What is ibuprofen and why is it taken?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is sold in pharmacies without a prescription under various trade names.
The product can be found in the form of a suspension, tablets, powder, capsules, suppository.
The drug is used to relieve various conditions:
- headache,
- menstrual pain,
- backache,
- arthritis,
- fever,
- pain after surgery,
- toothache,
- pain after injury.
How and when was ibuprofen invented?
Ibuprofen was synthesized in 1961 by Stuart Adams and John Nicholson. They then worked for Boots UK Limited.
The drug first appeared on the market in 1969 in England. And in 1974 they began selling it in the USA.
How does ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen works by reducing the level of enzymes that cause pain and swelling in the body.
The effectiveness and safety of the active substance have been well studied in numerous clinical studies.
What dosage is ibuprofen used in?
Experts recommend using the lowest dose necessary to relieve bothersome symptoms.
Typically, for adults and children over 12 years of age, doctors advise take 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours for pain and fever. The maximum amount of the drug, if prescribed by a doctor, is 800 mg per dose, 3,200 mg per day. If you take ibuprofen without professional advice, try to take no more than 1,200 mg per day.
The dosage for a small child depends on his age and weight. Parents should consult with their pediatrician and then strictly follow the instructions for the drug.
What you need to know about ibuprofen before you start taking it
You should consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen. The drug may be unsafe for some diseases and conditions. Therefore, the patient should inform the specialist about the following:
- heart diseases;
- high blood pressure;
- high cholesterol;
- diabetes;
- smoking;
- heart attack;
- stroke or blood clots;
- stomach ulcer or bleeding;
- liver or kidney diseases;
- asthma.
In addition, the drug should not be given to children under 6 months of age without the permission of a pediatrician.
Definitely worth the medication refuseif a person has ever had an allergy or an asthma attack after taking ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
It’s also worth considering that ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding, fatal heart attack, or stroke. Therefore, this medicine should not be taken before or after bypass surgery.
In addition, the drug may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can cause death. To reduce the risk, do not drink alcohol while taking pain medication.
What drugs should you not combine ibuprofen with?
Those taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack should be aware that ibuprofen reduces its effect. Therefore, if the drugs must be taken at the same time, it is better to take ibuprofen at least 8 hours before aspirin or 30 minutes after.
The medication may interact with other drugs:
- cyclosporine;
- lithium;
- methotrexate;
- blood thinners;
- blood pressure medications, including diuretics;
- steroid drugs.
When taking the medicine together with some antidepressants, a person may experience mild bruising.
The drug should not be combined with other medications for pain and fever. They may contain active ingredients similar to ibuprofen. For example, ketoprofen and naproxen.
What side effects can there be from ibuprofen?
Call 103 or 112 if after taking the medicine appeared signs of severe allergies:
- hives,
- labored breathing,
- swelling of the face or throat,
- abdominal pain,
- burning in the eyes,
- skin pain,
- red or purple skin rash with blisters.
You should also call an ambulance if there are signs of a heart attack or stroke.
You should stop taking the drug if the following symptoms occur:
- shortness of breath with little physical exertion;
- changes in vision;
- swelling;
- mild skin rash;
- signs of stomach bleeding (bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds);
- liver problems (nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, feeling tired, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice);
- anemia (pale skin, dizziness or shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, problems concentrating);
- kidney problems (weak or painful urination, swelling of the feet or ankles, feeling tired).
How is ibuprofen used during pregnancy and lactation?
Pregnant women should not take ibuprofen without a doctor’s approval. NSAIDs at 20 weeks can cause problems with the fetal kidneys, leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, kidney failure in the newborn. At 30 weeks and later, taking the drug may result in closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
Ibuprofen can be taken during lactation. The product shows low levels in breast milk. In addition, the medicine is safe for infants.
What happens if I miss a dose of ibuprofen?
The drug is used when necessary, so you do not have to follow a strict dosage schedule. If the doctor recommended taking the medicine, for example, every 4-6 hours, and you forgot about the pill, you should not take two doses at the same time.
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