery diarrhoea, or a fever, contact your doctor immediately and do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicine.

Lupus (SLE) or skin reactions

Contact your doctor if you develop a skin rash, especially in areas exposed to the sun, as lansoprazole can cause a rare but serious autoimmune skin reaction.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking ibuprofen. Combining alcohol with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen increases the risk of irritation to your stomach lining and can lead to stomach ulcers or bleeding.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking lansoprazole. Alcohol increases the amount of acid your stomach produces, which can make your symptoms worse and counteract the effects of the medicine.

Food (General)

It is recommended to take ibuprofen with food or a glass of milk to reduce the risk of stomach upset or indigestion.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

Caffeine can increase the production of stomach acid. This may reduce the effectiveness of lansoprazole in treating conditions like acid reflux or stomach ulcers, and may worsen the stomach-irritating effects of ibuprofen.

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.