Why avoid certain blood pressure meds with advil?

Interactions with NSAIDs: What You Need to Know

Taking certain blood pressure medications with Advil (ibuprofen) can lead to increased blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke risk. This is because some blood pressure medications belong to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, which work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.

Why the Concern with NSAIDs?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil can counteract the effects of these blood pressure medications, causing blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise. This is particularly true for people taking high doses of NSAIDs or for those with pre-existing kidney disease.

The Risks Involved

Taking certain blood pressure medications with NSAIDs can increase the risk of:

1. Heart Attack and Stroke: Elevated blood pressure can put additional strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke [1].
2. Kidney Damage: The combination can also lead to kidney damage, particularly in people with pre-existing kidney disease [2].
3. Fluid Retention: Some blood pressure medications can cause fluid retention, and combining them with NSAIDs may worsen this effect.

Examples of Blood Pressure Medications to Avoid with Advil

Some common blood pressure medications that should be used with caution when taking NSAIDs include:

1. Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
2. Losartan (Cozaar)
3. Valsartan (Diovan)
4. Captopril (Capoten)

Alternatives and Precautions

If you're taking blood pressure medication and want to take advil, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the risks and potential alternatives. They may recommend:

1. Taking Advil at a different time: Spacing out your medication and Advil doses can minimize the risks involved.
2. Choosing a different pain reliever: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin may be safer options [3].

References:

[1] National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Blood Pressure Medications and NSAIDs. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/blood-pressure-medications-and-nsaids

[2] American Heart Association. (n.d.). Taking NSAIDs and Other Pain Relievers. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/pain-relievers-and-heart-disease/taking-nsaids-and-other-pain-relievers

[3] Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Medications that interact with each other. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/interactions/art-20044792

Sources:

1. National Institute on Aging (n.d.) - [hyperlink]
2. American Heart Association (n.d.) - [hyperlink]
3. Mayo Clinic (n.d.) - [hyperlink]