Can I take Ibuprofen and Quinine together?

Why this happens

Ibuprofen can irritate the lining of the stomach and interfere with blood clotting. Quinine can also cause stomach upset and, in rare cases, lower the number of platelets in your blood (which help with clotting). Furthermore, both drugs have the potential to affect the electrical activity of the heart, though this is rare at standard doses.

What you should do

Use this combination with caution. If you have a history of stomach ulcers, heart rhythm problems, or kidney issues, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking them together. If you do take both, look out for signs of stomach pain, black tarry stools, unusual bruising, or a fluttering sensation in your chest. Always take ibuprofen with food to protect your stomach.

Important precautions

Asthma

Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma, as it can cause a life-threatening worsening of your breathing or a severe allergic reaction.

Stomach ulcers or bleeding

Avoid ibuprofen if you have ever had a stomach ulcer, perforation, or bleeding, as it can cause serious damage to the stomach lining.

Heart rhythm disorders (e.g., Long QT syndrome)

Quinine can cause serious, potentially fatal heart rhythm problems. Do not take it if you have a history of heart rhythm disorders or are taking other medicines that affect your heart rate.

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Stop taking quinine immediately and contact your doctor if you experience ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or vertigo, as these can be signs of quinine toxicity.

Blood disorders

Quinine can cause a dangerous drop in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). You must never take quinine again if you have ever had a reaction affecting your blood cells after taking it.

Pregnancy

Do not take ibuprofen if you are more than 6 months pregnant, as it can cause serious heart and kidney problems in the unborn baby and complications during birth.

Do not take quinine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as high doses can cause birth defects or miscarriage. It should only be used in pregnancy if specifically prescribed by a specialist to treat malaria.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking ibuprofen. Combining alcohol with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen increases the risk of irritation to your stomach lining and can lead to stomach ulcers or bleeding.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking quinine. Both alcohol and quinine can affect your heart rhythm and cause dizziness; combining them may increase these risks.

Food (General)

It is recommended to take ibuprofen with food or a glass of milk to reduce the risk of stomach upset or indigestion.

Grapefruit juice

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking quinine. Grapefruit can increase the level of quinine in your blood, which makes side effects more likely and potentially more serious.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.