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Woman with shrugged shoulders and perplexed look: Does ibuprofen have aspirin in it?
Drug Info

Does ibuprofen have aspirin in it?

No ibuprofen does not contain aspirin. Here’s when and how to use these two medications.
By | Jun. 9, 2024

Key takeaways

  • Ibuprofen and aspirin are two distinct drugs, both members of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class, but neither contains any amount of the other.

  • Aspirin is used mainly for its cardiovascular benefits, which are linked to its inhibition of platelet aggregation in the formation of blood clots.

  • Ibuprofen is often chosen for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, commonly in the setting of arthritis and muscle strains.

  • The use of ibuprofen or aspirin carries a risk of kidney function impairment, stomach irritation and ulceration, and excess bleeding, side effects that can be exacerbated when used in combination with other drugs or health conditions.

In this article:

Ibuprofen and aspirin are two common over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that are members of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug class. Ibuprofen is best known as a pain reliever and fever reducer, while aspirin is used more to prevent heart attack and stroke recurrence. Although ibuprofen does not contain aspirin, many of the actions of aspirin are replicated by ibuprofen. 

Taking both NSAIDs together increases the risk of additive adverse effects. This article will explore when to use each medication and whether situations exist where both might be necessary.

Does ibuprofen have aspirin in it?

Ibuprofen and aspirin are separate medications with distinct active ingredients. Because they share some properties, they aren’t typically combined in OTC products. However, each is often included in combination products. 

Over-the-counter pain relievers often combine multiple ingredients. For instance, Advil Cold and Sinus put ibuprofen together with the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine, and Excedrin Migraine blends aspirin with caffeine and acetaminophen. These combination products can be problematic by leading to drug interactions. 

If a person takes aspirin regularly and then uses Advil Cold and Sinus for cold symptoms, they may have side effects attributable to taking aspirin with ibuprofen. Stomach pain and bleeding are the biggest concerns in this scenario.

Ibuprofen vs. aspirin

Since they fall within the same drug class, ibuprofen and aspirin have many similarities. Their mechanism of action involves inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes, both COX-1 and COX-2. This reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation and immune response. It also affects platelet function, which is circulating cells that aid blood clotting. NSAIDs have other mechanisms of action as well.

Aspirin and ibuprofen both inhibit COX-1, an enzyme that affects platelet function. However, aspirin does so irreversibly, which explains its utility in reducing blood clot risk in vascular and heart disease settings. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are associated with a mildly elevated risk of cardiovascular events, an important distinction between them and aspirin. Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, belongs to a sub-category of NSAIDs called salicylates.

The effectiveness of NSAIDs varies depending on their inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. This applies to both prescription and OTC medications, such as:

  • Mobic (meloxicam)
  • Advil (ibuprofen) 
  • Motrin (ibuprofen)
  • Aleve (naproxen)

Ibuprofen is typically a better choice than aspirin for its anti-inflammatory effect, so it is advised more often for arthritis. In some cases, a COX-2 selective NSAID like Celebrex (celecoxib) may be preferable to ibuprofen when trying to avoid bleeding and stomach irritation, which are NSAID side effects resulting from COX-1 inhibition. 

NSAIDS can all cause stomach, bleeding, and kidney problems to some extent, so keep in mind that there is no perfectly safe member of the drug class. The benefits must be worth the risks when taking any member of this drug category, and the risk-benefit assessment is best done with the medical advice of your healthcare provider and pharmacist. If price is a factor in the decision-making, look into coupons for ibuprofen and aspirin and use your SingleCare discount card.

Can you take ibuprofen and aspirin together?

Ibuprofen and aspirin are not usually used concurrently in a long-term regimen. However, there are some instances in the short term when they may be taken together. For example, suppose one takes low-dose aspirin to prevent recurrent heart attacks or strokes. In that case, ibuprofen may be an option for short-term use in joint or muscle pain and inflammation, assuming the risks of kidney, stomach, or bleeding are not prohibitive.

The cardiovascular benefit of aspirin may offset the negative impact of ibuprofen on cardiovascular health. On the other hand, ibuprofen might cancel out some of aspirin’s benefits, and this hazard was seen in a clinical study. Weighing each of the different NSAIDs’ beneficial and adverse effect potential in an individual patient is challenging and requires careful consideration by your healthcare team. Getting their input is essential in these decisions.

Which is better for what symptoms?

Aspirin is commonly used to thin the blood. Your cardiologist may recommend it after a heart attack, coronary stent placement, or peripheral artery blockage in an extremity. Neurologists may prescribe it after an ischemic stroke to prevent a recurrence. 

Ibuprofen is typically chosen over aspirin for its anti-inflammatory effects and pain relief in musculoskeletal conditions. Rheumatologists could order it as part of a treatment regimen for osteoarthritis of rheumatoid arthritis. Neurologists could recommend ibuprofen to help with acute relief of migraine headaches. Ibuprofen is almost always preferred over aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye syndrome with the use of salicylates like aspirin in the setting of viral childhood illnesses.

When trying to avoid serious side effects, both ibuprofen and aspirin present a problem for those with underlying kidney, stomach, or liver disease, particularly at higher doses. Likewise, they interact with some of the same drug classes, like anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and certain high blood pressure medications, namely the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Choosing between NSAIDs is made all the more tricky when considering interactions with underlying health conditions and one’s list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements.

The bottom line

Ibuprofen does not contain aspirin, but they share many similar features, as do most NSAIDs. Slight differences in how they work make aspirin better for long-term heart health, while ibuprofen is better for short-term pain and inflammation. They are both very common, find their way into OTC combination products, have substantial side effect risks, and interact with a myriad of other drugs and medical conditions. Considering all the potential risks, consult a doctor or pharmacist to help you navigate the decision-making around NSAID use.