Scientists at the University of Waterloo have discovered a potential health risk for people taking certain blood pressure medications and ibuprofen together.
This finding is particularly relevant for those with hypertension, who often take diuretics and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. These medications are widely prescribed and come in various brand names.
Diuretics help reduce blood pressure by removing excess water from the body. RAS inhibitors, on the other hand, relax blood vessels and help in controlling blood pressure. It’s common for doctors to prescribe these two types of drugs together.
However, many people also use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen for various aches and pains.
Ibuprofen is easily found in most pharmacies and stores, often under well-known brand names. But the combination of these blood pressure drugs with ibuprofen could pose a risk.
The University of Waterloo team conducted computer-simulated drug trials to understand how these three drugs – diuretics, RAS inhibitors, and ibuprofen – interact with each other and their impact on kidney function.
They discovered that in certain medical scenarios, combining these medications can lead to acute kidney injury. This condition means the kidneys suddenly stop working properly. In some cases, this damage can be permanent.
It’s important to note that not everyone taking this combination of drugs will experience problems. However, the study highlights a risk that cannot be ignored.
This information is especially crucial for people who regularly take blood pressure medication and might use ibuprofen without much thought.
The researchers explained that the risk arises from how these drugs work together. Diuretics reduce the body’s water content, which is a key factor in acute kidney injury.
When a RAS inhibitor is added to the mix, followed by ibuprofen, the combined effect can be harmful to the kidneys.
For those who are on these blood pressure medications and need a pain reliever, the researchers suggest considering acetaminophen as an alternative to ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is generally considered safer for the kidneys when used in recommended doses.
This significant research, led by Anita Layton and her team, underscores the importance of being mindful about drug interactions, particularly for common medications like blood pressure pills and over-the-counter painkillers.
As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting or combining any medications.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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