Good Lifestyle

Regarding over -the -counter pain relievers (OTC), ibuprofen is quite omnipresent: most of us probably have a bottle or two in the house. And although, like all drugs, it is delivered with its own sets of warnings and warnings, this type of medication - known as a non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drug, or NSAIDs - is a popular choice with regard to concernedapproach pain relief.

"Estimates suggest that around 15%of the American population Regularly takes an NSAID (including those who are over -the -counter and the prescription force), "reports to Harvard Health". With sporadic users, more than 30 billion doses are taken each year. ""

"[Ibuprofen] works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body," explainsRima Arora, Pharmd, director of the pharmacyin Dirx Health. "It is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditionslike headache, teeth, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps or minor injuries. "But what exactly does it happen to your body when you take ibuprofen? Read the rest to discover it.

Read this then:Never take these 2 over -the -counter drugs at the time, warn the experts.

Analgesics come in many varieties. "You can get a prescription force, over -the -counter NSAIDs in pharmacies and supermarkets,where you can also buy Cheaper generic aspirin (not the brand name), ibuprofen and sodium naproxene, "explains the Cleveland Clinic, which notes that NSAIDs reduce inflammation by blocking the production of chemicals that cause it and are different of certain types of pain drugslike acetaminophen (tylenol). "NSAIDs are good for treating pain caused by slow fabric damage,like arthritic pain. NSAIDs also work well to fight against back pain, menstrual cramps and headache, ”explains the site.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Ibuprofen can be a very effective way to approach pain relief. It is inexpensive, available anddoes not cause dependence, Drugs.com underlines. But ibuprofen also has potential drawbacks.

When they deal with pain - whether caused by illness, injuries or other condition - it is common for people to choose between over -the -counter drugslike ibuprofen and acetaminophen. The two types of drugs work differently; Although ibuprofen is more likely to help pain caused by inflammation (such as menstrual cramps or joint pain), acetaminophen is a better choice for pain that has other origins.

There are also other differences. "Acetaminophen turns out to be sure for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers," warns Mercy Care. "Ibuprofen isNot recommended during pregnancy But is sure during breastfeeding. ""

Because the two types of drugs work differently, they also have different potential side effects.

RELATED:For more up-to-date information, register for our daily newsletter.

According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, surveys have shown that ibuprofen ismost frequently used Relief of over -the -counter pain. Many participants in the survey "were neither aware nor thought they were at risk of side effects of NSAIDs," reports the site. In addition, the authors have noted that "over -the -counter pain relievers, including NSAIDs, are widely used, are frequently taken inappropriately and potentially dangerously, and users generally ignore the potential for undesirable side effects".

One of the best known disadvantages of ibuprofen is that it can bestomach. The use of ibuprofen includes the "risk of ulceration, bleeding and perforation of the stomach, the small intestine or the serious intestine which can be deadly", warns Arora. According to Healthline, it is because ibuprofen affects prostaglandine levels. Prostaglandin stomach health helps decreasing the amountgastric acidand producing protective mucus. "When the ibuprofen is taken in large doses or for a long time, less prostaglandin is produced," said Healthline. "This can increase gastric acid and irritate the lining of the stomach, causing problems."

Your kidneys are another place where the use of ibuprofen can have an impact. Regarding the kidney effects, "patients with the highest risks include those with altered renal function, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those who take diuretics and ACED inhibitors and the elderly," said Arora. "NSAIDs can make your body retain the liquid and decreasedepending on your kidneys [And] This can lead to an even higher blood pressure increase, putting a greater stress on your heart and your kidneys, "reports WebMD." NSAIDs can also increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially at higher doses. ""

Because ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can cause salt and water retention in the kidneys, "they can also make certain hypotestric drugs, such as ACE inhibitors and less effective - and less effective diuretics -An increase in blood pressure is likely to worsen heart failure, ”explains the British Health Foundation.

ToAvoid these conditions, Safe drugs advise the use of the lowest possible dose of ibuprofen, take it (and other NSAIDs) with food or milk to avoid stomach problems and avoid alcohol while Taking NSAIDs.

Best Life offers the most recent information from high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.