Ibuprofen Side Effects Should Be Managed Carefully
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Ibuprofen side effects can be serious if the medication is not managed correctly, especially when taken with other drugs or in an inappropriate dosage. Ibuprofen is a member of the drug class known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), and it is normally taken to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever caused by any number of ailments, ibuprofen is the active ingredient in over-the-counter medications (versus a prescription drug) known as Ibuprofen, Advil, Children’s Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, and PediaCare Fever.
Ibuprofen Side Effects Can Include Excessive Bleeding If Taken With Warfarin
Ibuprofen works by blocking the body’s enzyme, prostaglandin. Once the prostaglandin is blocked, any inflammation, pain and fever is reduced in the body. It is a medication that should be taken with meals to avoid an upset stomach. However, ibuprofen does not work well with all drugs. For instance, ibuprofen slows the kidneys’ ability to rid the body of lithium. As a result, taking ibuprofen while also being administered with lithium can cause an elevated lithium level. This is true of other medications as well, such as gentamycin. Ibuprofen can also affect blood pressure medications, delaying the effects of medications that lower blood pressure. Finally, when taking blood thinners such as warfarin (also known as Coumadin), ibuprofen should not be taken as it also thins the blood. Excessive blood thinning can lead to unanticipated bleeding.
Even when taking ibuprofen without other medications, side effects can still be experienced such as rash, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea and constipation. Ibuprofen can often cause ulceration and result in intestinal bleeding in the stomach. Finally, people allergic to other NSAIDs should abstain from taking ibuprofen. Before taking this medication, it is recommended that patients speak with their physicians and consult prescription drug facts to determine the correct dosage and potential interaction with other medications being taken. When administered under the direction of a physician, ibuprofen side effects can be effectively managed.
