Ibuprofen: what it is, what it is for, side effects and doses
What is ibuprofen?
The ibuprofen is a non-estereoidal anti-inflammatory drug capable of acting on prostaglandins, which means that it reduces the inflammatory process and mitigates the pain present with it. However, although it is very consumed, in the long term it can cause digestive and hormonal problems in men.
For years it has become one of the most consumed anti-inflammatories by the majority of the Spanish population, due above all to its economic price and its easy access.
However, like any medication, its use must have been prescribed by the doctor once we have been diagnosed with the ailment, since self-medication can have really serious consequences for our health.
We usually find it in the form of tablets, although it is also possible to find it in the pharmacy in presentations of envelopes or in syrup, as for example occurs with the popular Dalsy(the traditional syrup for children).
- Dalsy: what is it, what is it for and dose according to your child's age
What is ibuprofen for?
As we mentioned, ibuprofen is a medicine belonging to the group of medicines known asNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), which is commonly used for the treatment of pain and inflammation. In addition, it acts as an antipyretic.
When should we take ibuprofen? In what cases? Correct dose
As we have seen, ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which means that from a medical point of view it is used for the treatment of both pain and inflammation, while being useful in lowering fever.
Therefore, ibuprofen is especially useful in the following cases:
- Calm the pain:It acts as an analgesic. Ideal in case of headache, migraines, bumps, toothache and back or lumbar pain.
- Reduce inflammation: Being an anti-inflammatory, it is useful, for example, in case of inflammations caused by osteoarthritis, arthritis and injuries (sports or not).
- Lower the fever:It also acts as an antipyretic, so it is useful to reduce fever.
Regarding the correct dose of ibuprofen, given that we find it in doses of 400mg and 600mg, it is clear that we must always follow the instructions given by the doctor.
In this way, many medical specialists indicate that when it comes to relieving mild and moderate pain it is advisable to opt for the presentation of 400mg of ibuprofen, leaving the presentation of 600mg only in exceptional cases (and as long as it has been prescribed by our doctor) .
In addition, the usual is consume one tablet of ibuprofen every 8 hours.
Side effects of ibuprofen
Excessive use of this medication for a long period of time may cause gastric problems, ranging from diarrhea to nausea, through vomiting and gastric or duodenal ulcers.
On the other hand, it is known that in high doses the consumption of ibuprofen can cause problems of the nervous system, such as headaches, so that if this medication is chosen for headaches the result may be quite the opposite: far from relieving it, It can get worse.
Some scientific studies also warn about a higher risk of suffering a heart attack when this type of drugs is abused. In this sense, the experts point out that it is not advisable to take this type of medication for more than 10 days a month.
Consequences of excessive ibuprofen use
Although a short-term or occasional consumption of ibuprofen (provided it has been prescribed by our doctor) does not pose any risk to health, the fact is that consumed in the long term or in excess it can mean Negative or harmful consequences for health.
For example, both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in general and ibuprofen in particular irritate the digestive system, especially the stomach.
For this reason, it is quite usual that after a prolonged consumption of this type of medication over time, the main consequence will be the appearance of a gastritis. Or in more serious cases, a duodenal or stomach ulcer.
We must not forget either that anti-inflammatories reduce blood coagulation, being contraindicated in those people who take oral anticoagulants.
- Gastritis: what it is, how are its symptoms and treatment
Cardiovascular risks of ibuprofen at high doses
Some years ago, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee of the European Medicines Agency (PRAC), initiated a review to evaluate the cardiovascular risks of high-dose ibuprofen use. While only ibuprofen consumed orally was in review, not counting topical drugs (such as gels or creams).
At that time, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the cardiovascular risks in the consumption of ibuprofen at high doses were being evaluated; that is, 2,400 mg. per day and taken regularly for long periods of time.
According to the EMA recalls, ibuprofen is usually taken in very much lower doses and for short periods of time, so there is no indication of cardiovascular risk in the usual uses of this medicine. In fact, it is one of the drugs most commonly used both against pain and against inflammation, presenting a known safety profile at usual doses. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesAnti-inflammatory
