Does ibuprofen break a fast?

An ibuprofen tablet or capsule gives your body no calories, sugar or protein. So it does not break a fast for any of this site's four goals: weight loss, autophagy, gut rest and blood sugar.

The stomach is the concern. Ibuprofen tablets are best swallowed with water, ideally with or after food. In the US, the pack says to take it with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Common side effects include indigestion, stomach ache and feeling sick. Rarely, ibuprofen causes stomach ulcers or bleeding inside the stomach, and the risk is higher with high doses or long use.

If you need ibuprofen during a fast, take it as the pack or your prescriber directs. A little food with it ends a strict fast, and that is the safer choice for your stomach. A pharmacist can tell you whether paracetamol (acetaminophen) would suit you better, as it can be taken with or without food.

Ibuprofen may not suit you if you have had a stomach ulcer, or have asthma or a heart, liver or kidney condition. The same applies if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin, or are pregnant. The bleeding risk is higher from age 60, and with 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day. Do not take ibuprofen tablets for more than 10 days unless a doctor advises it.

If you take metformin, blood pressure medicine, steroids or antidepressants, ask a pharmacist before using ibuprofen. For aches in one spot, ibuprofen gel or spray is less likely to cause side effects than tablets.