Ibuprofen is a medication used to manage the pain from headaches, toothaches, injuries and minor cramps. It is also used to reduce fever. According to Drugs.com, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It prevents your body from making the substances necessary to promote inflammation and pain. Typically, you will take 300mg of ibuprofen four times a day or as your doctor prescribes. The maximum ibuprofen dose is 3200mg daily.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, ibuprofen typically causes flatulence (gas), bloating, skin rashes and heartburn, a condition in which stomach acid moves up your esophagus. Heartburn can be treated with over-the-counter antacids or acid-blockers such as omeprazole. Ibuprofen also causes stomach problems, dizziness, a headache and diarrhea. Severe or frequent bouts of diarrhea can cause dehydration and reduced potassium levels. Drink seven to 10 full glasses of water every day to replenish the amount of water you lost. Consume foods such as apricots, raisins and bananas, which are rich in potassium. Ibuprofen's other common side effects include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nervousness, blurry vision and constipation. These side effects should not provoke any more problems but phone your doctor when ibuprofen's common effects last for more than three days.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that ibuprofen increases your risk for developing a stroke and heart attack (myocardial infarction). Signs of a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) include a sudden and severe headache, numbness and tingling on one side of the body, dysarthria (trouble speaking) and difficulty walking. Signs of a heart attack include radiating chest pain to the arm, diaphoresis (sweating) and nausea. Call 911. Ibuprofen also elevates your chances of developing gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration. Signs of this include severe stomach pain, vomiting and black or bloody stools.
The National Institutes of Health says that ibuprofen can also cause aggression, unexplained weight gain, a headache, confusion, poor appetite and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Jaundice is a sign of liver injury. Your doctor will check your liver enzymes and obtain an ultrasound of your liver to assess the state of your liver. Ibuprofen can also cause extreme fatigue, blisters, bloody urine and tachycardia (a fast heartbeat). Call your physician when ibuprofen causes these serious effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid ibuprofen if you are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. An allergic response to ibuprofen includes difficulty breathing, hives, and tongue and facial or throat swelling. Inform your doctor of whether you have a history of a heart attack, stroke, asthma, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or bleeding. Ibuprofen can worsen these conditions. A dose adjustment may be necessary when taking ibuprofen with lithium, methotrexate, benazepril or diclofenac.
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