Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter pain reliever that is useful for the treatment of minor aches and pains. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. According to Drugs.com, fluid retention has been observed in some patients taking ibuprofen. For that reason, the medication should be used with caution in patients who already have fluid retention, kidney or heart problems. Consult your doctor about the possible risks of taking ibuprofen.
About Fluid Retention
Fluid is regularly drained from the body by the lymphatic system and emptied back into the bloodstream. Fluid retention, also called edema, happens when the fluid is not fully removed from the tissues. Two main categories of fluid retention include generalized edema, which is swelling all over the body, and localized edema, which affects certain body parts. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can cause edema, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Signs and Symptoms
Fluid retention is a common side effect of taking ibuprofen. For most people, this symptom is not cause for concern and disappears when you discontinue the drug. Ibuprofen often causes minor fluid retention, but sometimes the edema symptoms can be more serious. Fluid retention symptoms may include body aches, joint stiffness and unexplained, rapid weight gain. Discontinue the medication and consult your health care provider if these signs occur.
When to Avoid Ibuprofen
Certain patients should completely avoid ibuprofen due to fluid retention--which can worsen certain existing conditions. Avoid taking ibuprofen if you have experienced bleeding or perforation of the gut as a result of previous treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug. People with a peptic ulcer or bleeding in the gut should not take it. Also avoid ibuprofen if you have heart, kidney or liver failure.
Considerations
Since your body's lymphatic system helps clear excess fluid from tissues, if the system is damaged due to a medical condition such as infection or cancer, the lymph nodes will have to work overtime to clear the body of fluids. For that reason, people with a damaged lymphatic system should avoid ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
