Does Advil cause night sweats? (+ 3 tips)

In this article, we will explore whether Advil causes night sweats, what is the link between Advil and night sweats, what are the other causes of night sweats and how to treat Advil-induced night sweats.

Does Advil cause night sweats?

Yes, Advil (ibuprofen) can cause night sweats in some individuals. However, it is not a commonly observed or reported symptom. Advil does not directly cause them but can contribute to the effect through various indirect pathways. 

Advil is the brand name of the drug ibuprofen which is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions on the body and is frequently prescribed for pain and fever. Advil works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body by affecting the COX pathway (1) (2).

If you are taking Advil and experience night sweats then you need to consult your health care provider. You need to explore the exact cause of your night sweats in order to get the most effective treatment.

What is the link between Advil and night sweats?

Advil is not a common cause of night sweats but it might contribute to the condition through various effects.

Advil has antipyretic properties. Lowering of the fever causes the body to induce sweating to manage the temperature. If this happens at night then it can contribute to night sweats (3). 

Advil has also been found to elevate the heart rate. Increased heart rate can also cause sweating particularly during a strenuous activity (4). The diuretic effect of Advil causes increased urine output (5). This also induces sweating. The dehydrating effect of Advil can trigger night sweats or may worsen the existing condition. 

What are the factors that may contribute to Advil-induced night sweats?

Advil might not be the sole cause of night sweats. There are certain other causal factors that should be considered before starting or stopping the treatment. Following are some of the common factors that may add up to the night sweats while taking Advil.

If you have an underlying medical health condition while taking Advil, then this can also contribute to night sweats. These medical conditions include:

• Bacterial and viral infections like COVID-19, tuberculosis, flu etc.
• Hormonal fluctuations including menopause.
• Medical conditions associated with thyroid imbalance
• Sleep apnea
• Neurological disorders
• Autoimmune disorders 
• Cancer

All of these disease and disorders can induce sweating. Using Advil with these can synergistically increase the severity and intensity of this effect.  Other than underlying medical health conditions, some medications can also contribute to Advil-induced night sweats. These medications may include:

• Antidepressants
• Anxiolytics
• Steroids

These drug-drug interactions can be a potential cause of night sweats while taking Advil. 

How to treat Advil-induced night sweats?

If you are taking Advil and experience night sweats then you need to talk to your doctor or the prescriber. Night sweats are not a common side effect of Advil, they may occur due to various other causes or factors. Your doctor will have to perform a thorough analysis and consider your past medical history to determine the extent of night sweats.

Night sweats usually subside with time whereas, these may persist in some cases. Advil stays in your system for 12-24 hours so if you stop taking Advil then the effect of night sweats may subside after a day.

If you are continuously experiencing night sweats after taking Advil, your doctor might suggest a modification of the dosage regimen. The primary action is to lower the dose of Advil if the night sweats are becoming intense and troubling your routine. 

However, if the condition is not treated and still persists even after the dosage modification, then your doctor might suggest an alternative medication to help you with your condition. The alternative prescribed may be one of the following (6):

How to manage Advil-induced night sweats?

Night sweats can be uncomfortable. Here are a few tips to manage Advil-induced night sweats.

• Drink plenty of water to help regulate the body temperature.
• Wear light clothes made of breathable fabric with moisture-wicking sheets or bedding that can help absorb moisture.
• Maintain the temperature of your room with proper ventilation.
• Avoid alcohol and limit your caffeine intake.
• Regular exercise and physical activity help with night sweats as well.
• Determine the trigger of your night sweats. Closely monitor your condition and symptoms.

In my opinion, Advil does not directly cause night sweats but some of its effects can cause night sweats in the individuals who are susceptible to getting night sweats. Advil might not be the only cause of night sweats. You need to first determine the contributing factors along with the major cause of night sweats.

Night sweats are not commonly observed in patients taking Advil. The side effects of every medication including Advil vary among different individuals.  The variety of incidences is due to genetic predisposition, metabolic rate, age, gender and other pharmacological factors. 

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