About Ibuprofen Side Effects
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There are a variety of ibuprofen side effects, both minor and serious, that all people who take pain medicines should be aware of.
What Is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (or NSAID) used in common pain medications, such as Motrin and Advil. NSAIDS can effectively block the inflammatory substances that cause a person pain or discomfort. Thus, they are widely used by an estimated 30 million Americans to treat pain, fever, headaches, arthritic symptoms, lung infections, and cystic fibrosis. While these powerful medicines are efficient in treating mild-to-moderate pain, swelling, or inflamed body tissue, most consumers may still be unaware of the many side effects of ibuprofen.
The Minor Side Effects of Ibuprofen
- Minor side effects include: Upset stomach, nausea bloating, irritation of the skin, blurry vision, and a perceived ringing in the ears.
- Dyspepsia (upset stomach and indigestion) is the most common side effect an individual may experience.
One can limit these unpleasant ibuprofen byproducts by carefully maintaining the proper medicine dosage. The recommended adult dose is 400-600 mg every 4-6 hrs within a 24 hour period. It’s also important to not take the medicine for more than 10 days, if you’re treating pain, or three days for fever.
The Major Side Effects of Ibuprofen
- Major gastrointestinal damage, such as bleeding or perforation (the formation of a hole) of the stomach or intestines.
- Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage.
- Other serious side effects: Chest pain, swelling, nausea, fever, bruising, or seizure.
These major ibuprofen side effects can be quite common. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 20 individuals who take an NSAID can experience these major gastrointestinal problems. Anyone who experiences vomiting or an alteration of stool color after taking NSAIDS should consult immediately with their doctor.
How Consumers Can Prevent Major Ibuprofen Side Effects
It’s important for people who are taking NSAIDS to never double the amount they ingest to compensate for a missed dose, and women should avoid taking ibuprofen if they are in the later stages of pregnancy. Furthermore, consumers over the age of 60, particularly those with a history of ulcers, may be more at risk for experiencing ibuprofen side effects. Lastly, taking multiple NSAIDS along with blood thinners can also increase side effect risk.
Concerned consumers should not hesitate to ask their doctors about Acetaminophen and protein pump inhibitors, which may be safer alternatives to NSAIDS. You can learn more about the side effects of ibuprofen by visiting the prescription drugs list.
