Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is recommended for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains and reduction of fever. The Physicians' Desk Reference 2010 edition strongly warns patients not to take more than the recommended dose, not to exceed use for more than 10 days unless directed by a physician and to use the smallest effective dose. The side effects of taking ibuprofen can be a severe allergic reaction, especially in individuals who are allergic to aspirin, and severe stomach bleeding, especially in individuals who are over the age of 60, have other medical conditions and consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while taking this drug. Ibuprofen use can affect the cardiovascular and renal system, too.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects of taking ibuprofen involve the gastrointestinal system. Adverse reactions include gastritis, which is inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach. The individual may experience nausea and vomiting, epigastric and abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. The development of gastrointestinal ulcers, gastric bleeding and liver damage are serious consequences of long-term use of NSAIDs.
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a major complication of NSAID use. According to Deepak Bhatt, M.D., Chief of Cardiology at VA Boston Healthcare System, patients who take low-dose aspirin plus NSAIDs double the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to individuals who do not take this combination of medications. Reporting for the American Heart Association, Dr. Bhatt explains that low-dose aspirin is prescribed because of its anti-platelet action. It is used to reduce blood clot formation. Patients with atherosclerosis, a condition caused by plaque narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow, who also suffer from arthritis or musculoskeletal pain, are at risk of experiencing the gastrointestinal side effects of ibuprofen.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
According to the American Heart Association, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can raise blood pressure and/or interfere with the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications. Elliott Antman, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, explains that patients at risk of developing heart disease are vulnerable to the drug's side effects of increased sodium and water retention, elevated blood pressure and heart failure.
Side Effects on the Renal System
The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) reports that NSAID use is associated with acute renal failure and analgesic nephropathy. Acute kidney failure was noted in patients with high risk factors such as chronic kidney disease, advanced age and recent heavy alcohol consumption. Generally, drug use did not exceed 10 days. Analgesic nephropathy is a chronic kidney disorder that results in irreversible kidney failure. This side effect can result from daily use of analgesics over a period of several years.
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