It is generally safe for most people to drink a small amount of alcohol (e.g., one glass of wine, beer, or spirits) while taking ibuprofen. However, drinking moderate to excessive amounts of alcohol while using ibuprofen increases the risk of serious side effects such as stomach and digestive tract irritation, gastric ulcers, bleeding, kidney damage, and other complications. Both alcohol and ibuprofen irritate the stomach, so combining them can worsen the risk of ulcers and bleeding. People with preexisting conditions like liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart failure are at higher risk. Occasional small amounts of alcohol with ibuprofen are usually fine, but regular or heavy drinking alongside ibuprofen use is not safe and can have serious health consequences.
Key risks include:
- Gastric bleeding and ulcers
- Kidney damage
- Increased drowsiness and decreased alertness, raising accident risk
If ibuprofen is needed after drinking alcohol, it is often recommended to wait at least 24 hours or longer, especially after heavy drinking, to minimize harm.
In summary, occasional small amounts of alcohol while taking ibuprofen are usually safe, but it is best to avoid drinking alcohol while regularly using ibuprofen or if taking high doses to protect the stomach and kidneys.
