Based on NIH | Is it safe to drink coffee at night if I’m taking naproxen, or does caffeine interact with it or increase stomach irritation?

Short answer

It’s generally safer to limit coffee when you take naproxen, especially at night, because naproxen (an NSAID) already increases the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding, and caffeine can stimulate stomach acid and may worsen heartburn or upset stomach. ^{[1] [2]} Caffeine itself isn’t known to directly interact with naproxen in a way that changes its blood levels, but it can aggravate GI symptoms while you’re on an NSAID. ^[3]

---

Why naproxen can irritate the stomach

Naproxen belongs to nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can raise the risk of upper gastrointestinal (GI) complications like bleeding or ulcer compared with not taking NSAIDs. ^[2] Among traditional NSAIDs, naproxen has a notable GI risk in observational data; pooled analyses estimate increased risk of upper GI bleeding/perforation with individual NSAIDs, including naproxen. ^[1] Over‑the‑counter naproxen labels warn about stomach bleeding signs and advise using the medication as directed, and taking with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. ^{[4] [5]} This means your stomach is already more vulnerable while you’re taking naproxen. ^[6]

---

What caffeine and coffee do to the stomach

Coffee contains caffeine, which can increase stomach acid release and sometimes lead to upset stomach or heartburn in sensitive people. ^[3] Coffee (and caffeine) are recognized stimulants of gastric acid secretion in physiology studies, which is why acid‑suppressing medicines list caffeine as a secretion stimulus they counteract. ^[7] So, adding caffeine may heighten the chance of heartburn or irritation while the stomach lining is stressed by an NSAID. ^[3]

---

Do caffeine and naproxen “interact”?

• Pharmacologic interaction (drug levels): There isn’t strong human evidence that caffeine changes naproxen absorption or blood levels in a clinically meaningful way. Most concerns are about additive stomach irritation rather than a direct drug‑drug interaction. ^[8]
• Symptom interaction (stomach irritation): Caffeine can worsen GI symptoms while you’re on naproxen by increasing acid and possibly aggravating reflux or discomfort, even though it doesn’t significantly change naproxen’s level. ^[3] Combination headache products that pair an NSAID with caffeine carry the same NSAID stomach bleeding warnings, reflecting the underlying NSAID risk when caffeine is present. ^{[9] [10]}

---

Practical guidance if you drink coffee on naproxen

• Time and amount matter: If you choose to drink coffee, keep the amount modest and avoid drinking it right before lying down, since nighttime reflux is more likely when you’re horizontal. ^[3]
• Take naproxen with food or milk: Labels advise taking naproxen with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, which can reduce irritation. ^{[4] [6] [5]}
• Watch for warning signs: Stop naproxen and seek medical advice if you feel faint, vomit blood, notice black or bloody stools, or have stomach pain that doesn’t get better, as these may be signs of stomach bleeding. ^{[4] [5]}
• Consider alternatives at night: If nighttime pain control is needed, limiting coffee in the evening can lower the chance of heartburn while on naproxen. ^[3]
• Avoid multiple NSAIDs and heavy alcohol: Do not combine naproxen with other NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen) unless your clinician says it’s okay, and avoid three or more alcoholic drinks daily, as these increase GI bleeding risk. ^{[8] [4]}

---

When extra caution is needed

Your GI risk from naproxen is higher if you are age 60 or older, have a history of ulcers or prior GI bleeding, drink ≥3 alcoholic drinks daily, take anticoagulants or steroids, or use more than directed. ^[4] In these situations, limiting or avoiding caffeine and taking naproxen with food becomes even more important. ^[6] If you’ve had ulcers or bleeding before, speak with your clinician about protective options (like acid‑suppressing therapy) or alternative pain strategies. ^[2]

---

Bottom line

Caffeine doesn’t meaningfully change how naproxen works in your body, but coffee can increase stomach acid and may worsen irritation while you’re on an NSAID that already elevates GI risk. ^{[2] [3]} If you do drink coffee at night while taking naproxen, keep it light, take naproxen with food, and monitor for any stomach symptoms or signs of bleeding. ^{[4] [6]}