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Drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are used for treating pains. These meds are taken to get relief from a wide range of painful conditions – such as dental pains, migraines/headaches, muscular aches, joint pains as well as cramping of muscles. These drugs belong to a family of meds known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs. These meds work by blocking certain chemicals responsible for causing inflammation or swelling. These can also be procured as over-the-counter (OTC) meds. But, is it safe to take ibuprofen along with potent drugs like prednisone? It is a vital thing to know the implications of such co-administration, especially before starting your treatment plan.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid med administered for treating different types of allergies that may involve swelling or inflammation. This med minimizes the defense mechanism of your system and reduces swelling as well as a few other allergies. It is also used for treating autoimmune conditions such as arthritis and epidermal (skin) problems. As the risks of infections tend to get high, people taking prednisone are advised to keep away from those who are infected or stay away from places that may infect them. This med needs the support of liver-based enzymes to make its active ingredients work. Hence, if you are having any liver problems – such as hepatitis / chronic swelling of the liver as well as cirrhosis, your treating physician must be aware of such conditions.

If the potassium levels in the blood are way too low, your caregiving team must stay aware of such conditions. But, how do you know if your potassium level is down? It may show up in the form of erratic heartbeat or pulse rate; it can also manifest as a chronic increase in blood pressure level. This steroidal med may trigger a few unwanted side effects. Common discomforts are blurring of vision, blood in stool, mood shifts, mineral imbalances, etc. You may also witness swelling of the pancreas; which may show up as discomforts in the top part of the abdomen, arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat, abdominal problems such as pain, nausea, or vomiting. In some cases, the drug can cause some skin problems like acne, inflammation, or itchiness as well as severe headaches/migraines, formation of gas or bloating, flatulence, etc.

What is ibuprofen?


Ibuprofen is a painkilling med used for pains of multiple forms as well as fever or conditions like flu / common cold. Your dosage plan may depend on various factors – such as your age, body weight, and severity of the underlying clinical condition. Among children, this drug is prescribed based on their body weight. Always remember that this med is usually never taken for more than 10 to 12 days.

This NSAID is likely to cause side effects or a few discomforts in your gastric system; these side effects may show up as nausea, diarrhea or loose stools, vomiting as well as upset stomach. In most cases, these gastric problems may cease to show up once your system gets used to the key ingredients of this med. However, if one or more of these discomforts persist for long – you are advised to talk to your treating physician/pharmacist as quickly as you possibly can.

Intake of ibuprofen with prednisone


Drugs are known to interact adversely when taken together. Ibuprofen is known to trigger a few undesired results when taken with steroids. Co-administration of this NSAID with prednisone can cause a few severe side effects. These can include risks of internal bruising, bleeding, or ulcers. If the intake of these two drugs becomes necessary, your caregiving team will prescribe a proton pump inhibitor; such drugs are known to lessen the risks of ulcers. Also, your doctor may recommend intake of ibuprofen and prednisone along with a meal. Such practices may reduce the odds of gastric problems or ulcer formation.

Both these drugs can treat different forms of pain. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); this drug is however known to injure the inner lining of your intestines as well as your stomach. But, as compared to other such painkilling drugs – ibuprofen is known to carry much lesser risks of gastric dysfunction – especially, ulcers or internal bleeding. So, as a safety measure, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs (such as naproxen or aspirin) are taken only for a shorter time span. In most cases, the medication plan never exceeds 8 to 10 days.

On the other hand, prednisone can trigger a few adverse discomforts such as retention of fluids, abdominal problems like nausea or vomiting coupled with pain in the lower abdomen, mood shifts (feeling very low or getting depressed), etc. In some cases, prednisone has been taken along with NSAIDs; but, the medication plans are always maintained at a low of 5 to 7 days and not more.

Precautions needed while taking prednisone

Prednisone is a potent med; hence, you are recommended not to take larger doses. As the drug may numb your responses, those who are undergoing surgery or a dental procedure are advised to tell their caregiver about the intake of such drugs. Upon noticing any signs of a possible infection – such as a runny nose, increase in body temperature, or common cold/flu, you need to inform about such symptoms to your treating doctor. Owing to a high level of potency, it is safe to take prednisone along with food.

People taking the tablet form of prednisone must never crush this drug inside the mouth. The tablet needs to be swallowed with 8 ounces of liquid – such as water or juices. Those who have missed a dose are advised to skip it and go ahead with the dosage plan. But, if you have missed many doses – reschedule your dosage plan after consulting with your caregiver.

In sum, it is not a safe practice to take ibuprofen (or other such NSAIDs) along with steroidal drugs like prednisone. The side effects include tearing up of your abdominal tissues due to possible damages inflicted on your gastric linings. Those who already have ulcers / internal blockages or bleeding are advised not to take these drugs together. In some very rare instances, these two drugs may be administered together – but, such intake is restricted only for a shorter span of time. For more details, you are advised to talk to your treating physician prior to taking these two meds.