What condition does Ibuprofen treat?
Ibuprofen is a prescription used in different conditions such as:
- Dental pain
- Headache
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle aches
- Arthritis
- Muscle aches
This medicine may also be used to relieve minor aches and pain because of flu or a common cold as well as to lessen fever. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This is an FDA-approved prescription that comes as a tablet for oral use.
How does Ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen works by blocking the creation of prostaglandins. Those are substances that the body releases as a reaction to injury and illness. Prostaglandins cause swelling, pain, or inflammation. They are released in the brain and they can also cause fever.
The pain-killing effects of this drug begin soon after taking a dose. The anti-inflammatory effects can take longer. It may also take sometimes several weeks. You should begin to feel well 20-30 minutes after taking the medicine. For some types of long-term pain, you’ll need to take it regularly for about 3 weeks for it to work well.
What is the recommended dosage for Ibuprofen?
This medicine is usually taken 4 to 6 hours, by mouth with a full glass of water. You should not lie down for about 10 minutes after having a dose. If stomach upset happen, you can take it with milk, food, or an antacid.
Ibuprofen can be taken alone and in combination with other medications. Some of these combination products are available by prescription only. Also, some of these combination products are available without a prescription and are used to treat cold and cough symptoms and other conditions. If your doctor has prescribed a medication that contains Ibuprofen, you must be careful not to take any non-prescription medications that also contain Ibuprofen.
Non-prescription cold and cough combination products including a product that has Ibuprofen can cause serious side effects in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4 to 11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.
What are the side effects of Ibuprofen?
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Headache
What are the precautions in taking Ibuprofen?
- Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to the medicine. This may contain an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. Tell also if you have any allergies.
- Let your doctor know if your condition persists or worsens.
- Do not use this drug on any other medical condition without a prescription from your doctor.
- You should not share this drug with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications including vitamins, herbal products, or food supplements.
- This is not recommended in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- If you are over 65 years of age, this medicine increases your risk of having stomach ulcers. Your doctor will recommend medication to defend your stomach if you are taking this drug for a long-term condition.
- To make sure that this medication is safe for you, inform your doctor that you have heart disease, liver problems, kidney failure, or ulcerative colitis before taking a dose of Ibuprofen.
