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Medicine safety

Can I take ibuprofen if I have high blood pressure?

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can raise blood pressure and reduce the effect of some blood-pressure medicines, so use them cautiously and check with a pharmacist or doctor.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical concerns. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

NSAIDs like ibuprofen cause the body to retain fluid and salt and can narrow blood vessels, which can push blood pressure up. They can also blunt the effect of common blood-pressure medicines, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics, and the combination can strain the kidneys, especially in older adults.

If you have well-controlled high blood pressure and need short-term pain relief, occasional ibuprofen may be acceptable, but paracetamol is often a safer first choice for pain or fever in people with hypertension. Avoid regular or long-term NSAID use without medical advice.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining these, particularly if you also have kidney disease, heart failure, or diabetes. Seek care if you notice swelling in the legs, sudden weight gain, breathlessness, or a marked rise in your home blood-pressure readings.

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