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What Is the Connection between Ibuprofen and Caffeine?

Debra Barnhart
Debra Barnhart

Ibuprofen and caffeine together may be a more effective pain reliever than ibuprofen alone, according to some research. Caffeine may have analgesic properties of its own and is available with the pain reliever acetaminophen in the US. As of 2011 a combination of caffeine and ibuprofen pain reliever is not marketed in the US.

A survey of tension headache pain relief was conducted among individuals who suffered from at least three headaches a month. Participants in the study were given either ibuprofen and caffeine, ibuprofen alone, caffeine alone or a placebo containing neither drug. Using stopwatches, participants were then asked to indicate if and when they began to feel pain relief and when their pain significantly subsided.

Tea contains caffeine.
Tea contains caffeine.

Participants taking both ibuprofen and caffeine felt pain relief more quickly. In addition, 80% of the study participants who took a combination of these substances stated that they felt an overall significant improvement in their headache pain, versus 67% for those who took ibuprofen by itself. A total of 61% taking caffeine felt a notable improvement in their pain compared to 56% of those taking a placebo. It is important to note, however, that study participants who took both ibuprofen and caffeine together or caffeine alone had a higher incidence of negative side effects, including dizziness, restlessness and nausea.

Chocolate contains caffeine.
Chocolate contains caffeine.

One of the most widely used drugs worldwide, caffeine expands the blood vessels and boosts the flow of blood, which may account for its possible usefulness in relieving headache pain. It has also been called a mood elevator, which could be another possible reason for its positive effects on pain. Caffeine also increases the heart and respiratory rate, in addition to decreasing tiredness and improving attention. Coffee, tea, chocolate and some soft drinks contain significant amounts of caffeine.

Taking Ibuprofen and caffeine together may result in restlessness.
Taking Ibuprofen and caffeine together may result in restlessness.

A combination of caffeine and acetaminophen, or aspirin, is marketed under the brand name Excedrin® in the US. As of 2011 there are no drugs available in the US that combine ibuprofen and caffeine. Since the mixture of these drugs can have negative side effects for some people, it is not recommended that those seeking pain relief self-medicate by combining them. Possible side effects of too much caffeine include nervousness, irritability, restlessness and insomnia. Some unsubstantiated reports on the Internet indicate that the impact of combining ibuprofen with large amounts of caffeine is similar to the effect of taking cocaine.

Discussion Comments

anon949247

@stoneMason: Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, not a dilator.

anon926661

I had surgery a couple of days ago. So I'm on 600mg ibuprofen at the moment. I drank caffeine whole day before going to school. When my school started, I was having pain. So I took an ibuprofen. In less than two minutes, I felt weird, tired, distracted and not able to think clear anymore. I also felt weak as crap. It was like a weird kind of being high. I would not recommend doing this.

stoneMason

@fBoyle-- Caffeine dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. So when caffeine and ibuprofen are taken together, the caffeine helps ibuprofen circulate more quickly in the body. That means faster and more effective pain relief.

You're right, ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and it can harm the stomach. Caffeinated drinks can cause stomach acidity too. So these should be taken on a full stomach and people with ulcers need to steer clear of them.

I've taken ibuprofen with caffeinated drinks before and never had any problems. I don't use them together frequently though, just when I have a serious migraine.

fBoyle

I don't think I understand how caffeine makes ibuprofen work better. And aren't they both bad for the stomach? I think taking them together will be harmful.

donasmrs

The combination of ibuprofen and caffeine is truly great for headaches and migraines. I used to have frequent headaches and pain relievers didn't work too well. My doctor then prescribed me a medication that has both ibuprofen and caffeine in it. This is the best headache medication I have taken. It works in half an hour if not less and completely relieves my pain. I'm so glad that I found out about it.

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    • Tea contains caffeine.
      By: Kesu
      Tea contains caffeine.
    • Chocolate contains caffeine.
      By: denio109
      Chocolate contains caffeine.
    • Taking Ibuprofen and caffeine together may result in restlessness.
      By: Elenathewise
      Taking Ibuprofen and caffeine together may result in restlessness.
    • Taking Ibuprofen and caffeine together may result in nausea.
      By: amenic181
      Taking Ibuprofen and caffeine together may result in nausea.
    • Ibuprofen.
      By: Richard Seeney
      Ibuprofen.
    • Ingesting ibuprofen and caffeine simultaneously may help relieve the pain associated with tension headaches.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Ingesting ibuprofen and caffeine simultaneously may help relieve the pain associated with tension headaches.
    • Consuming an excessive amount of caffeine while taking ibuprofen may cause similar affects to that of using cocaine.
      By: HamsterMan
      Consuming an excessive amount of caffeine while taking ibuprofen may cause similar affects to that of using cocaine.
    • Sodas typically contain caffeine.
      By: tiverylucky
      Sodas typically contain caffeine.