Ibuprofen is one of the most widely consumed analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antipyretics globally, being an over-the-counter product that is not usually lacking in every home medical kit. But despite being so well known, many users do not know how to administer it properly, how many hours to ingest it, and how long they should extend the treatment, abusing the daily dose amended by the European Medicines Agency and putting their health at risk without knowing it.
Suppose you wonder how often you can take ibuprofen, the consequences of its excessive consumption and in which cases it is better to see a doctor in this FastlyHealarticle. In that case, we clarify all these doubts in detail.
Table of Contents
What is ibuprofen for?
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID commonly used as an analgesic and antipyretic. It is an over-the-counter product, so it is widespread in the essential medicine cabinets of every home, being used to treat pain that causes inflammation.
Ibuprofen is taken to:
- Soothe pain and inflammation caused by strains, muscle injuries, sprains, back pain, tendonitis, bursitis, or osteoarthritis.
- Relieve menstrual pain of primary origin, that is, those caused by the discomfort of the rule.
- Soothe the headache.
- Reduce pain from minor sports injuries.
- Reduce moderate dental pain.
- Reduce postoperative discomfort that is not too strong.
- Relieve the pain of mild rheumatoid arthritis.
How often can I take ibuprofen?
The European Medicines Agency advises that the daily dose of ibuprofen should never exceed 2,400 milligrams per day; this frequent excessive intake could put our health at risk. The daily amount of this medicine will depend on the reason why we are taking it; in this way, it is recommended:
- As an analgesic or antipyretic: 400 or 600 milligrams of ibuprofen every 8 hours; if the pain is extreme, it can be ingested every 6 hours. In the case of menstrual cramps and to ensure greater effectiveness, it is advisable to start treatment a couple of days before the period comes to have an analgesic in the blood to reduce the discomfort. It is not recommended to exceed 1,800 mg per day in these cases.
- It is recommended to take a 400 to 600 mg tablet every 6 hours as an anti-inflammatory. The recommended dose to reduce inflammation ranges from 1200 to 1800 mg daily.
Although the 600 mg presentation is one of the most common, it is essential to know that 400 mg of ibuprofen is enough to reduce pain or inflammation from mild to moderate. Opting for a higher presentation may not bring significant benefits to increasing the risks of side effects. The use of the 600 mg presentation is only recommended under medical supervision and in particular cases.
How many days a month can I take ibuprofen?
A specialist and strict medical supervision should only recommend prolonged ibuprofen treatment. When consuming it freely, experts recommend that it not be ingested for more than ten days a month, or there is a risk of side effects, including frequent headaches.
Therefore, if you are suffering from headaches regularly and have decided to self-medicate with this tablet, this may be causing more problems than solutions. In the face of any intense or persistent pain, we must go to a doctor for a review to obtain adequate treatment for our condition without putting our health at risk.
Never exceed the recommended daily dose!
The maximum daily dose of ibuprofen should not exceed 2,400 mg daily, or we could significantly harm our health, running the risk of suffering from:
- Nervous system problems, such as frequent and severe headaches.
- Gastrointestinal issues include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gastric or duodenal ulcers.
- Heart problems, especially in hypertensive or heart failure patients.
- Kidney and liver conditions.
It is also essential to be clear that although it is an over-the-counter drug, ibuprofen has interaction with other medications. Therefore, if you are under treatment with any of the following substances, you should consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen frequently:
- Medicines for blood pressure.
- Diuretics
- Therapies for heart failure.
- Lithium.
- Methotrexate
- Corticosteroids
- Anticoagulants
- Cyclosporine.
- Mifepristone.
- Quinolones.
- Any other pain reliever.
Better use Paracetamol if …
It should not be forgotten that ibuprofen is mainly a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory; this quality can mean that, when administered very frequently to calm the headache or fever, we risk developing frequent headaches as a side effect. For this reason, doctors recommend that, when it comes to managing a headache or lowering a fever, you opt for Paracetamol instead of ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen side effects
As long as it is ingested in the recommended doses, ibuprofen is considered a safe drug. Despite this, it can present specific side effects such as:
- Diarrhea.
- Sickness.
- Vomiting
- Pain in the abdomen, head, or back.
- Rashes and lesions on the skin.
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Vertigo and dizziness.
- Swelling in various areas of the body.
- Tachycardia.
- Changes in vision
If you experience any adverse reaction when ingesting this Medication, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Ibuprofen contraindications
This medicine should not be taken in the case of:
- Pregnant or nursing women.
- Children under 12 years of age unless recommended and supervised by a doctor.
- People with sensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid.
- Patients with heart, liver, or kidney dysfunction.
- Those who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, gastric or peptic ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Patients with clotting problems.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How often I can take ibuprofen, we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.