Can You Take Naproxen with Coconut Oil?

There is no established interaction between naproxen and coconut oil, and they can generally be used together. Standard drug interaction resources and official labeling emphasize interactions with other medicines (like aspirin, other NSAIDs, blood thinners, SSRIs/SNRIs), but do not list coconut oil as a concern. ^{[1] [2]} You should still inform your healthcare provider about all supplements and oils you use, because NSAIDs can interact with other products and may increase side effects in some situations. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

---

What We Know About Naproxen and Food

• Food commonly slows the rate of absorption of some naproxen formulations (especially sustained/controlled-release) but does not meaningfully change the total amount absorbed. ^[6] Studies of controlled‑release naproxen found peak levels were modestly lower after a meal, yet overall exposure (AUC) was equivalent, suggesting bioavailability is not substantially altered by food. ^{[7] [6]} This pattern slower peak with similar total absorption means naproxen can usually be taken with food to reduce stomach upset without losing effect. ^{[7] [6]}

• Official guidance for NSAIDs supports taking them with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. ^[8]

Coconut oil is a dietary fat; there is no evidence that typical dietary amounts of coconut oil specifically change naproxen’s absorption or metabolism beyond the general “with food” effects described above. ^{[7] [6]}

---

Known Naproxen Interactions to Consider

While coconut oil is not a documented issue, several medicine classes do matter with naproxen:

• Aspirin and other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or ketoprofen): combining increases the risk of bleeding and stomach irritation, so avoid unless your clinician advises otherwise. ^{[1] [9]}
• Blood thinners (warfarin) and certain antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) can raise bleeding risk when used with NSAIDs. ^{[10] [2]}
• Oral steroids and salicylates can also increase gastrointestinal side effects. ^[10]

Always tell your clinician about prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you take, so doses and monitoring can be adjusted. ^{[11] [12]}

---

Practical Tips if You Use Coconut Oil

• Taking naproxen with a meal including coconut oil is generally acceptable, and may help reduce stomach discomfort. ^{[8] [7]}
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to lower the risk of side effects such as stomach bleeding, kidney strain, or increased blood pressure. ^{[3] [13]}
• Watch for warning signs of stomach bleeding (faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe stomach pain) and seek medical advice if they occur. ^[8]

---

Special Situations

• If you have a history of ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease, heart disease, or are older, the risk profile with naproxen is higher; food may help, but medical guidance is important. ^[2]
• If you take heart‑protective low‑dose aspirin, naproxen may interfere with aspirin’s benefit; do not combine without medical advice. ^[8]

---

Bottom Line

Based on available evidence, coconut oil does not have a known, specific interaction with naproxen, and using them together in normal dietary amounts appears reasonable. ^{[7] [6]} The more important safety issues are naproxen’s interactions with other medicines and its gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular risks, which warrant using the lowest effective dose and discussing all supplements with your clinician. ^{[1] [3] [2] [4] [5]}