But this common pill, available in over-the-counter medications, was once regarded as a true medical breakthrough, the product of long research to find a “super aspirin” that would do more of the things aspirin accomplished without the side effects.
Sold under such names as Motrin and Advil, ibuprofen is technically known as isobutylphenylpropanic acid and is considered a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is a common and effective tool against fevers, pain and inflammation.
But for all the good it accomplishes, too much of a good thing can have bad consequences. Because ibuprofen is available without a prescription, many people think that gobbling it has little to no effect on the body, and that if one pill is good, two or three may be better. They could not be more wrong.
The History of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is the result of a research program started in the 1950s, finally becoming reality and being patented in 1961 by Boots Company. It was originally marketed as Brufen and was available only through prescription but became an over-the-counter drug in the United States and United Kingdom in 1983 and 1984. It was the first NSAID other than aspirin to be available without a prescription in those countries and is now considered one of the world’s essential medications.
Ibuprofen’s emergence came after several “super aspirin” compounds did not achieve expected results in their clinical stages. Ibuprofen was found to have gastrointestinal tolerability and a short elimination half-life when it was first made available in the UK in 1966 and the United States in 1974.
Some believe its qualities may play a role in protecting against Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers. Like other NSAIDs, ibuprofen works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, the fat molecules derived from arachidonic acid, and stopping cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that lurks in various body parts.
While ibuprofen works in all sorts of wondrous ways, it also states clearly on the bottle that you should only take it for a short time and certainly not more than the recommended dosage. In other words, if you want ibuprofen’s safety and effectiveness, follow the directions. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not take it more often than recommended, and do not take it for long periods of time.
While the dosage of ibuprofen will vary because of a patient’s particulars and the condition being treated, there are general guidelines. Children older than age two should only take ibuprofen when recommended by a doctor, who will set the guidelines. For adults, 400 milligrams every four to six hours is the dosage for mild pain and fever. For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as many as 1,200 to 3,200 milligrams may be recommended in three to four doses spread over 24 hours. Missed doses should be taken as soon as they are noticed, but never double doses.
Potential Ibuprofen Problems
Like any drug, ibuprofen can cause issues in some people. It may cause:
1) An increased risk of a heart attack or stroke
2) Bleeding in the intestines or stomach
3) Skin reactions that include peeling, blistering and loosening of the skin
4) Cough
5) Diarrhea
6) Itching
7) Joint pain
8) Red skin lesions
9) Sore throat
10) Ulcers
11) White spots on the lips or mouth
12) Unusual fatigue
Of course, most of these may be reactions in combination with other medications or the result of some other underlying illness. Ibuprofen has what are termed “black box warnings,” which are indications that some severe consequences may occur and that anyone contemplating its use should consult a doctor.
These warnings are that ibuprofen can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart attacks and that ibuprofen can damage the stomach’s lining, which can lead to heartburn and stomach ulcers.
A doctor will ask the following questions before prescribing ibuprofen:
1) Have you had asthma, hives or an allergic reaction to NSAIDs or aspirin in the past?
2) Have you had congestive heart failure?
3) Any extremely low red blood cell counts?
4) Any increased skull pressure?
5) Do you smoke?
6) Have you recently had a heart attack?
7) Do you drink heavily?
8) Ever had lupus erythematous (ELE)?
9) Any bleeding disorders or slow clotting factors?
All of these can be a factor in whether ibuprofen is prescribed.
When to See a Doctor
Warning signs may emerge if you take too much ibuprofen. These include swelling in the fingers, feet, lower legs and face; severe stomach pains; black stools that may resemble tar; vomiting blood; weight gain; yellow eyes and skin; decreased urine flow; skin rashes; and unusual bruising or bleeding. Heart problems can include chest pain, slurred speech, weakness, flushed face, unusually warm skin and tightness in the chest.
In some cases, too much ibuprofen can cause a reaction called anaphylaxis. This occurs in patients who have an allergy to ibuprofen and can cause breathing problems, wheezing, fainting or gasping for breath, hives on the skin, an irregular pulse, and puffiness around the eyes or the eyelids. This is an emergency situation, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
In rare cases, the conditions wrought by ibuprofen may be mistaken for symptoms of meningitis, which has similar issues of fever, headache, vomiting, nausea and stiffness. Let a medical professional decide whether the affliction is a result of ibuprofen ingestion or meningitis.
Finally, using ibuprofen while pregnant can harm the fetus. Talk to your doctor immediately if you suspect pregnancy while taking ibuprofen.