He ibuprofen It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that can be purchased without a prescription. It is an over-the-counter medicine that is used to reduce fever and relieve mild or moderate pain such as:
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Headache.
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sprains.
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Fever.
Among all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen is the most dispensed in Spanish pharmacies, ahead of aspirin or naproxen. And while it’s a very popular option for minor ailments, can cause serious health problems if taken lightly and without any kind of control.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have three effects:
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Analgesic effect: reduces pain.
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Anti-inflammatory activity: blocks inflammation.
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Antipyretic effect: decreases fever.
Why isn’t ibuprofen 600 sold over the counter?
Ibuprofen can be purchased in a 400 or 600 gram format, although a doctor’s prescription is required for the latter.
It is recommended “always take the lowest dose that is effective and after meals”
Since 2015, he has prevented its free sale “in order to promote its most correct use” and avoid possible adverse effects.
However, as the (AEMPS) points out:
“It is recommended to always take the lowest dose that is effective, and after meals.”
It should be taken every 6-8 hours and never exceed doses of 2,400 milligrams per day.
The reason, stresses the AEMPS, is that it increases the cardiovascular risk. It is associated with a higher probability of having a arterial thrombosis. This disease occurs when the blood clot blocks an artery.
Symptoms of arterial thrombosis
Ibuprofen is not the only risk factor for arterial thrombosis. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle or family history are other causes that increase the probability of arterial thrombosis, which can endanger the patient’s life: myocardial or cerebral infarction.
The symptoms that should alert us:
- Chest pain.
- Numbness on one side of the body.
- Swollen leg or arm.
- Pain in the calf or inner thigh.
Thus, in patients with severe cardiovascular disease such as , established ischemic heart disease (decreased flow in a coronary artery), peripheral arterial disease (narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow outside the heart) or , the administration of:
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at high doses (more than 2,400 mg).
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Dexibuprofen (an NSAID twice as potent as ibuprofen) at high doses (1,200 mg daily).
That’s why:
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“Patients who are taking prescription doses of 2,400 mg per day or higher of ibuprofen, and have or have had serious heart problems or cerebral thrombosis, are advised to consult their doctor if they should continue treatment in the next scheduled visit.”
Gastroduodenal ulcer, the side effect of ibuprofen
As explained ivan swordsresponsible for the Information area of:
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“Ibuprofen, like the rest of the NSAIDs, usually causes irritation of the stomach mucosa, so it can favor the appearance of a gastroduodenal ulcer.”
It is a circular or oval sore that appears after the erosion of the gastric mucosa, or also called duodenal, due to the consumption of this medicine. for long periods of time. “To reduce these effects, it is very important that you always take ibuprofen after meals,” highlights the specialist.
Ibuprofen can also be used in adolescents. “From 12 years old, the same adult doses can be used, 400 to 600 milligrams and, in this case, the maximum dose is 1,200 milligrams daily.”
“Ibuprofen can also be used in children, usually three to six months of age. It is important that you check the package insert exactly to see from what age you can use the medicine”, emphasizes the pharmacist.
In minors, it is preferable to opt for “the oral suspension and the dose must be individualized depending on the child’s weight and the intensity of their symptoms.”
Ibuprofen: with or without arginine?
Arginine is an amino acid that contributes to the creation of proteins. It is obtained naturally through food: red meat, poultry or dairy products.
However, it is also produced in pharmaceutical laboratories to be added to certain medicines. This is the case of ibuprofen, although it is not the only one.
This other presentation of ibuprofen, with arginine, increases the speed of absorption so that its effects are faster, about three times more, compared to regular ibuprofen.
The normal thing is that in about 30 minutes its effects begin to be noticed, especially in certain problems such as toothache, fever, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammation of the joints.
Watch out asthmatics!
As has already become clear, ibuprofen it is not a harmless drug. Asthma patients should take all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with caution, and under the doctor’s prescription and supervision.
Ibuprofen can promote the appearance of one due to increased contraction of the airways.