Ibuprofen Tablet Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions: Ibuprofen is a pain reliever, belonging to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory class of drugs. It is quite a popular medicine and helps in treating swelling, pain, fever (by reducing body temperature) etc. It normally blocks the production of prostaglandins, which promote pain, fever, and inflammation. There is much more to medicine than this. Let us start by discussing its uses in detail.
Ibuprofen is a painkiller used to treat a variety of disorders. Some uses of ibuprofen are to treat:
menstrual cramps
muscle pain
high body temperature
Headache
teeth pain
arthritis pain
Apart from this, it also helps in treating problems like fever and swelling in the body. It is advisable to talk to your doctor if used for chronic diseases like arthritis.
How does Ibuprofen Work?
Ibuprofen works by blocking the production of substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a role in the body’s inflammatory response and cause pain, fever, and swelling. By reducing the levels of prostaglandins, ibuprofen helps reduce these symptoms.
What are the Side Effects of Ibuprofen?
Following are some of the side effects of ibuprofen:
Dizziness
Worry
rashes
muscle pain
blurred vision
misconception
skin inflammation
Diarrhea
metallic taste
vomiting
Nausea
Headache
joint pain
sleep problems
If you are experiencing any side effects, it is best to take the medicine as soon as possible. You can also seek help and consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen.
How and When to Take Ibuprofen?
Each ibuprofen tablet comes in several strengths, such as 200 mg, 400 mg, or 600 mg. There are also slow-release tablets in quantities of 200mg, 300mg and 800mg.
The dosage of ibuprofen depends on the condition being treated. If you are taking ibuprofen three times a day, you need to keep a gap of six hours between doses. However, if you are taking it four times a day, there should be a gap of at least four hours.
If you are experiencing pain most of the time, it is best to consult a doctor and take slow-release capsules. These should be taken once a day and there should be a gap of 10-12 hours between meals.
Here are some things to keep in mind before taking the medicine.
In case of liquid ibuprofen, you should measure the prescribed amount and take it accordingly.
Taking ibuprofen with food may reduce stomach irritation.
Ibuprofen is also available in melting tablet form if a person is not good at swallowing pills.
Swallow the tablets and capsules with water, juice or milk.
Do not chew, crush or break the tablet as this may cause irritation to the throat and mouth.
In case of pouch, take a glass and empty the pouch. Add water to it and as soon as it starts boiling, stir it and drink it immediately.
FAQ: Ibuprofen Tablet Uses
Q: Can I take ibuprofen with other medicines?
It is considered safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol and many other medicines. But you should not take the tablet with other painkillers like aspirin, naproxen etc. without doctor’s advice. Other medicines like Lotensin, Capoten, Coreg etc. should also not be taken with ibuprofen without medical consultation.
It is best to consult your doctor if you are taking herbal medicines, dietary supplements, or any other medications with ibuprofen.
Q: How does ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which plays a role in pain and inflammation pathways.
Q: What conditions can ibuprofen treat?
Ibuprofen is often used to treat conditions such as headache, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis and fever.
Q: What are the generic brand names of ibuprofen?
Common brand names of ibuprofen include Advil, Motrin, and Nurofen.
Q: Can I take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?
Although it can be taken on an empty stomach, ibuprofen is usually better tolerated with food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
Q: How quickly does ibuprofen show results?
Ibuprofen is a fast-absorbing pill, and one can see results in just 20-30 minutes. It doesn’t matter what form you take the medicine; All of them take approximately the same amount of time to show results. But for long-term pain it may take time and the doctor may increase the dosage for up to three weeks for the medicine to work properly.
Q: What are the possible side effects of ibuprofen?
Common side effects may include stomach upset, heartburn, and headache. More serious side effects may include stomach bleeding, allergic reactions, and kidney problems.
