Ibuprofen diminishes aspirin action

A study with far-reaching consequences, has suggested that the interaction of two common drugs - ibuprofen and aspirin might not be beneficial, particularly for patients with heart problems. The study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine shows that ibuprofen, a commonly prescribed painkiller, when taken with aspirin, reduces the latter's blood thinning action, thus spelling trouble for people who are at risk for a heart attack. The study was conducted on subjects in the age group of 18-65 years who were free from any disease and were not on medication. They were given a combination of aspirin and ibuprofen in two ways - in one, aspirin was given two hours before ibuprofen. After the washout period of 14 days, the same subjects were given the same drugs in the reverse order i.e., ibuprofen two hours before aspirin and the results were noted. Aspirin is usually prescribed to patients with a cardiac problem since it prevents the aggregation of blood platelets thus reducing the tendency of blood to clot. This reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke. The results of the study indicated that ibuprofen inhibits aspirin action by preventing it from thinning blood. If given before ibuprofen, the effects of aspirin remained largely unchanged. When aspirin was given after ibuprofen, its effect on the blood platelets was reduced. It was also noted that the effects of aspirin were largely reduced if ibuprofen was taken for a longer period of time. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly prescribed in painful conditions like arthritis. In many patients, aspirin is also prescribed simultaneously for protection of the heart. However, this study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that the protection may be considerably reduced by this combination and alternatives may need to be looked at. At the very least, the timing of administration will need to be altered for maximum benefit.

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