Aspirin and ibuprofen are not the same medication.
You should know how each medication works before takingaspirinand ibuprofen together.
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Is It Safe to Take Aspirin and Ibuprofen Together?
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Aspirin is ablood thinner.
For example, taking aspirin may help protect some people againstheart attacksandstrokes.
However, ibuprofen can change the blood-thinning (or anti-clotting) effect of low-dose aspirin.
Here are a few key points to know about taking aspirin and ibuprofen at the same time.
If you take aspirin first, wait at least 30 minutes before you take a dose of ibuprofen.
Its important to know that the FDA recommendations for mixing ibuprofen and aspirin only focus on low-dose aspirin.
Ibuprofen’s ability to affect the blood-thinning effects of coated aspirin or larger doses of aspirin is not known.
What If I Mix Ibuprofen and Aspirin by Accident?
What Happens if You Take Aspirin Daily?
Healthcare providers may recommend adaily low dose of aspirinto help reduce the risk of certain heart conditions.
However, aspirin can cause side effects likestomach upsetand bleeding in the body that can be serious.
There are other OTC painkillers you might be able to take besides ibuprofen and/or aspirin.
One of the most common is acetaminophen, which is sold under the brand name Tylenol.
Can I Mix Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen?
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen (also sold under the brand name Tylenol) can be mixed.
They might be able to offer a specific recommendation or prescribe something stronger.
Ask your provider or pharmacist about alternative medications.
For example, you might be able to take Tylenol with ibuprofen to manage your symptoms.
American College of Cardiology.Taking aspirin: Common questions.
U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease: Preventative medication.
2010;104(1):80-8. doi:10.1093/bja/aep338
