People who take medicine for high blood pressure should be careful when using ibuprofen, a common painkiller found in most homes.
A new study from the University of Waterloo shows that using ibuprofen with two common
blood pressure drugs could seriously harm your kidneys.
Many people with high blood pressure take a combination of two types of medicine: diuretics and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. Diuretics help your body get rid of extra water, which lowers blood pressure.
RAS inhibitors help relax your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. Together, these drugs are often very effective at managing high blood pressure.
Ibuprofen is a painkiller that many people use to relieve headaches, body aches, or muscle pain. You can buy it without a prescription, which makes it very popular. But this study shows that if you take ibuprofen while also taking diuretics and RAS inhibitors, you could damage your kidneys.
The researchers used computer simulations to study how these three drugs work together inside the body. They found that in some situations, this combination can lead to a condition called acute kidney injury. This happens when your kidneys suddenly stop working well. In some people, the damage can be serious and even permanent.
Why does this happen? Each of these drugs affects the kidneys in a different way. Diuretics reduce the amount of water in the body, which can lead to dehydration. RAS inhibitors affect how the kidneys control blood flow.
When ibuprofen is added on top of that, it creates what scientists call a “triple whammy” effect—too much pressure on the kidneys at once.
The good news is that not everyone who takes these three drugs together will have kidney problems. But the study clearly shows that the risk is real, especially for people who already have health issues or weaker kidneys.
So, what should you do if you have high blood pressure and are taking these medications? Experts say it’s best to talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen. In many cases, acetaminophen (also called paracetamol) may be a safer choice. It can help with pain but does not put the same stress on your kidneys when used with blood pressure drugs.
The study was led by Anita Layton and serves as an important reminder: just because a drug is available without a prescription doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Even simple painkillers can have dangerous effects when mixed with other medications.
If you have high blood pressure, make sure to check with your doctor before taking any new medicine—even over-the-counter ones like ibuprofen. By being careful, you can protect your kidneys and stay healthy while managing your blood pressure.
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