Can i take tylenol or ibuprofen with prednisone

It is important to know which medications can be used together, to avoid serious adverse reactions or even death. According to Drugs.com, prednisone and Tylenol can be taken together as long as the person monitors for adverse effects 1. Because Tylenol works in a completely different way than prednisone, they do not compete with each other once inside the body. Prednisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory, used for conditions such as arthritis, skin diseases and asthma. Tylenol is a pain reliever and fever reducer available over the counter.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your particular condition and how mixing Tylenol and prednisone will affect you. Be sure to tell him all of the supplements you are using, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter treatments. It is always better to be safe when dealing with medications, especially one as powerful as prednisone.

How to Alternate Tylenol & Motrin for a Fever

Search reputable sites such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Federal Drug Administration to find information on these medications 23. Combining medications can be dangerous if you don’t do your research. Some websites will even allow you to search for drug interactions for up to three medications at a time. The Physician's Desk Reference is now available online.

Eat a small meal a half hour before taking Tylenol and prednisone 1. Tylenol, also called acetaminophen, can cause stomach upset in some people when taken on an empty stomach. According to MedicineNet.com, you should always eat something before taking prednisone, because it increases your chance of stomach lining irritation and can even cause ulcers 2.

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Wash your hands before opening any bottle of medication 3. The Centers for Disease Control states that hand washing is the best way to prevent illness and infection, but it is often the most overlooked step 3. Hand washing is especially important when taking prednisone, because prednisone lowers your resistance to bacteria and viruses. Hand washing will prevent the transfer of possible infection from your hand to the medication, which you put in your mouth.

Take the dose of Tylenol as stated on the container and never more than recommended unless advised to do so by a doctor. Take the exact dose of prednisone as prescribed by your physician. Swallow both medications with a full glass of water to prevent choking or digestion issues.

Monitor for adverse effects, because every person’s chemistry is different, and your reaction may be different from the normally reported effects. Prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid with a higher risk of side effects than Tylenol. Fluid retention, stomach upset, excessive thirst and headaches are common side effects of prednisone and should be monitored carefully.

Report any adverse reactions to your doctor immediately. Emergency adverse reactions include: vomiting dark brown liquid, black stools, seizures and bone pain. These symptoms are uncommon, but seek immediate medical treatment if any of these reactions occur.

Published Oct 09, 2022
Last updated Oct 09, 2022

Answer

Thanks for reaching out to us! There is an interaction between Advil (ibuprofen) and prednisone. Their use together should generally be avoided unless specifically directed by your doctor.

The combined use of Advil and prednisone can increase the risk of adverse GI effects and alter electrolyte/fluid balance. Additionally, Advil can mask symptoms of infection, which you could be at an increased risk for while taking prednisone.

Having said this, short-term use of both is fairly common and can represent the best therapy option for some individuals in certain situations.

However, prolonged use should be avoided as this increases the risk of adverse reactions (as mentioned above)

If you are taking prednisone, be sure to ask your doctor if Advil is appropriate for you in your medical situation.

Interaction Info - More Detail

Prednisone is a corticosteroid while Advil (ibuprofen) is classified as an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Multiple studies have shown that concomitant use of corticosteroids (like prednisone) and NSAIDs can have a variety of adverse effects, including:

• Increased risk of adverse GI events (e.g. nausea, cramping, ulceration).
• Altered sodium/potassium electrolytes and fluid balance.

If prednisone and Advil are used together for an extended period of time, it is sometimes recommended to periodically monitor potassium levels in the body as hypokalemia (low potassium) has commonly been reported.

It is important to note that prednisone can weaken the immune system, especially with high doses or long-term use. NSAIDs, like Advil, can mask fever, pain, swelling, and other signs and symptoms of an infection. The issue is that a potential infection may not be appropriately treated.

Lastly, the 'Beers Criteria' recommends that the combination of NSAIDs and corticosteroids be avoided. If the combination is necessary and cannot be avoided, it is recommended to also use some sort of gastrointestinal protection.

As stated previously, short-term use of both medications has been used safely, but they should only be used together if recommended by your doctor. If you need a pain reliever while taking prednisone, Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be a better option for you.

Final Words

Thanks again for contacting us. I hope you found this helpful.

References

• Corticosteroids and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed
• Drug Interactions Added to the Beers Criteria, Pharmacy Times
• Medication-Induced Hypokalemia, PubMed
• American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults, Geriatrics Care Online

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  Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
• 1 month ago
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