Home WelfareGeneral well-being What is ibuprofen for?

What is ibuprofen for?

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Ibuprofen 600 mg or 400 mg is one of the nonprescription drugs most used worldwide, being a drug mainly present in any home. Despite this, many do not know precisely what ibuprofen is for or what are the risks of excessive or widespread consumption. In this FastlyHealarticle, we clarify everything you want to know about this drug, its uses, daily dose, side effects, and consequences of its excessive consumption.

What is ibuprofen used for?

Ibuprofen belongs to the group of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. This over-the-counter medicine is used as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic. It is usually used in those cases of mild or moderate pain that some inflammation may accompany.

Because it is an over-the-counter drug that comes in two forms, 400 mg, and 600 mg, ibuprofen is the most widely used anti-inflammatory drug worldwide.

In what cases can we take ibuprofen?

This tablet is popularly administered in cases of:

  • Headache.
  • Pain and inflammation are caused by sprains, tendonitis, lumbago, bursitis, osteoarthritis, or sprains.
  • Minor sports injuries.
  • Menstrual pain of primary origin.
  • Mild dental pain.
  • Mild rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Moderate postoperative pain.

The maximum daily dose of ibuprofen

The maximum daily dose of ibuprofen will depend on the type of condition that you want to treat. Its administration is oral, so it is recommended to consume the tablet with food or drinks such as milk to reduce its impact on the stomach.

The recommended doses are:

  • As an anti-inflammatory: it is recommended to ingest between 1200 and 1800 mg daily to treat inflammations and pains that occur with inflammation. You should never exceed 2400 mg. In patients with mild rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, this same dose or a lower dose may be recommended for maintenance treatment.
  • As an analgesic or antipyretic: 400 or 600 mg every 6 to 8 hours, depending on the intensity of the pain or fever. If it is ingested to calm menstrual cramps, it is advisable to start the treatment one or two days before the menstruation comes for it to act effectively. It is not recommended to exceed the dose of 1800 mg per day.

Ibuprofen contraindications

Like any other drug, this one also has specific contraindications, which is why its intake is not recommended for:

  • Pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester.
  • Children under 12 years old unless recommended and medical supervision.
  • People with hypersensitivity to ibuprofen.
  • Those with severe heart, liver, or kidney dysfunction.
  • Patients with gastrointestinal conditions such as peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or inflammatory diseases in the intestines.
  • People with bleeding disorders.

Possible side effects

Consumed in the recommended doses, ibuprofen is a drug that does not have significant risks and side effects; however, in some cases, those who ingest it may experience:

  • Sickness.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain. Head or back.
  • Skin rash.
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Dizziness.
  • Vertigo.

Consequences of taking ibuprofen in excess

Doctors, pharmacists, and even the United Nations Organization UN have warned that the continued or abusive use of ibuprofen can have significant consequences on our health. The habit of taking this analgesic and anti-inflammatory before the slightest pain can produce in the medium term the appearance of gastric problems such as gastritis and ulcers, kidney failure, and an increase in the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases such as stroke or thrombosis due to to its ability to increase the fluidity of the blood.

For all these reasons, the intake of ibuprofen should only be done in specific cases and always without abusing its consumption or prolonging it without medical supervision.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is ibuprofen for? We recommend that you enter our Wellness category.

You may also like

Leave a Comment