Can you take Advil (ibuprofen) with lisinopril?
Usually, people can take Advil (ibuprofen) while on lisinopril, but it’s a combination that needs caution. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can reduce how well lisinopril lowers blood pressure and can also increase the risk of kidney stress, especially if you take it often or in higher doses.[1]
What are the main risks with this combo?
The two biggest concerns are kidney effects and blood-pressure control. NSAIDs can lower blood flow to the kidneys, and lisinopril changes kidney blood flow in the opposite direction. Together, this can raise the risk of acute kidney injury in some people.[1]
NSAIDs can also make blood pressure rise or make lisinopril less effective.[1]
Who should avoid or be extra careful?
Higher risk is more likely if you:
- Have chronic kidney disease or reduced kidney function
- Are older (kidney function often declines with age)
- Are dehydrated (vomiting/diarrhea, not drinking much, or heavy sweating)
- Take a diuretic (“water pill”) or other medications that affect kidney function
- Have diabetes, heart failure, or vascular disease
In these situations, using an NSAID with lisinopril can be more likely to cause kidney problems.[1]
What’s the safer way to use pain relief?
For occasional pain/fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often a safer first choice with blood pressure medicines like lisinopril because it doesn’t work as an NSAID on the kidneys.[1] (Still follow the label dosing limits.)
If you need ibuprofen, the safest approach is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and avoid long-term or high-dose use with lisinopril.[1]
When should you call a clinician?
Contact a clinician promptly if you develop signs of kidney trouble or worsening fluid balance, such as:
- Much less urine than usual
- Swelling in legs/face
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Severe or persistent dizziness
- Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
Also reach out if you need NSAIDs for more than a couple of days.
Drug-specific note
If your lisinopril is for blood pressure or heart protection, taking ibuprofen just once or rarely may be tolerated for many people, but regular or frequent NSAID use is where the risk rises.[1]
Sources
- National Kidney Foundation. “Analgesic (Pain Medicine) Guide.” https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/analgesic-guide