Ibuprofen is a very common over-the-counter medication taken by millions of people each year. It is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which also includes medications such as naproxen and asprin. According to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are the most prescribed medication for conditions such as arthritis. Ibuprofen is useful in many musculoskeletal conditions because it has several effective properties. Like all drugs, it also has potential unwanted side effects.
Pain Relief
According to MedlinePlus, ibuprofen is used to relieve pain and tenderness from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to relieve headaches, menstrual pain, toothaches, backache and pain associated with the cold and flu. NSAIDs block pain by preventing the enzyme cyclooxygenase, or COX, which is an enzyme that promotes both inflammation and pain. By blocking the effectiveness of this enzyme, pain-generating chemicals are not produced.
Inflammation
There are actually two different cyclooxygenase enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-2 is the version that stimulates the inflammatory process. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that blocks both COX-1 and COX-2, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon. This makes it an ideal medication for musculoskeletal injuries where pain and inflammation are present. Soft tissue injuries, such as those that may occur in an auto or sports accident, often cause a great deal of pain and inflammation. In many cases, inflammation can be a leading cause of pain, as inflammatory chemicals irritate nearby nerves.
Fever
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are effective fever-reducing medications. An article from the "Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine" states that ibuprofen is equally as safe as acetaminophen and is superior in its ability to reduce fever. Prostaglandins are body chemicals that trigger the brain to cause an increase in temperature. Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins and helps to reduce fever.
Side Effects
Ibuprofen can also cause many unwanted side effects, which can range from minor annoyances to dangerous conditions. According to Drugs.com, some of the most common side effects of regular use of ibuprofen are dizziness, diarrhea, gas, nausea, stomach pain, headache and heartburn. Some of the less common, but more serious, side effects are severe allergic reactions, change in kidney function, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, swelling, vision or speech changes, mental changes, and numbness, to name a few. Drugs.com also says that the increased risk for some of these side effects increases the longer ibuprofen is taken. Harvard Medical School reports that cardiovascular risks of ibuprofen use include increased blood pressure and increased atherosclerosis. It is important to follow directions with regards to dosing when taking ibuprofen or any NSAID.
