Is it Safe to Take Ibuprofen Before Working Out?
Jake Newby
| 4 min read
You may not think twice about taking ibuprofen before a long run or weightlifting session, but you should. If you’re feeling sore or battling an illness but still want to power through a workout, you may consider a dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before or during exercise, thinking it will help your performance.
But research says taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen on an empty stomach before and during a workout can be harmful , especially if that exercise is intense. Here’s a quick refresher on the most common types of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and how they mix with exercise.
What do NSAIDs do for the body?
NSAIDs are painkillers that ease pain, decrease stiffness and reduce inflammation and fever. They can effectively relieve symptoms associated with a wide range of issues, such as headaches, dental pain and arthritis.
NSAIDs work like corticosteroids without steroid side effects, according to the Cleveland Clinic, by stopping your body from producing certain chemicals that cause inflammation. But these chemicals – called prostaglandins – play a role in protecting your stomach and intestinal lining. Stopping prostaglandin production puts your gut health at risk, which is why stomach irritation is one of the most common risks and side effects of NSAIDs.
Individuals with stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, acid reflux, kidney disease, liver disease should generally avoid NSAIDs. Here are the most common OTC NSAIDs, along with their corresponding top brand names:
- Aspirin: Bayer™
- Ibuprofen: Advil™ and Motrin™
- Naproxen : Aleve™
What is the difference between NSAIDs and acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen can relieve mild pain and is easier on the gut than NSAIDs when taken carefully in regular recommended doses. High doses can damage the liver, however, so the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using acetaminophen products that contain no more than 325 milligrams per pill or capsule.
Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to overdose and severe liver damage, per the FDA, and cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Tylenol is the most common OTC acetaminophen brand.
Can you take ibuprofen before a workout?
A small 2017 study measured the effect of taking ibuprofen versus a placebo for ultramarathoners toward the end of a 155-mile race. Kidney injury was common among the runners, according to the study, as 44% of them experienced significantly reduced kidney function by the end of the race. Just over half of the NSAID-takers had reduced kidney function, while only one-third of those in the placebo group did.
Despite these findings, the differences in rates of kidney injury were not statistically significant. This study also did not examine the long-term effects of ibuprofen on kidney function. However, it does raise serious concerns about taking ibuprofen during exercise, at least among endurance athletes, according to Harvard Health. Another small study discovered ibuprofen aggravated exercise-induced intestinal injury and caused gut irritation in otherwise healthy cyclists.
Most of us aren’t trained athletes that regularly run or cycle long distances, so the results of these small studies may not apply to your typical day at the gym or on the track. There isn’t much research on the short or long-term effects of taking NSAIDs before moderate exercise.
Can you take painkillers for muscle soreness?
A 2024 study found that taking ibuprofen prior to intense exercise has no impact on muscle soreness, meaning it didn’t make soreness worse or better. You shouldn’t count on them to ease muscle soreness, either before or after a workout.
Instead of turning to medication, try gentle exercise like yoga, walking or cycling; a dynamic warm up; resistance bands; or a day off to manage soreness. To manage soreness after your workouts, stay hydrated and fueled, take a walk and get plenty of sleep.
In general, you should talk to your primary care provider (PCP) before taking regular doses of NSAIDs or acetaminophen, even if they are non-prescription strength, and especially if you have certain health conditions.
Related:
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- Allergies, Exercise and Asthma: How Are They Related?
- I Exercised Without Music for A Week: Here’s What I Learned
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