Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is typically used to treat pain and relieve fever. Ibuprofen is the generic name of this over-the-counter medications. There are several names that have ibuprofen as their main active ingredient, including Motrin and Advil. Ibuprofen can ease the symptoms of minor aches and pains, including headaches, back pain, joint pain, toothache and menstrual pain.
Function
According to Drugs.com, ibuprofen works by reducing hormones in the body, causing pain and inflammation. Hormone, according to the UK Netdoctor called cyclo-oxygenase (COX), and produces chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the body’s response to injury and disease, and is responsible for causing pain. Ibuprofen blocks the COX, which in turn stops the creation of prostaglandins. The end result is often a reduction of pain, swelling and inflammation.
Dosage
According to Drugs.com, the maximum amount of ibuprofen to be taken 800 mg four times a day, for a total of 3,200 mg per day. Drugs.com recommends only taking the minimum amount needed for pain relief. Most ibuprofen pills sold over the counter comes in 200mg pills.
Benefits
There are many benefits of ibuprofen. Because it is sold over the counter, there is no need for a prescription. Ibuprofen is non-narcotic and is therefore useful for people who want to avoid any dependency by taking certain prescription painkillers.
Timeframe
According Hospicenet.org, the effects of ibuprofen can be felt within one or two hours, and may last between 5 to 10 hours. It is important to not take more than the recommended dose. Although the maximum dose of ibuprofen 800mg that dosing should be recommended and prescribed by a doctor. Most over-the-counter ibuprofen medicine recommends taking only 200 or 400 mg at a time. If you do not experience pain relief, going to a doctor.
Considerations
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medications, but there are still many things to consider before taking the drug. Drugs.com reports that side effects may include life-threatening heart and circulation problems. Ibuprofen can be harmful to the stomach. In addition, ibuprofen may interact with different over-the-counter and prescription medications, including aspirin and antidepressants. Always tell your doctor every over-the-counter and prescription medications you are on before taking ibuprofen.
Negative prolonged effects of ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is widely used to treat pain and inflammation. But long-term use of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs have been associated with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems.
NSAIDs
Ibuprofen is a type of medicine known as an NSAID, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs are often used in the treatment of inflammation (eg. Arthritis), pain and fever. A result of this action is a decrease in blood clots that can lead to ulcers.
Types of NSAIDs
In addition to ibuprofen are some common NSAIDS, aspirin (Bayer, Excedrin), naproxen (Aleve) and COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex).
Gastrointestinal effects
A 2004 study showed continuous use of NSAIDs for more than three months can cause severe intestinal damage. Side effects include ulceration, bleeding and perforation of the stomach and intestinal tissues, which can be fatal.
Cardiovascular effects
NSAIDs can also increase the risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events such as stroke and damage to the heart tissue (known as myocardial infarction). People with cardiovascular disease should not take NSAIDs.
Prevention
In order to prevent negative long term effects of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, limit its use to the lowest recommended dose for the shortest recommended duration.
Effects of Ibuprofen on the liver
One of the functions of the liver is to clear substances from the body, but excessive doses of these medications can damage the liver. High doses prevents the liver in eliminating substances from the body, or in some people, liver metabolism is slower. The liver becomes inflamed and does not work properly, eventually become damaged. In extreme cases, liver failure. Although excessive doses of ibuprofen can affect the liver, ibuprofen has a lower risk of liver damage than acetaminophen, which damages the liver at doses only slightly higher than the recommended dose.
Effects of Ibuprofen on the liver
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen relieves pain and reduces fever and inflammation (Merck Manual). The liver removes ibuprofen from the body. The process may work too slowly in some people, or liver function may be altered by high doses of certain drugs, such as ibuprofen (National Institutes of Health [NIH]). If the liver is unable to remove the medication properly, the liver can be damaged or inflamed. Inflammation of the liver caused by medication called drug-induced hepatitis.
Symptoms of liver damage
Hepatitis caused by ibuprofen is characterized by abdominal pain and tenderness in the upper right side, dark-colored urine, diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice and white or clay-colored stools (NIH). The diagnosed confirmed with a blood sample, which will show elevated liver enzymes.
Treatment of liver damage
Treatment of the ibuprofen-induced liver damage is simply discontinuing use of drugs (NIH). No other treatment is necessary. Symptoms disappear usually within a few days after ibuprofen has stopped, but can linger for a few weeks.
Prevention
Ibuprofen can be used safely without risking damage to the liver. Never exceed the maximum recommended dose of 800 mg per dose up to four times a day (maximum total daily dose of 3200 mg). People who are heavy drinkers should avoid using ibuprofen or discuss safe dosage with their doctor. The effects of ibuprofen in the liver is worse in people who already have hepatitis or liver damage (NIH).
Other side effects
Other side effects associated with ibuprofen include stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas, dizziness, headache, nervousness, rash, blurred vision or ringing in the ears (-Drugs.com). High blood pressure is a direct result of ibuprofen-induced hepatitis or liver damage. A damaged or inflamed liver is not working properly. A function of the liver is the regulation of blood fats. If these fats are unregulated, they build up and the blood becomes “sticky,” reducing blood flow through arteries and raise blood pressure (-HighBloodInfoPressure.org).