Is It Safe To Drink Coffee After Taking Advil?
Many people consume coffee and Advil on a daily basis. Although this mixture is widely accepted, it raises a valid question: is it safe to drink coffee after taking Advil?
The short answer is yes, but as with any medication, it’s important to understand how coffee and Advil interact with each other. Advil is a brand of ibuprofen, a more specific type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Increasing the intake of coffee after taking ibuprofen—or any other drug—may increase the body’s absorption of the drug, leading to potential side effects from overdose.
Experts highly recommend avoiding coffee for at least an hour after taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is broken down and processed by the body in two different pathways. The first pathway is CYP 450, which is responsible for breaking down a large number of other medications. The second pathway is P-glycoprotein, which is the primary drug-transporter in the intestines.
Drinking coffee, which is a stimulant, can significantly reduce the effectiveness of ibuprofen, as the stimulants affect both pathways of the drug’s processing. This means that if coffee is consumed after ibuprofen, the body may not be getting the full dose and the drug may not be as effective. This can result in ibuprofen not working at all.
What To Consider When Drinking Coffee After Taking Advil?
It’s best to avoid coffee for 30 – 60 minutes after taking Advil. If it is consumed within that timeframe, it’s important to drink it in moderation and keep an eye on any potential side effects such as nausea and stomach pain.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware that drinking coffee after taking Advil can cause the ibuprofen to be broken down more slowly. This may mean that it could take longer for the ibuprofen to take effect and potentially result in an increased amount of the drug in the body.
How Coffee Interacts With Other Types Of Painkillers
Coffee can also interact with other medications such as acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol. This drug is broken down by the same pathways used to process ibuprofen, so it’s similarly important to avoid drinking coffee for 30 – 60 minutes after taking acetaminophen as well.
Alternatives To Coffee
If you don’t want to wait after taking Advil before drinking coffee, there are alternatives. Herbal teas are a good option, as they are non-caffeinated and have positive health benefits. Green tea is especially beneficial as it contains antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Other alternatives include decaffeinated coffee, carbonated water, and filtered water. It’s important to stay hydrated while taking medication, so drinking plenty of fluids is recommended.
Are There Any Other Considerations?
In general, it’s always best to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including Advil, as everyone’s body can respond differently to different medications. For instance, those with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure or kidney disease should be especially cautious when mixing ibuprofen with coffee.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware that ibuprofen can react with other substances, such as alcohol and certain other medications, so it’s important to talk to a doctor before mixing any substances.
Possible Side Effects of Mixing Advil and Coffee
When taking ibuprofen and drinking coffee, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. The most common side effects of ibuprofen and coffee include an increased risk of bleeding, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and drowsiness.
Additionally, consuming too much coffee, or too much ibuprofen, can also cause negative side effects such as restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Therefore, it’s recommended to monitor any changes in symptoms and to seek medical advice if any of the side effects are severe.
How To Limit The Risks Of Mixing Advil And Coffee?
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of mixing Advil and coffee and to make sure to drink the coffee in moderation. In general, it’s recommended to avoid drinking coffee for at least an hour after taking ibuprofen.
If drinking coffee after ibuprofen cannot be avoided, it’s also important to drink plenty of fluids and to be aware of any possible drug interactions. Additionally, it’s recommended to monitor any changes in symptoms, to seek medical attention if necessary, and to talk to a doctor or pharmacist if there are any questions or concerns.
