People who take medicine for high blood pressure should be careful when using ibuprofen, a common painkiller you can buy without a prescription.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that combining ibuprofen with certain blood pressure drugs can hurt the kidneys.
Many people with high blood pressure take two types of medicine: diuretics and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. Diuretics help the body get rid of extra water, which lowers blood pressure. RAS inhibitors relax the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. These two drugs are often used together.
Ibuprofen is often used for pain, such as headaches, sore muscles, or injuries. While it helps reduce pain and swelling, the study shows that it may not be safe to take with blood pressure medicine.
The researchers used computer simulations to see how these three drugs—diuretics, RAS inhibitors, and ibuprofen—work together in the body. They found that for some people, this drug combination can lead to acute kidney injury. This is a serious condition where the kidneys suddenly stop working well. In some cases, the damage may not go away.
The problem happens because each of these drugs changes how the kidneys work. Diuretics can make the body lose too much water, causing dehydration. If you then add RAS inhibitors and ibuprofen, it puts too much pressure on the kidneys. This is sometimes called the “triple whammy” effect.
The study shows that not everyone will have this problem. However, certain people—especially those who already have kidney issues or other health problems—are more at risk.
If you take blood pressure medicine and need something for pain, it’s important to be careful. The researchers suggest using acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is another painkiller, but it does not affect the kidneys in the same harmful way when taken with blood pressure medications.
The research team, led by Dr. Anita Layton, wants people to understand that even drugs you buy at the store can interact with prescription medicine. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicine—even simple painkillers.
This study is a helpful reminder that mixing medicines can sometimes cause harm. If you are being treated for high blood pressure and are taking diuretics and RAS inhibitors, make sure to ask your healthcare provider before using ibuprofen. Being cautious can help protect your kidneys and keep your treatment safe and effective.
If you care about pain, please read studies about how to manage gout with a low-purine diet, and a guide to eating right for arthritis.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between processed foods and chronic diseases, and avoid these 8 foods to ease arthritis pain.
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