Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen

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.

How Does Ibuprofen Work?

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.

What are the uses of Ibuprofen?

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

• Arthritis pain

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.

How and when to take Ibuprofen?

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.  

What are the side effects of Ibuprofen?

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. 

What are the precautions to be taken while taking Ibuprofen?

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. 

What if I missed the dose of 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.

What if I overdose on Ibuprofen?

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. 

What are the storage conditions for Ibuprofen?

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.

Can I take Ibuprofen with other medications? 

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. 

How quickly does Ibuprofen show results?

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.

Comparing Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen

Conclusion

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.  

FAQs

1. How does ibuprofen work?

Ibuprofen works by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), which play a role in pain and inflammation pathways.

2. What conditions can ibuprofen treat?

Ibuprofen is often used to treat conditions like headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and fever.

3. What are the common brand names for ibuprofen?

Common brand names for ibuprofen include Advil, Motrin, and Nurofen, among others.

4. Can I take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?

While it can be taken on an empty stomach, ibuprofen is generally better tolerated with food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.

5. What are the potential side effects of ibuprofen?

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.