Is It OK to Take Ibuprofen on an Empty Stomach? (Like When You Have No Time to Eat and Your Head Is Pounding)
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editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
25 October 2021, 12:00 am·3-min read
Whether you have a nagging headache, horrible period cramps or your legs are sore from yesterday’s run, you reach for an ibuprofen. You grab a big glass of water and gulp down the recommended dose and before you know it, you’re feeling like a new person. But wait…should you have swallowed those pills on an empty stomach? Let’s find out.
First, what is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is in a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Commonly sold in the United States under the brand name Advil, it works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever and inflammation. It’s used to reduce fever and relieve pain or inflammation caused by a whole host of conditions like headaches, toothaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and more. Though there are some exceptions, ibuprofen is can be taken by adults and children starting at six months old.
What’s the difference between ibuprofen and acetaminophen?
While ibuprofen and acetaminophen (commonly sold as Tylenol) are both effective at relieving pain and fever, ibuprofen is also effective at relieving inflammation. Because ibuprofen is an NSAID, it’s not suitable for everyone, and can cause adverse gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular effects. As with any type of medication, check with your doctor to make sure you’re treating your aches and pains safely.
Is it OK to take it on an empty stomach?
This one is kind of two-fold. If you’ve experienced an upset stomach when taking medications in the past, the FDA recommends taking ibuprofen with food or a glass of milk to reduce the chance you’ll feel queasy. Longer-term, there is the possibility that NSAIDs can damage the lining of the stomach, which is why it’s long been believed that food can help cushion the stomach from these effects, though evidence of this has been largely anecdotal. Issues may arise if you’re taking ibuprofen for an extended period of time, since it can affect levels of prostaglandin, a lipid that aids in stomach protection. When ibuprofen is taken in large doses or for a long time, less prostaglandin is produced, which can increase stomach acid and irritate the stomach lining, causing problems.
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Per a 2009 study at Sheffield Hallam University, “Ibuprofen at OTC doses has low possibilities of serious GI events, and little prospect of developing renal and associated [cardiovascular] events. Ibuprofen OTC does not represent a risk for developing liver injury especially the irreversible liver damage observed with paracetamol and the occasional liver reactions from aspirin.”
If you’re taking ibuprofen for temporary pain relief and have no risk factors, you may be able to take it on an empty stomach. In fact, this 2012 study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that, “The rapid onset of action of NSAIDs is most important during over-the-counter use, in which case it may be more appropriate to take the drugs on a fasting stomach.” Basically, for short-term use, taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach could make you feel better faster. But again, your doctor knows what’s best for you based on your medical history, so always double check with them before determining a course of treatment.
Advil PM is a combination medicine used to treat occasional insomnia associated with minor aches and pains. Advil PM is not for use in treating sleeplessness without pain, or sleep problems that occur often.
Advil PM is for use in adults and children at least 12 years old.
Advil PM may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.
Use this medicine exactly as directed. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.
Before taking this medicine
Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use Advil PM just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Advil PM, especially in older adults.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
heart disease, high blood pressure;
a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
stomach ulcers or bleeding;
a breathing problem, such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis;
liver or kidney disease;
glaucoma;
enlarged prostate or problems with urination; or
if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Taking ibuprofen during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy may result in serious kidney problems in the unborn baby.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
How should I take Advil PM?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.
This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.
Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Do not take this medicine for longer than 10 days without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Advil PM is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Advil PM?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Advil PM will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may also contain diphenhydramine or ibuprofen. Also avoid using diphenhydramine anti-itch medicine on your skin.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.
Advil PM side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.
This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
any skin rash, no matter how mild;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects of Advil PM may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Advil PM?
Ask your doctor before using Advil PM if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Advil PM with any other medications, especially:
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Advil PM, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
More about Advil PM (diphenhydramine / ibuprofen)
Patient resources
Other brands
Motrin PM, Ibuprofen PM
Professional resources
Other formulations
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.