Headaches, fever, menstrual cramps, back pain. All of these symptoms can be treated with ibuprofen. The analgesic effects of this drug and its availability without a prescription make it a viable option for use. However, ibuprofen may pose certain health risks, especially for those who have kidney or stomach problems.
According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) In the United States, strict dosage limits are set for over-the-counter medications because they can be taken by people with various risk factors. If an adverse reaction is unlikely, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose.
“Doctors sometimes advise patients to take up to 3,200 milligrams a day for a short period — up to a week or two — because the anti-inflammatory effects are better with higher doses,” he said. Lauren Haggertyclinical pharmacist Johns Hopkins Medicine, to The New York Times and added: “This can occur after an injury or surgery.”
On the other hand, experts warn in moderation of its use and within the time limit. “If you have not consulted a doctor about how much is safe, or if you know your risk factors well, it is best not to exceed the recommended limit of 1,200 milligrams per day,” he explained. Tsourounis, professor of clinical pharmacy University of California, San Francisco.
“You have to be careful not to accidentally take more than intended. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medications known asor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the activity of certain enzymes. But these enzymes also help maintain kidney and liver function and to regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body,” explained Tsourounis.
According to specialists, ibuprofen can be dangerous for patients with kidney failure or disease, people who suffer from liver damage or cirrhosis, and for those who suffer from diseases that overload the kidneys, such as high blood pressure or heart failure. The same applies to pregnant women; According to the FDA, ibuprofen is not recommended after the 20th week of pregnancy because in unusual cases it can damage the kidneys of the fetus.
When taken for long periods, ibuprofen may also increase the risk of ulcers in the stomach. The medication inhibits enzymes that, among other effects, contribute to the production of mucus that lines and protects the lining of the stomach, so without these enzymes, the stomach becomes vulnerable to irritation and damage.
“Even, ironically, regular use of ibuprofen in people with headache disorders can cause rebound headaches, for reasons doctors don’t fully understand,” he warned. Sarah Ruff, a doctor at UNC Family Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. “It’s quite frustrating for patients, because if they get into that situation, the only way to make it go away is to get off all painkillers,” he concluded.
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