Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. It helps treat many medical issues like headaches, back pain, menstrual pain along with injuries and the common cold. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. While it is one of the most common medicines consumed by people, lately there have been debates about its side effects.
Ibuprofen is available in prescription as well as in over-the-table form for adults and children. Recently, there were claims that ibuprofen increases the risk of fatal heart attack. Dr Tushar Tayal (Consultant-Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram) reflects on the side effects of this medicine and shares what can be the adverse effects.
Ibuprofen: Side Effects
– According to Dr Tushar Tayal, adverse effects of ibuprofen include nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal ulceration, salt and fluid retention, and high blood pressure.
– Very rare side effects include gastric ulceration, heart failure, high blood levels of potassium, kidney impairment
– Ibuprofen can also worsen asthma
– Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock and sometimes severe skin reactions such as Steven Johnson syndrome can rarely occur
– It should be avoided in pregnancy
Ibuprofen: Dosage and Uses
The dose of Ibuprofen recommended is 400 mg every 4-6 hours. The maximum permissible dose is 3200 mg per day but such high doses should be taken only under the guidance of a doctor.
Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu.