Did you know that if you take medicine for high blood pressure you cannot take ibuprofen?

[sage2021]

I've been taking both for years and I only found out yesterday that ibuprofen makes your high blood pressure medicine stop from working. I am shocked that the pharmacist nor my doctor ever told me this vital information!
I get my high blood pressure medicines and my prescription ibuprofen at the same pharmacy, so I don't know why even my pharmacist didn't tell me that they are contraindicated.
In fact, ibuprofen alone causes high blood pressure!!
I stopped taking ibuprofen immediately because for years I couldn't get my blood pressure down and I take 3 medications for high blood pressure.
Of course now I am dealing with all of my pain without relief. What to do?

[Lliam]

I didn't know that. Thank you for the heads up but it's bad news.

I take lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide every morning. And ibuprofen is a miracle drug for me. I rarely take it, but when I get a headache or am in pain, I take up between 400 and 800 mg. I never had any side effects.

Acetaminophen does nothing for me and I know that it can cause liver damage.

Anyway, I looked it up and found that taking ibuprofen (an NSAID) with the combination medication lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide (an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic) creates a "triple whammy" effect on the kidneys and blood pressure:

Reduced Blood Pressure Control: Ibuprofen can cause the body to retain sodium and fluid, which raises blood pressure and counteracts the blood pressure-lowering effects of both lisinopril and HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide). This makes the medication less effective at managing hypertension.

Increased Risk of Kidney Damage: All three medications can affect kidney function individually. When used together, especially in older adults, those who are dehydrated, or those with pre-existing kidney conditions, the risk of impaired kidney function or acute kidney injury increases significantly.

Electrolyte Imbalance: The combination can also affect electrolyte levels, potentially leading to high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), which can cause serious heart rhythm problems.

I do drink water during the day. And I take electrolytes in the morning along with Cardio Miracle mixed with water.

[sage2021]

@Lliam

I am glad that you know this information now.
Every once in a while I find a nugget of useful information to share with my GaG family to keep them healthy.

You're welcome for the heads up❣️

[Lliam]

And thank you for the MHO!

[Massageman]

If there is a choice, the combo should be avoided. Ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of the HBP Rx, and it can lead to kidney issues. In some cases, it can even raise the BP. Of course, while acetaminophen can lead to liver issues, it is the pain-reliever of choice for those taking HBP Meds. Bottom line - check with your MD for the pro's vs con's of ANY and ALL meds you are taking- OTC, Rx, supplements, custom formulary and even health-claim foods. Personally, I was able to eliminate one of the three Rx drugs I was taking for HBP.

[ElaHop]

My mom's taking them both and she feels dizzy often. Is it because of the ibobrufen?

[sage2021]

@ElaHop
I don't get dizzy as much as I have brain fog.
But she needs to stop taking ibuprofen since she is on blood pressure medicine because her blood pressure will not be effective and her blood pressure won't go down.
My friend and I Googled it yesterday and it clearly says not to take ibuprofen if you are also taking blood pressure medicine.

[douride2]

Yes I know about that interaction as I am on blood pressure meds.

[Sunrising]

Obviously we need to take control of our own lives, and not rely completely on medical advice.

I'm much younger than you, but I don't take any medication, or injections for anything, I never have since becoming an adult.

Sometimes we are ill, and we need help, it's then we need to take advice.

I believe in exercise, and looking after one's diet, then you will be looking after yourself.

Unfortunately my diet hasn't been the best, but exercising makes our bodies forgive most things.

[SamIam96]

ibuprofen is an NSAID. That class of pain reliever has been shown to increase blood pressure particularly for long term users. Ask your physician about acetaminophen. It is a non‑opioid analgesic not an NSAIID. It shouldn't increase blood pressure but comes with risks to your kidneys and probably stomach.

Good luck!

[jamesgoldman]

Paracetamol is okay

Both my parents are on different blood pressure medications so nether can take ibuprofen, my dad can't drink cranberries because of his and my mother can't have grapefruit because of hers

[sage2021]

@jamesgoldman

I'm getting the impression that you don't live in America. We don't get prescriptions for the drug you mentioned in America.
We get ibuprofen or naproxen or over the counter medicine like Advil and others.

[jamesgoldman]

No and it's available over the counter as Tylenol or Panadol (think the latter is available here in the UK too)

[Sunrising]

You might think what does Sunrising know about health, and you would be right.
I don't have any medical knowledge what so ever.
But, I'm never ill, and most people I know are never ill.
Why?
Because we cycle, instead of other forms of transport, and for leisure.
Tell your parents to get on their bikes, and they won't have high blood pressure.

[jamesgoldman]

One has no vision and the other has shot hips... nothing beats the clot shots

[Sunrising]

I'm sorry to hear about your parents ill health.

[jamesgoldman]

Thank you

[Sunrising]

Your parents have problems, hey don't we all?
Right.
Think positives, both your parents have the same problem.
So it's much easier for them, and much more fun.
I recently visited a gym at a hotel I was staying at, and they had a stationary cycle.
And I had some fun giving the 'cycle' a workout like never before 😄
But this would be perfect for your parents, just a few minutes a day.
Oh, one parent has knackered hips!
This would be perfect for them too!

[jamesgoldman]

My mother uses one in the gym, my father however isn't willing to do anything

[llorando]

Guess it depends on the blood pressure medication, my parents are on blood pressure medicine and are not allowed to take ibuprofen while I was allowed to take it while taking a blood pressure medication.

[Sunrising]

I've put the benefits of cycling information on GAG's, and it appears no one is interested.
But I'm seeing people on GAG's telling about people taking drugs, to lower their high blood pressure.
Obviously people need educating, when they're prescribed these drugs.

[llorando]

@Sunrising That helps if your taking a blood pressure medication to lower blood pressure, some blood pressure medications like beta blockers are use for more than just blood pressure which was my case.

[exitseven]

I did not know that. I usually take acetaminophen anyway.

[sage2021]

@exitseven
Use it in moderation as Tylenol is very bad for your liver.
There was a famous singer who died because she took Tylenol and Valium a lot. It turned her liver toxic and then the toxicity went to her brain and she died young.

Nicolette Larson. She sang that song
"Lotta Love" in the winter of 1978.

[exitseven]

yes, I use it sparingly

[Sunrising]

I recently received a medical message saying people are taking too many unnecessary medications, and we need to cut down on taking them.
The message was passed on to me, from as I remember, a World Health Authority.
I thought I would also pass on this message using your opinion, I've already given my opinion.

[In_Trance]

There is a 100% chance there's natural alternatives and you don't need either of those things

[Sunrising]

But preventative action is the best way.

[sage2021]

@Sunrising

Oh... and how does one prevent the old age?

[Sunrising]

@sage2021 If someone exercises and diets correctly this will not guarantee a long healthy life, but there's a much better chance of achieving a long healthy life.

[hafinjun]

I hadn't heard that about BP meds, I had heard it about blood thinners..

[Sal_Monella]

That applies to all NSAIDS. Kidney damage and reduced efficacy.

[Xawyx-2]

Yes, I actually knew that.

[Jessica405]

I believe you should not eat grapefruit, either

[cavedweller1973]

Yeah I found that out the hard way

[Kelly6]

@sage2021 yes I know

[ABC1x1x]

You can, if you aren't a little pussy

[Raydergman26]

Sometimes you should not trust them

[beenherebefore]

I've heard about it.

[Gagforlifetime]

Never knew