Is ibuprofen (Advil) a blood thinner?
Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on Aug 14, 2023.
In other words, does it thin your blood?
Yes, ibuprofen (Advil) is considered a blood thinner. It doesn't actually "thin" your blood, but slows down your blood clotting time. For example, if you cut yourself or have an injury where you bleed, it may take longer for you to form a blood clot.
Risk of stomach bleeding and a stomach ulcer may also be increased if you are at risk, take prednisone or other corticosteroids, smoke or drink alcohol regularly, or take other medicines that also increase your risk of bleeding, such as: aspirin, heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
Always have a drug interaction check performed any time you start or stop a medication. If you notice signs or symptoms of bleeding, such as red or black-colored or tarry stools, vomit that is bright red blood or looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach pain, anemia, severe headache, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and weakness, contact your doctor immediately.
Read next
Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?
Ibuprofen is short acting, while naproxen is long acting and more likely to cause an upset stomach. Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences. Continue reading
What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?
Even though aspirin and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and work similarly, there are several differences between the two drugs and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading
Can you take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?
Despite popular belief that you have to take ibuprofen with food, you can take ibuprofen on an empty stomach and this will give you faster pain relief than taking it with food. Food increases the time it takes for ibuprofen to be absorbed, although it won't affect how much is absorbed. There is actually no evidence that taking ibuprofen with food prevents gastric irritation – ibuprofen at OTC doses has a low incidence of gastric irritation anyway. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Can you take Ibuprofen if you have COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Can you take expired ibuprofen?
- Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Can you overdose on ibuprofen?
- Can you take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?
- What's the best sore throat medicine to use?
- How do Celebrex and ibuprofen compare?
- Can you drink alcohol with ibuprofen?
- Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen: Which is better?
- Advil (ibuprofen) & Tylenol (acetaminophen) together, is it safe?
- How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?
- Can you take 800mg ibuprofen with 50mg tramadol?
- What temperature is considered a fever?
- Can I take ibuprofen with blood pressure medications?
- Can ibuprofen cause constipation?
- How long does ibuprofen take to work?
- All Eyes on Ibuprofen: What are 10 Things You Need to Know?
- Is it safe to take ibuprofen right after taking prednisone?
- Which painkiller should you use?
- Can you take Ibuprofen after the COVID booster vaccine?
- Why is Ibuprofen dangerous for dogs? Here are safer alternatives
- I just took ibuprofen and prednisone, is that ok?
- What are the inactive ingredients in ibuprofen?
- Does Feverfew interact with any drugs?
- What is the best way to reduce swelling in your face?
- Cold, flu, hay fever, or COVID - Which one do I have?
- Can you take Ibuprofen with antibiotics?
- Can you take ibuprofen with Mavyret?
- Is Ibuprofen bad for your kidneys and liver?