Ibuprofen is a widely available painkiller that can be bought from most UK supermarkets and pharmacies without difficulty
Andrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer, Jamie Barlow Content editor and Fionnuala Boyle
10:09, 20 Oct 2025Updated 10:09, 20 Oct 2025
Person holding tablets(Image: Getty Images)
People who use a commonly available painkiller need to be aware there’s one substance they should never mix with it – and surprisingly, it’s not alcohol.
This natural supplement dramatically heightens the risk of severe complications when combined with ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen can be easily bought from most UK supermarkets and pharmacies without any trouble, although stronger formulations need a doctor’s prescription.
The drug works by lowering hormones that cause pain and inflammation, offering relief for people suffering from various ailments including backache, period pain, toothache, and cold, flu or Covid symptoms, according to the NHS.
Typically, people take three to four doses per day at most, whether as tablets, capsules, or granules mixed in water or liquid, the Mirror reports, reports the Daily Record.
How long ibuprofen stays effective in your system depends on the dose strength, with packaging always offering comprehensive instructions.
The NHS states: “Take ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid with a meal or snack, or with a drink of milk. It will be less likely to upset your stomach. If you take it just after food, ibuprofen may take longer to start working.”
For short-term discomfort like toothache or menstrual pain, you may only need the medicine for a day or two.
People with long-term health problems might need to take ibuprofen for longer durations.
Can I combine ibuprofen with other medicines and supplements?
It’s completely safe to combine ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine – however, steer clear of mixing ibuprofen with similar pain relief medications such as aspirin or naproxen without first consulting a pharmacist or GP.
Ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen all belong to the same family of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Using them together may increase your risk of experiencing side effects such as stomach upset.
The NHS has confirmed that people can continue their regular eating and drinking patterns whilst taking any form of ibuprofen, though they warn that drinking too much alcohol could irritate your stomach.
One specific warning was given that could be important for those taking certain supplements.
The website explains: “It’s best not to take gingko biloba with ibuprofen as it can increase the chance of bleeding. There’s not enough information to say that other herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with ibuprofen. They’re not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines.”
Side effects from taking ibuprofen.
There are several common side effects that can occur from taking the pain relief medication, with roughly one in 100 people experiencing some of these symptoms.
The NHS states people might notice:
HeadachesFeeling dizzyFeeling sick (nausea) or vomitingWindIndigestion
There are some more serious, though rare, side effects from taking ibuprofen: If you observe either of these symptoms, immediately get in touch with a doctor or dial 111 and stop taking ibuprofen:
black faeces or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of bleeding in your stomachswollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all – these can be signs of a kidney problemyou have severe chest or stomach pain – these can be signs of a hole in your stomach or gutyou have difficulty breathing, or asthma symptoms that become worseyou get a severe headache, a high temperature or stiff neck, and a dislike of bright lights – these can be signs or inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges)you have blurred vision or you see or hear things that are not real (hallucinations)
In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to ibuprofen can occur.
Any suspected side effects can be reported through the Yellow Card safety scheme.
