While ibuprofen is available over the counter (OTC) at the 200mg level under brand names like Motrin, Advil and Midol, 800mg ibuprofen must be prescribed by a physician. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) helps relieve pain and reduce arthritic swelling, stiffness, joint pain and inflammation. It can lessen painful muscle cramps from menstrual periods as well as work to reduce pain with other maladies. But at the upper level of 800mg dosage, side effects may occur, so websites like the RxList.com website urge using the lowest dose that is effective, with the added warning not to use more than 3,200mg (four 800mg tablets) in a 24-hour period.
Cardiac Side Effects
Ibuprofen 800mg tablets can cause a variety of cardiac events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which may be fatal. The RxList website states the risk of cardiac side effects increases the longer you use the medication. Special care should be taken for anyone using the medication who also has a history of heart problems.
Gastrointestinal Damage
Ibuprofen 800mg tablets can damage your stomach or intestines as a side effect. The Drugs.com website cautions against taking more than four tablets per day because of the possibility of stomach upset or damage due to overdose. The RxList.com website states that even ordinary use of 800mg tablets can bring on gastrointestinal damage without warning signs. The site suggests taking the medication with food or milk to lessen the possible negative effect on your stomach lining. The risk of stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding and perforation of the stomach or intestines is especially great with the elderly, so special care should be used in geriatric use of ibuprofen.
Kidney Disease
Prolonged use of ibuprofen 800mg tablets can cause kidney damage as a side effect. The RxList.com website states long term use of ibuprofen has caused renal papillary necrosis, renal toxicity and other kidney disease. Continued use of ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and bring on renal decompensation. Patients with renal maladies, liver problems or heart problems are most at risk.
Skin Rash
Patients taking ibuprofen 800mg tablets may develop serious skin rashes, blistering or peeling as side effects. Mayo Clinic staff says you should speak to your physician immediately if your skin develops a rash, loosens or forms a lesion after taking ibuprofen. You should also seek immediate medical help if you develop mouth sores, white spots on your mouth or lips, itching or mouth ulcers.
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