Is ibuprofen really a universal painkiller? Beware! Taking the wrong medication in these 6 situations can be dangerous

Expert of this article: Qin Wei, PhD, Chief Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital

I believe many people are familiar with ibuprofen, especially female friends.

I have a stomachache, take ibuprofen...

If you have a migraine, take an ibuprofen...

Fever, ibuprofen, arrange...

Many people even take ibuprofen no matter where they feel pain. So is ibuprofen really a universal painkiller? What are the side effects of taking too much?

Let’s learn together today.

Is ibuprofen a universal painkiller?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, thereby alleviating tissue congestion and swelling caused by prostaglandins and reducing the sensitivity of peripheral nerve pain. In addition, it can also play an antipyretic (commonly known as "fever-reducing") role by acting on the hypothalamic temperature regulation center.

Ibuprofen can relieve a variety of pain, including headaches, joint pain, migraines, toothaches, muscle pain, neuralgia, dysmenorrhea, postoperative pain, low back pain, pain caused by sports injuries; pain caused by strain, tenosynovitis, bursitis; rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, other non-rheumatoid arthritis and acute gout.

The effects of ibuprofen cover almost all kinds of pain encountered in daily life, but please note that if you blindly take painkillers when encountering certain pains, it may delay the condition.

The most dangerous is the pain caused by heart disease. When a heart disease attacks, it may cause toothache, back pain, shoulder pain, and chest pain. When it happens, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Do not take painkillers on your own, which will delay the best treatment time.

Who should not take ibuprofen?

1. Pregnant women are prohibited from using

Ibuprofen may cross the placenta and cause harm to the fetus. Using it for more than 20 weeks may cause fetal kidney damage and increase the risk of insufficient amniotic fluid.

2. Breastfeeding women

Ibuprofen can enter breast milk, so breastfeeding women should stop breastfeeding if taking the medication.

3. Women who are preparing for pregnancy

It can delay or prevent ovulation and cause reversible infertility. Therefore, women who are planning pregnancy should use this drug with caution. Those who have difficulty conceiving or are undergoing infertility testing should consider stopping the drug.

4. Patients with peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding

Ibuprofen can inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase 1, which protects the gastrointestinal mucosa, and aggravate ulcers or bleeding.

5. Patients with heart disease

High doses (≥2400 mg/day) of oral ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and the risk increases with dose and duration of use.

6. Patients with liver disease or kidney disease

Since ibuprofen is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, taking ibuprofen may aggravate the condition of such patients.

What are the side effects of taking too much ibuprofen?

The following side effects may occur after normal use of ibuprofen: nausea, vomiting, stomach burning, mild indigestion, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, mental tension, drowsiness, lower limb edema or sudden weight gain, etc.

If taken in excess or for a long time, it may cause serious side effects, including serious gastrointestinal reactions (such as bleeding, ulcers, perforation, manifested as vomiting blood, black stools, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, etc.), serious cardiovascular thrombotic events (may manifest as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, slurred speech, etc.), and serious skin reactions (such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Jones syndrome).

If you experience the above symptoms during medication, or if you experience a rash or other allergic reaction when taking the medicine for the first time, please stop taking the medicine and seek medical attention.

What are the precautions for taking ibuprofen?

It is best not to use ibuprofen for a long time or in large quantities. Please do not use it for more than 5 days when used for analgesia, and do not use it for more than 3 days when used for antipyretic.

Drinking alcohol during medication may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and serious cardiovascular side effects. Please avoid drinking alcohol or beverages containing alcohol.

Ibuprofen may inhibit your blood clotting function, and you may bleed more easily after taking the medicine. Please use a soft-bristled toothbrush and electric shaver, etc.

Please do not take other medicines containing antipyretic and analgesic ingredients at the same time, especially some compound cold medicines may contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Ibuprofen may induce or aggravate high blood pressure. We recommend that you monitor your blood pressure closely during medication. If you are worried about overdosage, you can go to the hospital to monitor your ibuprofen blood concentration.

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