Can you take Ibuprofen and Hydrocodone together?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take Ibuprofen and Hydrocodone together?
Yes, you can take Ibuprofen and Hydrocodone together, if recommended by your healthcare provider. Both of these meds are used in combination for the management and treatment of moderate to severe pain (1,2).
In fact, there are a number of pharmaceutical products that already contain Ibuprofen and Hydrocodone in combined forms, like Vicoprofen (3).
If you’re using such a combined product, it is not recommended to take additional Ibuprofen or Hydrocodone, as it will most likely result in an overdose.
However, make sure you take these meds only when prescribed by your healthcare provider. Hydrocodone, being an opioid, can cause addiction if misused or taken more than the recommended dose (2).
Opioid addiction is the last thing you want as it can mess up your brain. This is why it’s best to stick to your doctor’s directions.
Potential benefits of taking Ibuprofen and Hydrocodone together
Ibuprofen and hydrocodone are sometimes prescribed together for short-term pain management, such as after surgery or injury. When used together, they may provide more effective pain relief than each medication alone.
Ibuprofen, being an NSAID, helps reduce inflammation and pain, while Hydrocodone works on the brain to block pain signals. By combining these two drugs, they can target different pain pathways, leading to better pain control (1).
However, it’s essential to use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as there are potential risks associated with combining these medications, including increased side effects and the risk of opioid dependency.
Potential risks of taking Ibuprofen and Hydrocodone together
Taking Ibuprofen and Hydrocodone together can provide effective pain relief, but it also comes with potential risks. Combining these medications can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects from both drugs, such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation (1,2).
Moreover, Hydrocodone is an opioid, and using it alongside Ibuprofen can increase the risk of opioid-related side effects, including respiratory depression and dependency (2).
Additionally, if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, bleeding disorders, or sensitivity to opioids or NSAIDs, the risks of taking these medications together may be higher (1,2).
Always talk to your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you are taking to ensure your safety and avoid potential complications.
Final words
To sum up, Ibuprofen and Hydrocodone can be taken together if prescribed and this combination is often used for enhanced pain relief. However, it’s crucial to ensure the proper use of Hydrocodone because of its potential effects on the brain, which is not an issue with Ibuprofen.
Hydrocodone, being an opioid, has a habit-forming nature and it should not be used longer than the doctor’s directed time duration. If you have been taking these meds for a while but your pain persists, please talk to your doctor.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Ngo VTH, Bajaj T. Ibuprofen. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31194439. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542299
2.-
Cofano S, Yellon R. Hydrocodone. 2022 Oct 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30725973. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537288
3.-
VICOPROFEN- hydrocodone bitartrate and ibuprofen tablet, film coated. AbbVie Inc. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=b0dc5e0a-5d9b-48e2-f38a-129b76efc6ed
