If you are looking for a solution to relieve mild to moderate pain, your doctor or pharmacist will probably recommend ibuprofen. Ibuprofen tablets are used to reduce and control pain, reduce inflammation, lower body temperature and fever. They are also prescribed and recommended in some cases to relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune joint disease), osteoarthritis (a disease of the joints caused by wear and tear), and primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
What is ibuprofen for? It is usually produced in the form of tablets, capsules, suppositories, suspensions and liquids, but sometimes this magical substance is also used in the manufacture of creams or gels for topical use on the skin. Ibuprofen tablets are available in doses of 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg, although higher doses are recommended only with a doctor's prescription, according to your condition and based on the severity of your symptoms.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the COX enzyme, specifically COX-1 and COX-2, which leads to a decrease in the production of prostaglandins (which cause pain and inflammation in the body). The release of prostaglandins stimulates sensory neurons in the affected area, ultimately causing pain and inflammation in the affected area.
Ibuprofen is produced in different doses and formats and is recommended according to the level of pain. This substance relieves pain in less than 1-2 hours by inhibiting prostaglandins.
Frequently asked questions about taking ibuprofen tablets
In this section, we will examine and answer the most common questions about taking ibuprofen tablets and important points about it.
• What should I do if I miss a dose of ibuprofen?
You can take it as soon as you remember, just remember not to take it if it is almost time for your next dose and go back to your previous routine when the next dose is due.
• If I have a lot of pain, can I take 2 different doses of ibuprofen at the same time?
No, using 2 different doses of ibuprofen is not allowed.
• Can I use ibuprofen as a routine pain reliever?
Ibuprofen tablets are a short-term pain reliever that is not recommended for long-term use, and if its effect on your body is normal, pain relief will occur 1-2 hours after taking it.
Are ibuprofen pills addictive?
Drug dependence usually occurs with drugs that cause changes in a person's lifestyle, temperament, mood, and behavior, however, ibuprofen is considered a drug with a low risk of dependence and addiction.
Is it permissible to use ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time?
No, simultaneous use of medications such as ibuprofen, DiclofenacAspirin, naproxen, piroxicam, celecoxib, and ketoprofen are not recommended at all because they can increase the risk of side effects, drug interactions, and the risk of increased blood pressure.
Taking any medication requires knowing its dos and don'ts. Ibuprofen is also a temporary treatment solution and cannot be used as a routine reliever. It is very important to pay attention to the time of use, dosage, and other recommendations of a specialist doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects of ibuprofen
Despite the miraculous effects that this amazing drug has on the body in a short time, it can also have side effects, which are listed below. Remember that not all of these side effects occur at the same time and can vary depending on conditions such as age or other medications you are taking.
- Dizziness
- Skin problems
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Tinnitus
- Mild allergic reactions
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bladder irritation and pain
- Frequent urination
If you experience any side effects such as blurred vision, decreased vision and changes in color vision, mood changes, unexplained neck stiffness, bruising, and bleeding, be sure to see a specialist immediately. In some people, it may lead to more severe reactions such as swelling of the eyelids, under the skin, hands, and lips, although these are rare cases.
Common Misconceptions About Ibuprofen Tablets
As mentioned, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, but there are some mistakes about this drug that can cause irreparable problems, so it is necessary to pay attention to its correct use. Important points to consider when using ibuprofen are: prohibition of simultaneous use of two NSAIDs, inadmissibility of use when allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other cases that, given their great importance, we will explain them in more detail.
Taking ibuprofen for a long time without a doctor's advice
Given that excessive consumption of this product results in damage to the stomach lining, it increases the risk of stomach ulcers and digestive problems, especially in people with a history of stomach and intestinal problems. For these people, doctors usually prescribe stomach-protecting drugs along with ibuprofen to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers. It is also possible to develop various infections or kidney problems, which can be monitored with the relevant tests.
Concomitant use of ibuprofen and alcohol
Since alcohol and ibuprofen both cause damage to the liver and digestive system, taking both of these definitely increases the risk of stomach and liver damage, and can even cause stomach bleeding, especially if taken for a long time or if the person has blood problems or a history of stomach bleeding.
Taking ibuprofen tablets during pregnancy
Given the sensitivity of this period and the priority given to the health of the mother and fetus, all medical matters and medication use should be under the supervision of a specialist, as they may have direct and indirect effects on the fetus. For some people, using ibuprofen is the first choice for toothaches, inflammation, arthritis, and muscle pain, but during pregnancy, extra caution should be exercised.
During weeks 20 to 30 of pregnancy, taking this medication can cause amniotic fluid to decrease, and after week 30, it can cause heart failure or even death of the baby shortly after birth. According to studies, taking ibuprofen in the second trimester and toxin can also increase the risk of asthma.
Ibuprofen tablets for children
Ibuprofen tablets are prescribed by a doctor for children, especially those up to 2 years old. Even the Food and Drug Administration does not recommend the use of this drug for children under 6 months.
There are common mistakes in taking ibuprofen tablets that cause troublesome risks, including kidney and digestive problems. There is also a common mistake in pronouncing this drug, with some people using ibuprofen or brufon tablets instead of its correct name.
7 Drugs That Interact with Ibuprofen
Taking ibuprofen and some other medications can cause drug interactions, resulting in less effectiveness or more side effects. Below, we will examine some of these medications.
1. LithiumConcomitant use of ibuprofen and lithium reduces the effectiveness of lithium and increases the incidence of its psychological and neurological side effects.
2. Antiplatelet drug interactions And ibuprofen is due to its anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties. Antiplatelet drugs include warfarin, heparin, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban.
3. Taking oral hypoglycemics (oral diabetes medications) And ibuprofen reduces the effectiveness of hypoglycemics and increases the risk of hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar to a lower than normal level). Oral diabetes medications include metformin, glimepiride, gluconide, clobride, glipizide, and gliclazide.
4. Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
5. Beta-blocker interactions And ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of beta-blockers and increase their side effects, including increased fatigue, headache, digestive disorders, and even an increased risk of heart complications such as arrhythmia. Beta-blockers include propranolol and atenolol.
6. Taking ibuprofen and cyclosporine simultaneouslyMay increase the risk of kidney damage or renal toxicity.
7. Digoxin and ibuprofen interaction, which further increases the effectiveness of digoxin and ultimately increases the risk of cardiac complications.
Drug interactions between ibuprofen and the aforementioned medications can reduce the effectiveness or increase the side effects of the medications, so it is very important to use them consciously.
Ibuprofen dosage
It must have happened to you that the dosage of the medicine recommended for you is different from that of another person. This depends on different conditions that are prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist, including: age, weight, physical health, level of pain, type of treatment, etc., which we will explain below.
The level of pain and inflammation
Ibuprofen tablets are a temporary treatment option and are used to relieve pain such as headaches, Period pain, muscle cramps, bone pain, and toothache are among them. They are even recommended for use after surgery, and depending on the level of pain, the doctor will prescribe a specific dose. However, it should be noted that ibuprofen should not be used for a long time, as it can cause digestive, stomach, and kidney problems.
The effect of age and weight on ibuprofen consumption
Dosages may vary based on age and weight, for example, people with higher weight and larger body mass may need to take a higher dose to distribute the medication optimally throughout their body to ensure that the required amount of medication is present in their bloodstream. The dosage of ibuprofen tablets is quite different for adults and children, with a higher dose being recommended for adults.
Using ibuprofen in certain physical conditions
If a person has certain physical conditions, they should be cautious about taking ibuprofen. These conditions can include asthma, diabetes, pregnancy, heart problems, digestive problems, and kidney problems. Given that not following medication instructions during pregnancy can cause serious and irreparable harm to the mother and child, it is recommended that in these circumstances, the type and amount of any medication should be discussed with your specialist.
The oral dosage (tablets and suspension) is usually prescribed as follows:
• Menstrual cramps: Ibuprofen 400 mg and repeat the dose every 4 hours, one tablet.
• In adults, fever less than 39.2 5 mg per kilogram of body weight
• In adults, fever above 39.2 per kilogram of body weight 10 mg
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults between 1200-3200 mg per day
• Children between 6 months and 2 years old based on weight and body temperature
Note: Remember that the maximum allowed dose for daily use is 3200 mg.
What is Ibuprofen 400 tablets for?
Ibuprofen 400 tablets are one of the most commonly used doses of this drug. This means that 400 mg of ibuprofen has been used in the production of this tablet. In some countries, this drug is available without a prescription and in others, it is only available with a doctor's prescription, but remember that due to the problems that this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may cause, be sure to consult a specialist for use, especially for long-term use.
Ibuprofen 400 is also used to relieve menstrual cramps, toothache, reduce inflammation, arthritis pain, after surgery, and headaches. It is best to take the tablet with a full glass of water. If your stomach upsets, take this medicine with milk or other antacids (aloe vera drink, ginger tea, apple juice, and lemon juice) and try not to lie down for a few minutes afterward (at least 15 minutes).
Conclusion
Ibuprofen tablets are one of the most effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to their ability to reduce pain and inflammation. However, it is not the only treatment and has its own dos and don'ts. Especially in times of specific health conditions, it should be taken under the strict supervision of a doctor.
The recommended dosage depends on different conditions, including age, weight, physical condition, amount of pain, and type of pain. Therefore, this medicine should not be taken arbitrarily, as it can cause various problems such as nausea, skin, digestive, and kidney problems. Also, some people may be allergic to this medicine, and the pharmacist can suggest alternatives.
Ibuprofen can be combined with other ingredients such as acetaminophen and caffeine to enhance its effects. Megafen Pain, a combination of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and caffeine, can be a quick solution for relieving menstrual pain, toothache, and all types of headaches.
