Show If you pull a muscle while running, are experiencing menstrual cramps or have a killer headache, you’re likely to reach for an ibuprofen pill, such as Advil or Motrin, to reduce the inflammation and quash the pain. When taken correctly, ibuprofen is a safe and effective choice. Available both over-the-counter and by prescription, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes to prevent or reduce pain and inflammation. While ibuprofen works well when you take it as directed, taking more of the medicine or taking it too often is not helpful and can actually hurt you, says gastroenterologist Gerard Isenberg, MD. “People who take it chronically are at risk of developing problems," he says. "A recent study showed that incorrect use of NSAIDs is estimated to account for 107,000 hospitalizations and 15,600 deaths annually in the United States.” Risks of Incorrect Ibuprofen UseAmong the risks of chronic or incorrect ibuprofen use are:
Ibuprofen is an appropriate option for most people, but Dr. Isenberg says it can cause these complications when:
If you choose to take ibuprofen to help you through an injury or other painful condition, Dr. Isenberg says you can mitigate your risk of developing side effects by following these five guidelines:
“Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used meds in the United States,” Dr. Isenberg says. “It has many therapeutic benefits and, despite some of the risks, a very strong safety profile. You just need to be cognizant of how much you use, for how long and whether you have any issues that could cause an increased risk of side effects.” Gerard Isenberg, MD is a gastroenterologist and associate chief and director, Clinical Operations, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, and chief medical quality officer, University Hospitals Digestive Health Institute, at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. You can request an appointment with Dr. Isenberg or any other medical provider online. Question:Can you damage your body permanently by taking too much ibuprofen? Is it possible for the damage to occur a few years after taking too much? Answered by Darby Luckey, DO:Absolutely yes! We often assume the safety of over-the-counter medications because we do not require a prescription for them. When we turn to these quick pain relievers, we must ask the questions: What are we masking? Has this symptom been properly addressed? We have to understand what is causing the pain in order to find a long-term solution. When taken too frequently or in too high dosages, NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can pose risks to your gastrointestinal system, kidneys and heart. These drugs can lead to thinning in the lining of the stomach, causing ulcers and GI bleeding. Because our kidneys have to metabolize these drugs, taking too much, especially for too long, can lead to decreased kidney output, chronic kidney disease or acute kidney failure. Recent data has also pointed to an increased risk for heart disease. Consistent use of NSAIDs can also cause what we call rebound headaches. If the body is used to taking an NSAID regularly, it can lead to headaches when we haven’t taken a dose. Occasional and moderate use of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can help relieve pain in the short-term but relying on them can pose long-term health risks. Every patient is different, which makes it difficult to know how much ibuprofen or NSAID is safe. Patients should speak with their physicians to find out what dosage is safe for them but should never take more than the labeled dosing recommendations. What are the side effects of high doses of ibuprofen?Ibuprofen may cause side effects.. constipation.. diarrhea.. gas or bloating.. dizziness.. nervousness.. ringing in the ears.. How much ibuprofen can you take before it becomes toxic?Life-threatening features of ibuprofen toxicity have been shown only to occur in patients who have ingested greater than 400 mg/kg ibuprofen [15].
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