Advil is a brand name for the generic drug ibuprofen, which belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. While Advil is generally considered safe when taken as directed, it can interact with certain medications, leading to potentially serious side effects.
According to GoodRx [2], Advil can interact with several medications, including blood thinners like warfarin and heparin, which can increase the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with other NSAIDs, such as aspirin and naproxen, which can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, taking Advil with certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach and intestines.
Drug Patent Watch [1] notes that Advil can also interact with medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors, potentially reducing their effectiveness. It can also interact with certain medications used to treat heart disease, such as beta-blockers, and with lithium, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder.
The Advil website [3] recommends that patients speak with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Advil with any other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. They also caution against taking more than one NSAID at a time, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
In summary, Advil can interact with several medications, including blood thinners, other NSAIDs, antidepressants, medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, and lithium. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Advil with any other medications and should avoid taking more than one NSAID at a time.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ADVIL
[2] https://www.goodrx.com/ibuprofen/interactions
[3] https://www.advil.com/advil-safety/combining-medications/