Overview
Prednisone belongs to the corticosteroid class of medications that should be taken with precaution. It is recommended not to use prednisone with any NSAIDs, including Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to avoid any adverse side effects. The primary side that is experienced when taking both at the same time is gastrointestinal bleeding, which should be avoided at the same time. They both are prescribed for anti-inflammatory purposes by your healthcare provider.
How are Prednisone and Ibuprofen similar?
Prednisone and Ibuprofen are similar in several ways, including :
- Both are prescribed for their anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve the inflammation caused by any infection or autoimmune condition.
- Prednisone is prescribed to treat and reduce inflammation due to severe conditions like arthritis pain or other serious medical conditions. In contrast, Ibuprofen is prescribed for inflammation due to any injury, cuts, or wounds that are not severe.
- They are both also prescribed in case of fever due to infections. Prednisone and Ibuprofen are both prescribed for a concise duration of the treatment.
- Both are used to manage symptoms of conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
- Neither prednisone nor Ibuprofen is an antibiotic; they do not treat any bacterial infections.
- Both medications can be taken orally by mouth, either in tablet form or liquid form.
How Prednisone and Ibuprofen are different?
Prednisone and Ibuprofen are different in several ways as well, including :
- They both belong to different drug classes. Prednisone is a corticosteroid, while Ibuprofen belongs to the drug class NSAIDs.
- Prednisone is a prescription drug and can only be prescribed after a proper diagnosis, while most strengths of Ibuprofen are available OTC. Even though both drugs are prescribed for anti-inflammatory purposes, both drugs have different mechanisms of action.
- Prednisone has some severe side effects, like weight gain, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure, while Ibuprofen has side effects, including stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Is it safe to take Ibuprofen with prednisone?
Studies suggest that taking ibuprofen and prednisone simultaneously should be avoided due to their severe side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding. Even though they are prescribed for the same purpose, i.e., anti-inflammatory purposes, they should be taken one at a time. Taking both at the same time can increase the risk of bleeding in GIT and can cause severe abnormalities.
They both can only be taken in case of prescription by your healthcare provider or pharmacist after the benefit overweighs risk analysis, says Dr Richard Honekar
What pain reliever can I take with prednisone?
Tylenol with prednisone is the safest option to consider when taking it as pain relief if an additional painkiller is needed. It is advisable to take any pain reliever with prednisone if your healthcare provider prescribes it as per the needs of your condition.
Other than Tylenol (acetaminophen), some other medications that are to be taken with prednisone for pain relief are :
- Tramadol
- Opioid pain medications (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone)
When to consult a doctor?
Even though medications help treat different ailments, their side effects should not be ignored, as they come along with the treatment. Over-the-counter medications have fewer side effects than prescription drugs and should only be taken when prescribed by your healthcare provider.
FAQs about the prednisone and ibuprofen
When you accidentally take Ibuprofen with prednisone, you might experience GIT complications like unusual bleeding or stomach pain, dizziness, or tarry stools. Get consultation in case of taking both Ibuprofen and prednisone together.
Grapefruit juice or extract, licorice root, and high vitamin A or D doses are supplements that should be avoided with prednisone. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication or supplements.
Your healthcare provider usually prescribes prednisone once a day, but the dosage can vary according to the condition. For effective treatment, it’s best to take the dose and frequency as your healthcare provider prescribes.
