Ouch! Help! How long after a meal is ideal to take IBUPROFEN?

[Gill3210]

I take omeprazole daily for bad indigestion so ideally shouldn't be taking ibuprofen but have just had knee surgery this afternoon and my leg is throbbing! I ate a meal an hour ago. Can I take the ibuprofen now as I know it is easier on the stomach to eat after a meal or do I need to have a small snack and take it immediately afterwards (am not particularly hungry but can eat a Jammie dodger if medically necessary)

Thanks

Not sure about it's relationship with omeprazole - only mentioned that to demonstrate I have what Victorians describe as a 'weak stomach' and ibuprofen is hellish bad for your stomach (which is why you should always take it after food, so your stomach is protected). You can develop stomach problems purely from taking ibuprofen long term (for example after a sports injury).

Hth!

This may be unhelpful but - could you take paracetamol (maybe with some codeine) instead? Ibuprofen is very tough on the stomach even after a meal, as indeed are all NSAIDs. (I got gastritis after a few months of diclofenac, even though I religiously took it after food - awful.)

PS and meant to say that my stomach is usually like a cast iron bucket

If you'be no other option, what about taking the ibuprofen with some milk/cheese/yoghurt? To encourage plenty of stomach mucus!

Thanks fish and jam. I managed without in the end (hard as nails me) - leg is VERY sore this morning so I'm on the codeine although even that isn't touching it

Can you use topical diclofenac (Voltarol gel) near to the operation site? Obviously not actually on the wound!

Actually omeprazole is regularly prescribed for people who take NSAIDs to protect their stomachs.

As far as I am aware, your stomach empties within an hour of eating, so taking ibuprofen asap after eating is best.