Ibuprofen ’not on an empty stomach’

[AchesNPains]

As I lay awake wondering if I should take some ibuprofen at 3am this morning (menstrual cramps) I was trying to work out whether my stomach was ‘too empty’ or not. I had a big roast dinner around 6pm - so that was 7hrs ago - but how fast is digestion? How much do you need to eat to protect your stomach from Ibu anyway? If I eat a slice of toast can I have some straight away or do I need to wait for a bit? Am I over thinking? Is there a rule of thumb?

Your stomach empties in around 20 mins after finishing eating. No way is there anything left after 7 hours.

I usually take it with a big glass of milk or a slice of toast.

I was given some by nurses after an operation. They wouldn’t let me take any until I could eat a biscuit but gave them to me immediately.
so yes eat toast etc but take immediately

Digestion takes about 4-6 hours. A slice of toast is enough to protect your stomach before taking ibuprofen. You don't need to wait long just take it with the toast.

For cramps I used to take paracetamol first thing on an empty stomach and then ibuprofen 2 hours later once I’d had my breakfast. A few digestives or toast is fine though, sometimes I just couldn’t face eating anything with the pain.

Your stomach empties in around 20 mins after finishing eating.
No it doesn't.

These are useful tips, thanks, I won’t be tempted to take one in the middle of the night but good to know I don’t have to wait after eating and a small snack or similar is enough. Appreciate it.

As a one off, you will be fine.

I have a few spoons of greek yoghurt or a banana

I take with oatmilk

My friend has a small biscuit tin with some digestives beside her bed + water jug for just this kind of emergency pain relief!

The few times I took ibuprofen on an empty stomach I then had stomach ache, which outweighed the point of taking a painkiller!

A glass of milk should suffice to line the stomach.

I know you aren't meant to but I've taken it at night with no food and nothing bad happening.

I always take with an empty stomach.i didn’t know you weren’t supposed to! I’m still alive.

Same. I get migraines during the night and I eventually gave up and tried taking it with no food and it has never bothered me once.

You're at an increased risk of having gastric bleeding if you take it on an empty stomach so that is why they always suggest to take it with or shortly after food, but a small snack will do, it doesn't have to be a big meal.

I didn't know this either after surgery last year (new to ibuprofen I had never taken it before)..

So I had mine with milky coffee every morning or on an empty stomach.

GP now thinks it's why I've developed reflux at 48.