Based on NIH | Does olive oil increase the risk of side effects when taking naproxen?

No, olive oil is not known to increase the risk of side effects with naproxen, and there is no evidence of a harmful interaction between olive oil and naproxen. Standard guidance for naproxen focuses on avoiding certain drugs and limiting alcohol, not on avoiding olive oil or other common dietary fats. ^{[1] [2]} That said, naproxen can irritate the stomach, and taking it with food (which could include a meal containing olive oil) is commonly advised to reduce upset stomach. Food may slow how fast some NSAIDs are absorbed, but this does not appear to reduce naproxen’s overall exposure in a clinically important way. ^[3]

What official guidance says

• Over‑the‑counter naproxen labels warn about stomach bleeding risk and recommend taking the medicine with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. They specifically flag higher bleeding risk with alcohol and certain other drugs, not with olive oil or dietary fats. ^{[1] [2]}
• NSAID medication guides emphasize interactions with other medicines and supplements and advise consulting a clinician before adding new medications. They do not list olive oil or typical foods as interacting agents. ^{[4] [5]}

Food, fat, and naproxen absorption

• Food can change how quickly some NSAIDs are absorbed. In pharmacokinetic studies, naproxen’s total amount absorbed was not reduced by common co‑administered agents like sucralfate, although absorption rate could slow. ^[3]
• While high‑fat meals can delay absorption for certain NSAIDs, there is no evidence that olive oil specifically increases naproxen side effects or meaningfully alters naproxen’s effectiveness. ^[3]

Practical guidance for safer naproxen use

• Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. This approach helps lower the risk of stomach bleeding, heart attack, or stroke associated with NSAIDs. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you get stomach upset, take naproxen with food or milk. This is an accepted strategy to improve comfort without increasing known risks. ^{[1] [2]}
• Avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking naproxen. Alcohol notably increases the chance of stomach bleeding with NSAIDs. ^{[6] [7] [8]}
• Be cautious with other interacting medicines (for example, blood thinners, steroids, or other NSAIDs). Combining these can raise bleeding or cardiovascular risks. ^{[6] [7] [8]}

When to seek medical advice

• Stop use and contact a clinician if you develop warning signs of stomach bleeding such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, or black stools. These are key safety warnings on naproxen labels. ^{[1] [2]}

Bottom line

There is no documented interaction between olive oil and naproxen that increases side effects. Using olive oil as part of a normal meal is generally considered safe when taking naproxen, and taking naproxen with food may even lessen stomach discomfort. ^{[1] [2] [3]}