Can You Eat Rice While Taking Ibuprofen?

Yes, you can eat rice while taking ibuprofen. Eating rice or any bland food like toast, crackers, or bananas does not interact with ibuprofen in a harmful way, and it can actually help protect your stomach. When ibuprofen is taken right after a meal, the drug may be absorbed a bit more slowly, but the total amount your body absorbs stays essentially the same. ^[1] When ibuprofen is taken immediately after eating, the rate of absorption can be reduced, yet there is no meaningful decrease in how much is ultimately absorbed. ^[2] Overall, the presence of food changes ibuprofen’s bioavailability very little. ^[3]

Why Food (Like Rice) Can Help

• Taking ibuprofen with food can lessen stomach upset, a common issue with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). A simple meal such as rice is a gentle choice for your stomach.
• Studies show that whether you take ibuprofen fasting or before meals, the blood level patterns are very similar; food mainly slows the rate, not the extent, of absorption. ^[4] Food has only a minimal effect on the overall availability of ibuprofen in your body. ^[5]

Any Known Interactions With Rice?

There are no known specific interactions between rice and ibuprofen. Rice is a neutral carbohydrate and does not affect ibuprofen’s effectiveness. When ibuprofen is given with certain antacids (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide), no interference with absorption was seen, which further supports that common dietary components don’t block ibuprofen absorption. ^[6] Similar findings are reported in consumer-focused labeling as well. ^[7]

Best Practices for Taking Ibuprofen

• Take with food or milk if you’re prone to stomach discomfort. A small bowl of rice or a light snack works well.
• Avoid excess alcohol, as it can increase the risk of stomach irritation or bleeding with ibuprofen.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time, unless your clinician has advised otherwise.
• If you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart disease, or you take blood thinners, talk to your clinician before using ibuprofen.

Timing and Absorption Details

Whether taken fasting or before meals, ibuprofen produces similar blood concentration profiles. ^[8] If you take it immediately after a meal, the absorption rate may slow, but the total amount absorbed remains essentially unchanged. ^[9] In practical terms, this means you can choose to take ibuprofen with rice to protect your stomach without meaningfully reducing the overall effect. ^[3]

Bottom Line

• It’s safe to eat rice while taking ibuprofen.
• Food may slightly delay how fast ibuprofen kicks in, but it does not reduce the overall amount your body absorbs. ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Taking ibuprofen with food like rice can be a smart way to reduce stomach irritation. ^{[4] [5]}
• No specific interaction exists between rice and ibuprofen, and even with certain antacids, absorption remains unaffected. ^{[6] [7]}

If you tend to get stomach upset with ibuprofen, taking it right after a small rice-based meal is a good approach. ^[2]