Blood thinner is used to reduce the chance of getting blood clots. If you have an abnormal heart rhythm, your doctor has probably already prescribed one for you. Whenever you are combining medications, the interaction should be considered and addressed. For example, taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS) with a blood thinner could be risky. There are two types of blood thinners – an antiplatelet (aspirin) that will stop platelets from developing into a clot; and anticoagulants (warfarin) slow down the actual formation of a blood clot.

Is Advil a Blood Thinner?

Advil, a brand of Ibuprofen, falls into the category of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). And it has been proven to thin blood by interfering with the way that platelets work and interrupts blood clots. Ibuprofen is also an anti-coagulant, which works as good as other blood thinner that doctors prescribe.

Besides using it as a blood thinner, many doctors prescribe this medication to relieve inflammation, reduce or eliminate pain, and reduce fevers. You can find this drug in caplets, tablets and gel caplets.

Side Effects of Ibuprofen (Advil)

Although you get a yes from the question, "Is Advil a blood thinner?" but before you take it for that reason you may want to check out the list of side effects first.

Customary Side Effects

• Stomachache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Rash
• Constipation
• Ringing in ears

More Serious Side Effects

• Inflammation of the liver or liver failure
• Blood in urine
• Low platelet count
• UTI (urinary tract infection)
• Agranulocytosis (meaning there are not enough white blood cells created by the bone marrow)
• Stroke or heart attack
• Damage to the kidneys
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Anemia or low red blood cell count
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is a skin reaction that can be severe or life threatening

Other Blood Thinners You May Want to Know

Is Advil a blood thinner? We already know the answer. If you are taking a medication that doesn't work well with ibuprofen, you might want to know other blood thinners.

1. Other Types of Medical Blood Thinners

Here are 2 types of medicines that can be used as blood thinners:

Antiplatelet Drugs

These medications work to prevent blood clots from forming by making sure the platelets don't clump. Antiplatelet medications fall into four types:

• Aspirin
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
• Dipyridamole (Persantie)
• Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors
• Thienopyridines and other ADP receptor blockers

Anticoagulants

This medication serves as a blood thinner by preventing blood clots from forming by prolonging the time it takes to clot. It also keeps the blood vessels open. The drugs in this field include:

• Warfarin (like Jantoven and Coumadin)
• Enosaparin (like Lovenox)
• Herparin
• Apixaban (Eliquis)
• Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
• Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

Note: Last three drugs are newer and have less risk of bleeding.

2. Natural Blood Thinners

If you are unwilling to take medicines to thin your blood, you can try the following natural blood thinner to get the similar effects:

• Vitamin E makes sure that the oxidation levels do not go over. Some foods in this category include: spinach, Swiss chard, red bell peppers, almonds and kale.
• Natural antibiotics: You may have thinned your blood if you have been taking antibiotics for a long period of time. Some foods that are natural antibiotics include jicama, garlic, onions, tree ear, garlic and olive oil.
• Sunshine: Vitamin D from being outdoors and exposed to the sun could result in not only thinner blood but better circulation.
• Drinking more water is the easiest and most effective way to thin your blood. The suggested amount is a half-ounce for every pound that you weigh every day.
• Salicylates block vitamin K, which can thin your blood and promote your circulation. Foods that contain salicylates include oranges, prunes, strawberries, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, honey, vinegar and wine. Aspirin is one of the most commonly used salicylates.
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and canola oil. These fatty acids lower cholesterol and discourage blood clots.
• Alcohol can increase and activate platelets, thinning blood as in cases of vitamin K deficiency or fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Do vigorous exercises regularly helps lower your vitamin K levels and thins your blood. So those lead a sedentary life has an increased risk of blood clotting.