Coffee and Ibuprofen: Is It Safe?

You can generally drink coffee while taking ibuprofen, and there isn’t a known direct interaction that would make the combination unsafe for most people. Ibuprofen’s absorption can slow slightly if taken right after a meal, but the total amount absorbed doesn’t meaningfully change, and this principle applies to typical food and beverages. ^{[1] [2]} Ibuprofen’s bioavailability is minimally affected by food, and antacids with aluminum/magnesium do not interfere with its absorption. ^{[3] [4]}

What the science says

• Absorption and food: Taking ibuprofen immediately after eating can reduce the rate of absorption, but not the extent; overall exposure remains similar. ^{[1] [5]}
• Antacids: Common antacids containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide don’t reduce ibuprofen absorption. ^{[3] [6]}
• Elimination: Ibuprofen is rapidly metabolized and almost completely excreted in urine within 24 hours, so timing with coffee doesn’t materially change clearance. ^{[7] [8]}

Potential concerns to watch

• Stomach irritation: Ibuprofen (an NSAID) can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, especially in people with a prior history of ulcers/bleeding, older adults, or those using alcohol, steroids, or anticoagulants. ^{[9] [10]} If coffee aggravates your stomach (acid reflux, gastritis), pairing it with ibuprofen might feel harsher; consider taking ibuprofen with a small snack to cushion the stomach. ^[1]
• Alcohol is different: Alcohol combined with ibuprofen raises GI bleeding risk and is best avoided near ibuprofen doses. ^{[11] [12]}
• Aspirin and blood thinners: Using ibuprofen with low‑dose aspirin or warfarin can increase bleeding risk or interfere with aspirin’s antiplatelet effect; discuss with your clinician if you take these. ^{[13] [14]}

Practical tips for safe use

• Moderation is key: Typical amounts of coffee (e.g., 1–2 cups) are generally fine with ibuprofen for most people. There’s no evidence that caffeine meaningfully changes ibuprofen’s effectiveness or safety in healthy adults. ^{[1] [2]}
• Protect your stomach: If you’re sensitive, take ibuprofen with food or milk; while this may slow absorption slightly, it doesn’t reduce the total amount your body takes in. ^{[1] [15]}
• Avoid alcohol: Skip alcohol around the time you use ibuprofen to lower GI bleeding risk. ^{[11] [9]}
• Know your risk: If you have a history of ulcers, GI bleeding, are older, smoke, or use steroids/anticoagulants, you may have higher GI risk and should use the lowest effective dose and shortest duration. ^{[9] [10]}

When to seek advice

• Stop and call for help if you notice black stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, dizziness, or unusual bruising, which can suggest GI bleeding. ^{[9] [10]}
• Check with your clinician if you take daily aspirin, warfarin, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, lithium, or have kidney, heart, or GI conditions, as ibuprofen can interact with these therapies or raise risks. ^{[16] [13]}

Bottom line

• Coffee and ibuprofen can typically be used together without a direct harmful interaction. ^[1]
• Focus on stomach safety and avoid alcohol, especially if you have GI risk factors or take blood thinners. ^{[9] [12]}
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Ibuprofen is rapidly cleared and generally well‑tolerated when used appropriately. ^{[7] [8]}