Can You Take Amoxicillin with Ibuprofen?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
Generally safe — ibuprofen and amoxicillin do not interact significantly and can be taken together for an infection with fever or pain.
Is it safe to take Amoxicillin with Ibuprofen?
Amoxicillin (an antibiotic) and ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory painkiller) do not directly interact with each other and can be taken together safely in most people. This combination is often used when treating a painful infection (such as a tooth abscess or ear infection) where both pain relief and antibiotic treatment are needed. Take ibuprofen with food to reduce stomach irritation, and complete the full antibiotic course.
How do Amoxicillin and Ibuprofen interact?
Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and is primarily renally excreted without significant hepatic metabolism. Ibuprofen acts on the COX pathway to reduce prostaglandin-mediated inflammation. There is no pharmacokinetic interaction between the two drugs — they are processed completely independently in the body.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: OpenFDA drug label data — amoxicillin and ibuprofen drug labels.
Who should be careful?
People with kidney disease should use ibuprofen cautiously. Those with penicillin allergy should not take amoxicillin. People with stomach ulcers should use paracetamol instead of ibuprofen.
What if I've already taken Amoxicillin and Ibuprofen?
No action needed — this is a safe combination for most people. Complete your course of antibiotics even if you feel better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take ibuprofen with amoxicillin?
Yes. Ibuprofen and amoxicillin do not interact and can safely be taken together to treat a painful infection.
Will ibuprofen reduce the effectiveness of amoxicillin?
No. Ibuprofen does not affect how amoxicillin works against bacteria.
Can I take paracetamol instead of ibuprofen with amoxicillin?
Yes, paracetamol is also safe with amoxicillin and may be preferable if you have stomach problems.
Can I drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin and ibuprofen?
A small amount of alcohol is unlikely to significantly interact with amoxicillin, but alcohol can irritate the stomach alongside ibuprofen. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics as it may worsen side effects.