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Ibuprofen is a pain reliever, belonging to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory class of drugs. It is pretty much a popular medicine and helps in the treatment of inflammation, pain, fever (by lowering the body temperature), etc. It usually blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are the ones that promote pain, fever, and inflammation. Medicine has much more to it. Let us start by discussing its uses in detail.
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the production of substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a role in the body's inflammatory response and are known to cause pain, fever, and swelling. By reducing the levels of prostaglandins, Ibuprofen helps alleviate these symptoms.
Ibuprofen is a pain reliever that is used for treating a variety of disorders. Some of the Ibuprofen uses are for treating:
Headache
Dental pain
Muscle ache
High body temperature
Menstrual cramps
Moreover, it also helps in treating problems such as fever and inflammation in the body. It is advised to talk to your doctor when used for chronic ailments such as arthritis.
Every tablet of ibuprofen contains several amounts, like 200 mg, 400 mg, or 600 mg. There are slow-release tablets as well, in amounts of 200mg, 300mg, and 800mg.
The dose of ibuprofen depends on the condition to treat. If you are taking ibuprofen three times a day, then you must leave a gap of six hours between the doses. However, if you are taking it four times a day, then there should be at least a four-hour gap.
If you are experiencing pain most of the time, then it is best to consult a doctor and have slow-release capsules. They must be taken once a day, and a gap of 10–12 hours must be left between meals.
Here are some points to take care of before taking the medicine.
Swallow the tablets and capsules with water, juice, or milk.
Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet as it can lead to irritation in the throat and mouth.
Ibuprofen is also available in the form of a melting tablet in case someone is not good at swallowing the tablets.
In the case of a sachet, take a glass and empty the sachet. Add water to it and as soon as it fizzes, stir it and drink it straight away.
In the case of liquid ibuprofen, you should take the measure the prescribed amount and take it accordingly.
Taking ibuprofen with meals can lessen stomach irritation.
The following are some Ibuprofen side effects:
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness
Anxiety
Blurred vision
Confusion
Skin inflammation
Rashes
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Sleeping problems
Metallic taste
Puking
If you are experiencing any side effects, then it is best to take the medication as soon as possible. You can also seek assistance and consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Certain precautionary measures must be taken to avoid any cases of side effects:
If you are allergic to anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, etc., then you must inform your doctor to avoid allergic reactions.
If you also have asthma, blood disorders, heart disorders, high blood pressure, or intestinal infections, inform your doctor
Ibuprofen can cause kidney problems in some people. If you are taking drugs like this, it is best to stay hydrated throughout the day to avoid such problems.
People who are susceptible to heart attacks or kidney failure must avoid the medicine.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it with caution.
Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions, or are using any medications, before prescribing Ibuprofen.
If you forget to take the dose, then take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But don’t take the dose if the time for the next dose has arrived. Skip the previous dose and take the next dose as prescribed. It is better to set a reminder or an alarm if you often forget.
Taking too much medicine can be dangerous. If you have overdosed on ibuprofen, it can have the following effects:
Feeling sick
Stomach ache
Feeling sleepy
Blood in vomit
Tinnitus
Breathlessness
Changes in heart rate
Seek medical attention or rush to the nearest hospital in case of an overdose.
Ibuprofen must be stored at room temperature and should be kept away from sunlight, moisture, air, etc. You can keep it in a cold and dry place away from the reach of children.
It is considered to be safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol and many other medications. But you must not take the tablet with other painkillers like aspirin, naproxen, etc., without consulting a doctor. Other medicines like Lotensin, Capoten, Coreg, etc., must also not be taken with Ibuprofen without medical consultation.
It is best to consult your doctor if you have been taking herbal medicines, dietary supplements, or any other medications along with Ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen is a quickly absorbed tablet, and one can see the results in just 20–30 minutes. It doesn’t matter in which form you take the medicine; all of them take nearly the same time to show results. But for long-term pain, it can take time and the doctor can increase the dosage for up to three weeks for the medicine to work properly.
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Ibuprofen |
Ketoprofen |
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|
Uses |
This medication is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. |
This medication is used for treating pain, fever, menstrual cramps, etc. |
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Side Effects |
The side effects include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, swelling, nausea, etc. |
The side effects include constipation, upset stomach, drowsiness, etc. |
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Forms |
Ibuprofen can be taken in the form of capsules, tablets, syrups, and sachets. |
Ketoprofen can be taken in the form of oral capsules only. |
Ibuprofen is a generic medicine and is available over-the-counter. However, it is best to consult a doctor regarding the dosage for better results and avoid any unwanted side effects.
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), which play a role in pain and inflammation pathways.
Ibuprofen is often used to treat conditions like headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and fever.
Common brand names for ibuprofen include Advil, Motrin, and Nurofen, among others.
While it can be taken on an empty stomach, ibuprofen is generally better tolerated with food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
Common side effects may include stomach upset, heartburn, and headache. More serious side effects can include stomach bleeding, allergic reactions, and kidney problems.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/how-and-when-to-take-ibuprofen/ https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5166-9368/ibuprofen-oral/ibuprofen-oral/details https://www.drugs.com/ibuprofen.html
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.