Key Takeaways
- Ibuprofen can raise blood pressure, especially in people who already have high blood pressure.
- Using ibuprofen regularly raises the risk of high blood pressure and can make blood pressure medicines less effective.
- Read medicine labels to avoid taking more than one product with ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
Ibuprofen (Advil) is a helpful drug that can offer great relief from things like headaches, back pain, or period cramps. But can the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) lead to elevated blood pressure when used frequently?
We asked Thomas So, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist at First Databank, to find out.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Q: Can ibuprofen really raise your blood pressure?
So: Yes, ibuprofen can actually raise blood pressure. The way ibuprofen works in the body is by blocking several enzymes that produce substances called prostaglandins. Those prostaglandins can cause pain and inflammation (swelling), but they also help the kidneys get rid of sodium. By inhibiting that function, you retain sodium, thus increasing fluid and blood pressure.
Q: How much ibuprofen would you need to take to potentially experience that side effect?
So: It really depends on the person. If you’re healthy and have normal blood pressure, this effect won’t be as great, especially with occasional use. But if you do already have high blood pressure, studies have shown that ibuprofen can raise blood pressure.
Q: How does the risk vary for occasional use versus more regular use?
So: Occasional use is when you’re using it for an acute issue, like a toothache, a headache, or menstrual cramps. Taking it for a few days or even just a few doses to handle an acute issue would be considered occasional use.
With regular use, the risk of high blood pressure increases. Regular use would be if you’re using it more for a chronic condition, such as arthritis or chronic low back pain. Some people take it almost every day for weeks on end, if not months.
People who use ibuprofen regularly may also be on other medications, such as those to manage high blood pressure. Ibuprofen can actually make blood pressure medications less effective. Drugs like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics (water pills), and beta blockers can be less effective at controlling blood pressure when taken with ibuprofen.
Q: What should ibuprofen users watch out for?
So: If you ever experience symptoms while you’re taking ibuprofen, such as swelling more than usual, that would definitely be a sign that there’s an issue, and you should contact a healthcare provider right away.
People should also be aware that ibuprofen can be in many different products. You should always read labels to be sure that you’re not taking multiple drugs that contain ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
Always know what you’re taking and make sure you’re not doubling your dose of NSAIDs by mistake, because this ingredient can be in pain medications, cold and flu medications, and even some sleep aids.