Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, or NSAID, medication sold both over-the-counter and via prescription in higher doses, is a commonly prescribed to reduce pain, fever and inflammation. People with arthritis and other medical conditions that cause inflammation and swelling often take ibuprofen. Narcotic pain medications may also contain ibuprofen. Ibuprofen, like any medication, can cause side effects that range from mild to severe.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
The most common side effects of ibuprofen include gastrointestinal problems. According to Drugs.com, between 4 and 16 percent of people who took Ibuprofen in controlled clinical trials complained of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, cramping, bloating, gas, indigestion and heartburn.
Increased Bleeding
Ibuprofen increases the risks of prolonged bleeding, eMedTV warns. Signs of increased bleeding include red or purple dots on the skin, called petechiae or larger purple posts, called purpura, in addition to a bloody nose, bleeding gums or black, tarry stools, which is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in 23 percent of patients taking 2,400mg or more of ibuprofen a day, Drugs.com reports. Other signs of gastrointestinal bleeding include occult, or not visible to the naked eye, blood in the urine or stool and bloody vomit.
Central Nervous System Effects
Central Nervous System side effects of ibuprofen can include dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, headache, depression and moodiness. Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleepiness and stupor can occur.
Other Side Effects
Other common side effects of ibuprofen can include ringing in the ears, dizziness, fluid retention, difficulty breathing and fatigue. Decrease in urine output and difficulty urinating are also more common effects from ibuprofen, according to the Mayo Clinic. Blurred vision and double vision may occur.
Serious side Effects
Any medication, including ibuprofen, can cause an allergic reaction. Signs of allergy to ibuprofen include rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, swelling of the face and wheezing. A severe allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention.
In addition to severe allergic reactions, serious side effects of ibuprofen include kidney and liver dysfunction and an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke, eMedTV states. Approximately 15 percent of people taking ibuprofen have abnormal liver function tests, Drugs.com states. Signs of liver problems include fatigue, jaundice, or a yellow tinge to the whites of the eyes and skin and dark urine. The same source reports a clinical trial that indicated a higher risk of end stage kidney disease in people who have taken more than 5,000 pills containing NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.
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