Ibuprofen is a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is generally considered safe and effective for relieving pain, reducing fever, and decreasing inflammation. However, like all medications, ibuprofen can have potential side effects.
What is ibuprofen uses for?
Ibuprofen is used to treat a variety of pains, including headaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, dental pain, and muscle aches. Additionally, it is used to lower fevers and treat minor aches and pains brought on by the typical cold or flu. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) is ibuprofen.
It functions by preventing your body from producing some natural inflammatory molecules. This impact aids in reducing temperature, discomfort, and edema. uprofen?
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Most common side effects of ibuprofen:
The most common side effects of ibuprofen include:
- Upset stomach: Ibuprofen can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn.
- Headache: Some people may experience headaches while taking ibuprofen.
- Dizziness: Ibuprofen can cause dizziness, especially if taken in higher doses.
- High blood pressure: Ibuprofen can increase blood pressure in some people, particularly in those with pre-existing high blood pressure.
- Kidney problems: In rare cases, ibuprofen can cause kidney problems, especially in people with preexisting kidney disease.
It’s important to note that most people who take ibuprofen do not experience these side effects, and they are generally mild and go away on their own.
What are the long-term side effects of taking ibuprofen?
Long-term use of ibuprofen has been associated with several potential side effects, including:
- Gastrointestinal problems: irritation and inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to stomach ulcers, bleeding, and perforation. This risk is higher in people who take high doses of ibuprofen over a long period of time or in people who have a history of gastrointestinal problems.
- Kidney damage: Long-term use of ibuprofen can cause kidney damage, especially in people with preexisting kidney problems or in those who take high doses of the drug over a long period of time.
- Cardiovascular problems: Long-term use of ibuprofen has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems, especially in people with preexisting heart disease or other risk factors.
- Liver damage: liver damage, especially in people who take high doses of the drug over a long period of time or in those with preexisting liver problems.
- Reye’s syndrome: Long-term use of ibuprofen in children and teenagers with viral infections has been linked to an increased risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage.
It’s important to note that these side effects are generally associated with high doses of ibuprofen taken over a long period of time, and most people who take the drugas directed for short-term use do not experience these problems.
However, it’s still important to talk to your healthcare provider before using ibuprofen on a long-term basis, especially if you have preexisting health conditions or are taking other medications that may interact with ibuprofen.
Rare side effects of ibuprofen:
While ibuprofen is generally considered safe, like all medications, it can cause side effects, some of which may be rare. Here are some rare side effects of ibuprofen:
- Allergic reactions: Rarely, ibuprofen can cause an allergic reaction, which may include hives, rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
- High blood pressure: Ibuprofen can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions.
- Fluid retention: Ibuprofen can cause fluid retention, which can lead to swelling in the legs and feet.
- Rashes: Rarely, ibuprofen can cause skin rashes or other allergic skin reactions.
- Blood disorders: Although rare, ibuprofen can cause blood disorders such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
- Vision problems: Rarely, ibuprofen can cause vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or other changes in vision.
- Aseptic meningitis: This is an extremely rare side effect, more commonly seen in individuals with autoimmune disorders like lupus. Symptoms include headache, fever, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light.
How to use ibuprofen to avoid side effects?
Read the entire set of instructions on the product package before using the over-the-counter product, if applicable. Read the drug guide that your pharmacist provides before you begin taking ibuprofen and each time you get a refill if your doctor has prescribed this drug. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, take this medication by mouth, typically every 4 to 6 hours, with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). After using this medication, wait at least 10 minutes before lying down. If taking this drug causes stomach distress, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
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