Scientists at the University of Waterloo have found a possible danger when people take certain common drugs together. The problem happens when someone is taking medicine for high blood pressure and also takes ibuprofen, a popular painkiller. The combination can sometimes harm the kidneys.
Many people who have high blood pressure take two types of medicine: a diuretic and a drug that affects the renin-angiotensin system, or RSA for short. Diuretics help remove extra water from the body by making you pee more. RSA drugs help relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. These two medicines are often given together and are sold under many brand names.
Ibuprofen is used by millions of people to relieve pain, reduce swelling, or bring down a fever. It’s sold under well-known names like Nurofen or Advil and can be found easily at supermarkets, pharmacies, and even gas stations.
The problem starts when these three drugs—ibuprofen, a diuretic, and an RSA drug—are all taken together. The research team used computer models to study how these drugs affect the kidneys.
What they discovered is worrying: this combination can cause something called acute kidney injury. That means the kidneys suddenly stop working as they should. In some cases, the damage might not get better.
Why does this happen? Each drug affects the kidneys in a different way. Diuretics make you lose water and can lead to dehydration. RSA drugs change how the kidneys control blood pressure. And ibuprofen affects how blood flows in the kidneys.
When all three are taken together, it creates a “triple whammy” effect that can put too much pressure on the kidneys and stop them from working properly.
The researchers point out that not everyone will be affected. Many people may take these drugs without having any problems. But the risk is real, especially for older adults or people who are already slightly dehydrated. The danger might be even higher during a hot day when you lose more water or if you are already sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
This discovery is important because people often don’t think twice about taking painkillers like ibuprofen. If they are already on medication for high blood pressure, they may not realize that adding ibuprofen could be harmful. Sometimes, people take these medicines for a long time without telling their doctor.
To stay safe, the researchers suggest using a different type of painkiller if you need one—acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a safer choice for people on blood pressure medicine.
The study was led by Professor Anita Layton, who is known for her work using computer simulations to understand how drugs affect the human body. Her team hopes that this research will help doctors and patients make safer choices.
In short, if you take medicine for high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using painkillers like ibuprofen. A small change could protect your kidneys and keep you healthier in the long run.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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