Brufen 400 Tablet and Alcohol: Is It Safe to Mix? A Complete Guide

Introduction

Brufen 400 mg is a popular over-the-counter medication that has ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in it. It alleviates pain, inflammation, and fever. Quite a number of people ask themselves:

"Can I take Brufen 400 and still have a drink?"
"Is it okay to drink alcohol and ibuprofen from time to time?"

Although washing down a painkiller with a glass of beer or wine may not seem to be a problem, Brufen and alcohol together are more harmful than you would expect.

This blog discusses:

• What Brufen 400 is and how it works

• How alcohol and ibuprofen interact
  

• Danger and risks of taking the two together
  

• Short-term effects compared to long-term effects
  

• Expert tips on how to use both safely
  

What is Brufen 400 mg?

Brufen 400 mg has 400 milligrams of ibuprofen, a drug that is used to:

• Alleviate pain
  

• Decrease fever
  

• Treat inflammation

It belongs to the NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) class, and is typically used to treat:

• Headache and migraine
  

• Joint or muscle pain

• Toothache

• Menstrual cramps

• Infections-induced fever
  

• Arthritis- or injury-induced inflammation
  

How Does Brufen 400 Work?

Brufen works as a COX enzyme inhibitor (COX-1 and COX-2), which are enzymes behind producing prostaglandins—substances that induce inflammation, pain, and fever.

Though beneficial for relief, COX-1 inhibition also impacts the stomach lining and kidneys, which becomes significant when alcohol is part of the equation.

Alcohol and the Body: A Quick Overview

When it's drunk, alcohol:

• Is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine
  

• Makes its way to the liver to be metabolized

• Impacts the central nervous system, leading to sedation, impaired judgment, and decreased motor skills
  

Even in small quantities, alcohol strains the liver, dries out the body, and bothers the lining of the stomach.

Can You Mix Brufen 400 with Alcohol?

No — Mixing Brufen 400 with alcohol is NOT considered safe.

Although one dose will not immediately pose danger, frequent or excessive dosing heightens the risk of dangerous side effects.

Here’s Why:

5 Major Risks of Mixing Brufen 400 mg and Alcohol

1. Gastrointestinal Bleeding & Ulcers

• Alcohol and ibuprofen both irritate the stomach.

• Combined use for prolonged duration can cause gastritis, peptic ulcers, or even stomach bleeding.

Warning Signs:

• Black or tarry stools

• Vomiting blood

• Stomach pain that is constant

2. Liver Damage

• Ibuprofen is not as toxic to the liver as paracetamol but passes through the liver anyway.

• Consumption