Ibuprofen is a drug commonly used to relieve pain and reduce fever in both adults and children. This substance belongs to the group of NSAIDs, i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This means that it works by reducing inflammation in the body. This action is extremely beneficial in the course of seasonal infectious diseases, such as flu or the so-called colds. However, there are situations where taking ibuprofen can be harmful. When should ibuprofen not be used?
Ibuprofenis a relatively safe drug. It is availableover the counterand can be given to young children from 6 months of age. Overdosing of this substance can lead to life-threatening consequences, so you should knowin which situations you should not use ibuprofen .
What medications contain ibuprofen?
Ibuprofenis the name of an active ingredient in many painkillers and antipyretic drugs. It may appear under various trade names, often not suggesting the content of this component.
It is important not to take several medications containing ibuprofen by mistake, as this will lead to a dangerous excess of the permissible dose of the substance.
Examples of the names of preparations containing ibuprofen:
- Aprofen Forte,
- Ibumax,
- Ibupar,
- Ibuprex,
- Ibuprom,
- MIG,
- Ibufen,
- Ibum,
- Nurofen,
- IbuTeva.
When not to use ibuprofen?
1. Chickenpox - definitely NO to ibuprofen
Chicken pox is an infectious disease that often affects pre-school and early school-age children. It is accompanied by a high fever, often as high as 40 ° C.
Therefore, in the course of smallpox, parents must give their children antipyretic drugs. The most common choices are those available at the pharmacy without a prescription. This is where the problem arises, because a large part of antipyretic preparations addressed to young patients contain ibuprofen, which, if administered during the course of smallpox, may be harmful.
According to the current medical knowledge, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) should not be used in patients with chickenpoxand ibuprofen .
The administration of these drugs may increase the risk of staphylococcal and streptococcal skin superinfections.
A further, more serious, possible consequence of this condition are abscesses and necrosis of the skin and soft tissues. These complications are due to the fact that NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, restrict the movement of neutrophils (immune cells) to the site of infection.
Therefore, bacterial superinfection of pustules that appear during chicken pox can develop into a very serious infection leading to tissue necrosis.
The most serious consequence of ibuprofen use in children with chickenpox is sepsis (sepsis), which is a direct threat to life.
In the course of chickenpox, paracetamol is the recommended antipyretic drug.
2. Reduced blood clotting or taking medications that inhibit platelet aggregation
Ibuprofen inhibits platelet aggregation, thus reducing blood clotting. Its anti-aggregation effect is not as strong as that of aspirin.
Patients with clotting problems or taking anticoagulant medications should, however, avoid or take ibuprofen with caution.
3. Peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum
Ibuprofen reduces the secretion of protective mucus by the gastric mucosa. This makes the digestive tract more vulnerable to irritants.
Taking ibuprofen in people with peptic ulcer disease carries a lower risk than taking aspirin. However, it is not the best solution for people suffering from ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients in this group should avoid ibuprofen or take it very carefully.
4. Aspirin Asthma
Ibuprofen may adversely affect the condition of some patients with asthma. Some people with this disease are hypersensitive to basic, generally available NSAID drugs.About 10% of asthmatics suffer from the so-called aspirin-induced asthma .
For these patients, taking even 1 tablet of an NSAID, including ibuprofen, may lead to severe asthma attacks. In the most serious situations, there is a life-threatening condition.
Therefore, people suspecting aspirin-induced asthma should choose paracetamol as their first-choice analgesic and antipyretic drug.
A patient who has ever had episodes of shortness of breath after taking aspirin or any other painkiller should consult a doctor.
If aspirin-induced asthma is confirmed by a specialist,you must not take any drugs such as NSAIDs, including ibuprofen. However, they are safe for these people are paracetamol, coxibs and opioids such as tramadol.
5. Heart failure
Taking NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may increase your risk of having a heart attack. Preparations of this type stimulate the retention of s alt and water in the body, reducing the effectiveness of drugs used in the treatment of heart failure and arterial hypertension.
American Heart Association (AHA) experts urge to remember that the availability of the drug without a prescription does not exclude reading the leaflet attached to it. These preparations may also interact dangerously with others.
6. Kidney failure
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which include ibuprofen, are among the most nephrotoxic drugs.
Their intake can significantly worsen the condition of a person with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, patients with this organ failure should avoid ibuprofen. The drug may be taken shortly and in small doses only if necessary.
7. Pregnancy
Ibuprofen is a drug advised against during pregnancy. During it, you can only take it from the doctor's note. Women in their third trimester should not use ibuprofen at all.
Studies link ibuprofen use during pregnancy with some malformations in later-born babies.
This is especially true for the heart and circulatory system. There are also suspicions that ibuprofen may increase the risk of first-trimester miscarriage.
Paracetamol is the drug recommended as the safest painkiller to take during pregnancy.
8. Women trying to get pregnant
Ibuprofen has the potential to alter ovulation, making it difficult to get pregnant. The drug belongs to the group of NSAID preparations, which are the only non-prescription medical products that have a negative effect on fertility.
There are also suspicions that male use of ibuprofen may reduce the chances of conception.
- Ibuprofen: action, dosage
- Pain relievers for children: safe ibuprofen dosing
- Comparison of painkillers: paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin - how do they work and what are their side effects?