Can ibuprofen and metronidazole be taken together?

Generally, ibuprofen and metronidazole can be taken together. As their mechanisms of action differ and there are no explicit contraindications for combination use, they are commonly used together in clinical practice to relieve pain associated with infection, though usage should follow medical advice. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Ibuprofen is a fever-reducing and pain-relieving medication, primarily used to alleviate pain and lower body temperature; metronidazole is an antibiotic commonly used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria, especially anaerobic bacteria. When bacterial infection is present along with pain, combination therapy can exert both anti-infective and analgesic effects simultaneously, and generally does not result in adverse interactions.

However, it should be noted that both medications may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, they should not be taken on an empty stomach, and are better taken with or after meals. Dosage should strictly follow medical instructions or the drug's label; do not adjust the dosage by yourself. Additionally, alcohol consumption and products containing alcohol (including food and medication) should be avoided during treatment and for seven days after discontinuation of metronidazole to prevent adverse reactions.

Before taking any medication, one should understand its uses and precautions to ensure safe medication use. If significant discomfort occurs after taking the medication, discontinue use promptly and monitor any physical changes.