Does ibuprofen cause stomach ulcers?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, particularly with frequent use, high doses, or long-term treatment. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen reduces protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining, increasing the risk of irritation, bleeding, and ulcer formation. Risk is higher in older adults, people with a history of ulcers, those taking blood thinners or steroids, and individuals who consume alcohol regularly.

Stomach pain, nausea, or dark stools after taking ibuprofen shouldn't be ignored. Since ulcer symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, identifying the cause early matters. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be behind your symptoms and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Ibuprofen is a type of medicine called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). According to research, like the study by Scheiman et al., NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can increase the risk of stomach ulcers. This happens because these drugs can irritate the stomach lining.

Key Points

Risk Factors: Taking ibuprofen often or in large amounts can increase the chance of getting stomach ulcers.
Protective Measures: Some studies, like the one by Bello et al., suggest that certain combinations of medicines can help protect the stomach while taking NSAIDs.

Conclusion

If you need to take ibuprofen regularly, it might be a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about ways to protect your stomach. They might suggest taking the lowest effective dose or using additional medications to help reduce the risk of ulcers. If you're experiencing stomach discomfort or other symptoms, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be happening and prepare for your conversation with a healthcare provider.

(References)

Scheiman JM, Cryer B, Kimmey MB, Rothstein RI, Riff DS, & Wolfe MM. (2004). A randomized, controlled comparison of ibuprofen at the .... Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 15067622.
Bello AE, Kent JD, & Holt RJ. (2015). Gastroprotective efficacy and safety of single-tablet .... The Physician and sportsmedicine, 26165391.
Hawkey CJ. (2000). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy. Gastroenterology, 10930388.

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