Can ibuprofen be taken daily for arthritis. Is it safe to use ibuprofen long-term. What are the risks of taking ibuprofen every day. How to safely manage arthritis pain with ibuprofen. What are alternative treatments for chronic arthritis pain.

Understanding Ibuprofen and Its Role in Arthritis Treatment

Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), plays a significant role in managing arthritis pain. As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, it targets the root cause of arthritic discomfort: joint inflammation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ibuprofen as a standalone treatment for arthritis, acknowledging its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms.

How does ibuprofen work for arthritis? By reducing inflammation in the affected joints, ibuprofen helps decrease pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with various forms of arthritis. This makes it a go-to option for many individuals seeking relief from chronic joint pain.

Types of Arthritis Treated with Ibuprofen

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Gout

While ibuprofen can be effective for different types of arthritis, its dosage and usage may vary depending on the specific condition and its severity.

Safety Considerations for Daily Ibuprofen Use

Is it safe to take ibuprofen every day for arthritis? The answer isn’t straightforward and depends on various factors. While healthcare professionals generally advise against taking over-the-counter pain relievers for extended periods, some arthritis patients may benefit from daily ibuprofen use under medical supervision.

For short-term use, taking ibuprofen for a few days in a row is typically considered safe. However, prolonged daily use carries potential risks and should only be done under a doctor’s guidance.

Potential Risks of Long-term Ibuprofen Use

• Gastrointestinal issues (bleeding, ulcers)
• Increased blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Cardiovascular risks

To mitigate these risks, doctors may prescribe protective medications or recommend alternative treatments for long-term pain management.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Ibuprofen for Arthritis

How much ibuprofen can be safely taken for arthritis? The appropriate dosage depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the type of arthritis, and individual patient characteristics.

Over-the-Counter Ibuprofen Dosage

For short-term use, the Arthritis Foundation suggests:

• 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours
• Maximum daily dose: 1,200 mg
• Duration: No more than 10 consecutive days without medical advice

Prescription Ibuprofen Dosage

When prescribed by a doctor, ibuprofen dosages may be higher:

• 1,200-3,200 mg per day for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Higher doses may be prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis compared to osteoarthritis
• Maximum daily dose: 3,200 mg

It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed the recommended amount without consulting a healthcare provider.

Strategies for Safe Long-term Ibuprofen Use

For individuals who require long-term ibuprofen treatment for arthritis, several strategies can help minimize risks:

1. Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible
2. Use slow-release ibuprofen tablets as prescribed
3. Take ibuprofen with food or milk to reduce gastrointestinal side effects
4. Avoid combining ibuprofen with other NSAIDs
5. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor for potential side effects

Why is it important to take ibuprofen with food? Taking ibuprofen alongside meals or with milk can help coat the stomach and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

Identifying and Managing Ibuprofen Side Effects

While ibuprofen is generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, especially with long-term use. Common side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain)
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Mild headache
• Skin rash

How can you distinguish between normal side effects and more serious complications? Pay attention to the severity and duration of symptoms. Mild discomfort that subsides quickly is usually not a cause for concern. However, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention.

Warning Signs of Serious Complications

• Severe abdominal pain
• Black or bloody stools
• Vomiting blood
• Unexplained weight gain or swelling
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Signs of an allergic reaction (severe rash, itching, swelling)

If any of these symptoms occur, discontinue ibuprofen use and seek immediate medical attention.

Alternative Pain Management Strategies for Arthritis

While ibuprofen can be effective for managing arthritis pain, it’s not the only option available. Exploring alternative treatments can help reduce reliance on NSAIDs and minimize potential risks associated with long-term use.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

• Physical therapy and exercise
• Weight management
• Hot and cold therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Mindfulness and meditation

Alternative Medications

• Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
• Topical NSAIDs
• Corticosteroid injections
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologics

How do these alternatives compare to ibuprofen in terms of effectiveness? The efficacy of alternative treatments can vary depending on the individual and the type of arthritis. Some patients may find certain alternatives more effective than ibuprofen, while others may benefit from a combination approach.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Regular communication with a healthcare provider is crucial for managing arthritis effectively and safely. Consult a doctor if:

• Arthritis pain persists or worsens despite ibuprofen use
• You’ve been taking ibuprofen daily for an extended period
• You experience new or worsening side effects
• You’re considering increasing your ibuprofen dosage
• You want to explore alternative treatment options

Why is professional medical advice important for arthritis management? A healthcare provider can assess your individual situation, monitor for potential complications, and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal pain relief with minimal risks.

Lifestyle Modifications to Complement Arthritis Treatment

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can significantly impact arthritis symptoms and overall joint health. Consider incorporating the following strategies:

Diet and Nutrition

• Anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., fatty fish, leafy greens, berries)
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
• Limiting processed foods and sugar
• Maintaining adequate hydration

Exercise and Physical Activity

• Low-impact aerobic exercises (e.g., swimming, cycling)
• Strength training to support joints
• Flexibility exercises and stretching
• Tai chi or yoga for improved balance and joint mobility

Stress Management

• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Engaging in hobbies and social activities
• Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
• Considering cognitive-behavioral therapy

How do these lifestyle modifications complement ibuprofen treatment? By addressing overall health and well-being, these changes can help reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and potentially decrease reliance on pain medication.

Understanding Arthritis Flares and Ibuprofen Use

Arthritis symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of increased pain and inflammation known as flares. Managing these flares effectively is crucial for maintaining quality of life and preventing long-term joint damage.

Identifying Arthritis Flares

• Increased joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling and warmth around affected joints
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Reduced range of motion

Using Ibuprofen During Flares

During an arthritis flare, ibuprofen can be particularly beneficial in managing increased pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to use it judiciously:

• Stick to the recommended dosage, even during flares
• Consider short-term use of a higher dose only under medical supervision
• Combine ibuprofen use with other flare management strategies
• Monitor symptoms closely and consult a doctor if the flare persists

Why is it important to have a flare management plan? A well-thought-out plan can help you respond quickly and effectively to flares, minimizing their impact on your daily life and potentially reducing the need for long-term medication use.

The Future of Arthritis Treatment: Beyond Ibuprofen

As research in rheumatology advances, new treatments and approaches for managing arthritis are continually emerging. While ibuprofen remains a valuable tool in arthritis management, future treatments may offer more targeted and personalized options.

Emerging Therapies

• Gene therapy for arthritis
• Stem cell treatments
• Novel biologic drugs
• Nanotechnology-based treatments
• Personalized medicine approaches

How might these emerging therapies change the landscape of arthritis treatment? These innovative approaches aim to not only manage symptoms more effectively but also potentially slow or halt disease progression, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for arthritis patients.

The Role of Technology in Arthritis Management

• Wearable devices for monitoring joint health and activity levels
• Smartphone apps for tracking symptoms and medication use
• Telemedicine for remote consultations and monitoring
• Virtual reality for pain management and physical therapy

As technology continues to evolve, these tools may play an increasingly important role in complementing traditional treatments like ibuprofen, offering more comprehensive and personalized arthritis management strategies.

Conclusion: Balancing Ibuprofen Use in Arthritis Management

Managing arthritis with ibuprofen requires a careful balance between pain relief and risk management. While daily use can be beneficial for some patients under medical supervision, it’s crucial to consider the potential long-term effects and explore alternative strategies.

Key takeaways for safe and effective ibuprofen use in arthritis treatment include:

• Follow prescribed dosages and guidelines
• Be aware of potential side effects and complications
• Combine medication use with lifestyle modifications and alternative therapies
• Maintain open communication with healthcare providers
• Stay informed about emerging treatments and technologies

By taking a holistic approach to arthritis management and using ibuprofen judiciously, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms while minimizing risks, ultimately improving their quality of life and long-term joint health.

Is it safe to take every day?

Arthritis has no cure, but doctors may recommend or prescribe daily ibuprofen to help ease the pain associated with arthritis.

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and it can be chronic or acute. Arthritis presents with several symptoms, including joint stiffness and joint deformities. The inflammation can also cause joint pain, which can be severe.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). As its name suggests, NSAIDs reduce inflammation without the use of corticosteroids. They have the potential to reduce the pain from arthritis by reducing inflammation.

This article looks at how a person can take ibuprofen to treat the pain associated with arthritis.

After explaining whether it works and examining its safety, the article details how to take ibuprofen for arthritis. It also discusses the potential risks of taking ibuprofen for arthritis and other ways to manage the pain.

Alongside some other NSAIDs, ibuprofen is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a stand-alone arthritis treatment.

Generally, healthcare professionals do not recommend taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for more than a few days in a row.

Arthritis does not always cause constant joint pain. During an arthritis flare-up, arthritic pain can suddenly worsen over short periods. A person with arthritis may get the greatest benefit from ibuprofen by taking it when arthritic pain is especially severe.

If arthritic pain persists after taking ibuprofen for several days, a person should seek a doctor’s advice. A doctor may prescribe daily ibuprofen to treat chronic pain associated with arthritis.

In these cases, a doctor may prescribe or recommend slow-release ibuprofen tablets. A person can take these once or twice per day depending on the dose.

According to 2021 research, long-term use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen have associations with adverse gastrointestinal (GI) reactions. These can include GI bleeding and peptic ulcer disease.

To help prevent this, a doctor may prescribe medication to protect the stomach if a person needs to take ibuprofen for longer than 6 months.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, a person only taking ibuprofen for a few days can take 200–400 milligrams (mg) every 4–6 hours. In these cases, a person should not take more than 1,200 mg per day.

Unless a doctor instructs otherwise, a person should not take ibuprofen for longer than 10 days in a row.

Anyone who takes ibuprofen for arthritis should not exceed the maximum dosage unless the doctor explicitly recommends a higher one. Your doctor or the medication label can outline what the maximum dosage is for a specific strength and form of ibuprofen.

Prescription ibuprofen

A doctor will likely prescribe the lowest effective dose, for the shortest amount of time possible. Doctors will tailor the doses to each person and the dose may increase or decrease depending on symptom severity.

According to DailyMed, a doctor may prescribe up to 1,200–3,200 mg per day for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Those with rheumatoid arthritis may require higher doses than those with osteoarthritis. For either condition, a person should not exceed 3,200 mg per day.

Special instructions

Most experts recommend that people take ibuprofen at the same time each day, alongside food.

If GI side effects develop, people may benefit from coating the stomach. People can take the medication alongside food, milk, or non-dairy milk. GI side effects can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• upset stomach
• heartburn
• stomach cramps

People should also avoid taking ibuprofen alongside any other NSAIDs.

Generally speaking, ibuprofen is a safe medication. However, it may be unsuitable for certain people.

These individuals include:

• people with an allergy or hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
• people with certain health conditions, including GI bleeding and heart failure
• preterm infants, or infants who are born early

Anyone concerned that ibuprofen might be unsafe for them should speak with a doctor.

Taking ibuprofen carries some risks. Research has discovered that ibuprofen usage has several side effects, even with lower doses. They include:

• GI bleeding
• dehydration
• higher blood pressure
• a rash, which might indicate ibuprofen allergy or hypersensitivity

These side effects do not affect everyone who takes ibuprofen. They can also vary in severity from person to person. If ibuprofen side effects feel significant, or could indicate an allergy, a person should seek a doctor’s advice.

It is also possible for some individuals to exceed the safe ibuprofen dosage. An ibuprofen overdose can cause severe GI bleeding. In some cases, it may also cause:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• seizures
• hypotension
• respiratory problems
• high blood pressure

An ibuprofen overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Research has shown that some medications interact with NSAIDs, sometimes in harmful ways. These include:

• certain immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, others) and tacrolimus (Prograf, Astagraf XL), causing kidney damage
• anticoagulants, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), causing bleeding
• blood pressure medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• some diuretics

Individuals considering ibuprofen for arthritic pain may want to seek a doctor’s advice. Doctors can advise about which medications to avoid while taking ibuprofen.

Doctors can also recommend alternative medications for arthritic pain, which might work better than ibuprofen.

There are many different medications for treating arthritic pain. However, their efficacy varies.

For example, although acetaminophen functions to reduce pain, it is less efficient than NSAIDs for treating arthritis. However, some NSAIDs are more beneficial than others.

Additionally, some NSAIDs only help at higher doses.

A review into NSAIDs for treating osteoarthritic pain suggests the following results:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others): 1,200 mg per day is no more effective than a placebo.
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others): 750 mg per day is no more effective than a placebo.
• Diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, others): 70 mg per day is no more effective than a placebo. However, it becomes more effective than a placebo at 150 mg per day.

Diclofenac can greatly reduce arthritic pain and improve mobility in people with osteoarthritis. The review authors note that diclofenac may be the most effective NSAID for arthritic pain.

Learn more

Learn more about pain medication for arthritis:

• What are the best medicines for arthritis pain?
• Best pain medication for severe arthritis
• Can CBD oil relieve arthritis pain?

According to a review in Frontiers in Medicine, there is evidence that exercise can reduce arthritic pain. This includes both aerobic exercise and strength training.

However, the review authors note that more research is necessary on this topic.

People may find that cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-focused group activities are also helpful.

In some cases, doctors might also recommend surgical interventions. In addition to reducing pain, surgery can improve a person’s range of motion.

Learn more about the best home remedies for arthritis.

Ibuprofen may help some people to manage arthritic pain. People should avoid taking ibuprofen for arthritis every day without speaking to a doctor first.

To treat flare-ups or short-term pain, a person can take 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours, for no longer than 10 days.

A doctor may prescribe daily ibuprofen to treat chronic pain associated with arthritis. They will tailor each dosage based on an individual’s needs.

Is it safe to take every day?

Arthritis has no cure, but doctors may recommend or prescribe daily ibuprofen to help ease the pain associated with arthritis.

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and it can be chronic or acute. Arthritis presents with several symptoms, including joint stiffness and joint deformities. The inflammation can also cause joint pain, which can be severe.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). As its name suggests, NSAIDs reduce inflammation without the use of corticosteroids. They have the potential to reduce the pain from arthritis by reducing inflammation.

This article looks at how a person can take ibuprofen to treat the pain associated with arthritis.

After explaining whether it works and examining its safety, the article details how to take ibuprofen for arthritis. It also discusses the potential risks of taking ibuprofen for arthritis and other ways to manage the pain.

Alongside some other NSAIDs, ibuprofen is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a stand-alone arthritis treatment.

Generally, healthcare professionals do not recommend taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for more than a few days in a row.

Arthritis does not always cause constant joint pain. During an arthritis flare-up, arthritic pain can suddenly worsen over short periods. A person with arthritis may get the greatest benefit from ibuprofen by taking it when arthritic pain is especially severe.

If arthritic pain persists after taking ibuprofen for several days, a person should seek a doctor’s advice. A doctor may prescribe daily ibuprofen to treat chronic pain associated with arthritis.

In these cases, a doctor may prescribe or recommend slow-release ibuprofen tablets. A person can take these once or twice per day depending on the dose.

According to 2021 research, long-term use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen have associations with adverse gastrointestinal (GI) reactions. These can include GI bleeding and peptic ulcer disease.

To help prevent this, a doctor may prescribe medication to protect the stomach if a person needs to take ibuprofen for longer than 6 months.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, a person only taking ibuprofen for a few days can take 200–400 milligrams (mg) every 4–6 hours. In these cases, a person should not take more than 1,200 mg per day.

Unless a doctor instructs otherwise, a person should not take ibuprofen for longer than 10 days in a row.

Anyone who takes ibuprofen for arthritis should not exceed the maximum dosage unless the doctor explicitly recommends a higher one. Your doctor or the medication label can outline what the maximum dosage is for a specific strength and form of ibuprofen.

Prescription ibuprofen

A doctor will likely prescribe the lowest effective dose, for the shortest amount of time possible. Doctors will tailor the doses to each person and the dose may increase or decrease depending on symptom severity.

According to DailyMed, a doctor may prescribe up to 1,200–3,200 mg per day for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Those with rheumatoid arthritis may require higher doses than those with osteoarthritis. For either condition, a person should not exceed 3,200 mg per day.

Special instructions

Most experts recommend that people take ibuprofen at the same time each day, alongside food.

If GI side effects develop, people may benefit from coating the stomach. People can take the medication alongside food, milk, or non-dairy milk. GI side effects can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• upset stomach
• heartburn
• stomach cramps

People should also avoid taking ibuprofen alongside any other NSAIDs.

Generally speaking, ibuprofen is a safe medication. However, it may be unsuitable for certain people.

These individuals include:

• people with an allergy or hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
• people with certain health conditions, including GI bleeding and heart failure
• preterm infants, or infants who are born early

Anyone concerned that ibuprofen might be unsafe for them should speak with a doctor.

Taking ibuprofen carries some risks. Research has discovered that ibuprofen usage has several side effects, even with lower doses. They include:

• GI bleeding
• dehydration
• higher blood pressure
• a rash, which might indicate ibuprofen allergy or hypersensitivity

These side effects do not affect everyone who takes ibuprofen. They can also vary in severity from person to person. If ibuprofen side effects feel significant, or could indicate an allergy, a person should seek a doctor’s advice.

It is also possible for some individuals to exceed the safe ibuprofen dosage. An ibuprofen overdose can cause severe GI bleeding. In some cases, it may also cause:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• seizures
• hypotension
• respiratory problems
• high blood pressure

An ibuprofen overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Research has shown that some medications interact with NSAIDs, sometimes in harmful ways. These include:

• certain immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, others) and tacrolimus (Prograf, Astagraf XL), causing kidney damage
• anticoagulants, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), causing bleeding
• blood pressure medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• some diuretics

Individuals considering ibuprofen for arthritic pain may want to seek a doctor’s advice. Doctors can advise about which medications to avoid while taking ibuprofen.

Doctors can also recommend alternative medications for arthritic pain, which might work better than ibuprofen.

There are many different medications for treating arthritic pain. However, their efficacy varies.

For example, although acetaminophen functions to reduce pain, it is less efficient than NSAIDs for treating arthritis. However, some NSAIDs are more beneficial than others.

Additionally, some NSAIDs only help at higher doses.

A review into NSAIDs for treating osteoarthritic pain suggests the following results:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others): 1,200 mg per day is no more effective than a placebo.
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others): 750 mg per day is no more effective than a placebo.
• Diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, others): 70 mg per day is no more effective than a placebo. However, it becomes more effective than a placebo at 150 mg per day.

Diclofenac can greatly reduce arthritic pain and improve mobility in people with osteoarthritis. The review authors note that diclofenac may be the most effective NSAID for arthritic pain.

Learn more

Learn more about pain medication for arthritis:

• What are the best medicines for arthritis pain?
• Best pain medication for severe arthritis
• Can CBD oil relieve arthritis pain?

According to a review in Frontiers in Medicine, there is evidence that exercise can reduce arthritic pain. This includes both aerobic exercise and strength training.

However, the review authors note that more research is necessary on this topic.

People may find that cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-focused group activities are also helpful.

In some cases, doctors might also recommend surgical interventions. In addition to reducing pain, surgery can improve a person’s range of motion.

Learn more about the best home remedies for arthritis.

Ibuprofen may help some people to manage arthritic pain. People should avoid taking ibuprofen for arthritis every day without speaking to a doctor first.

To treat flare-ups or short-term pain, a person can take 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours, for no longer than 10 days.

A doctor may prescribe daily ibuprofen to treat chronic pain associated with arthritis. They will tailor each dosage based on an individual’s needs.

Painkillers – a threat to the heart?

• James Gallagher
• BBC Science Columnist

30 May 2013

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Image caption,

Researchers say there is a risk if high doses of drugs are regularly taken

Recent studies have shown that two commonly used pain relievers ibuprofen and diclofenac may slightly increase the risk of heart disease if taken in high doses for a long time time.

Arthritis patients can take these remedies daily to relieve pain.

According to the experts, some patients will accept such a risk, but they need to be given a choice.

Research published in The Lancet suggests that the drug is an even bigger problem for smokers and overweight people.

Detailed analysis

The side effects of NSAIDs have been known before. But the Oxford team was able to conduct detailed analysis to help patients make decisions with greater awareness of the problem.

Scientists analyzed the data of more than 353 thousand patients. They studied in detail the effect of powerful doses of drugs, in particular, taken daily 150 mg of diclofenac or 2,400 mg of ibuprofen.

The study found that for every 1,000 people on drugs each year, there were three more heart attacks, four heart failures, and one more death than people not on drugs. There have also been cases of gastrointestinal bleeding.

In an average year, the number of heart attacks rose from the usual 8 per thousand people to 11 among those on medication.

“Three cases per thousand is considered a low risk, but the decision should be made by the patients themselves,” says study leader Professor Colin Baigent.

Those who take these medications in small doses from time to time, for example to relieve headaches, have nothing to worry about, he says.

But people who have heart failure, taking high doses of drugs, increase the risk of heart attacks.

High blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking are also risk factors for heart disease.

Prof Baigent says some patients will need to look for ways to reduce their risk, including statin therapy.

Alternatives?

Image caption,

Doctors say some patients will need to seriously consider alternative medicines

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A similar drug, sold under the brand name Vioxx, was taken off the market in 2004 after reports of similar side effects.

Doctors write 17 million prescriptions for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs every year in the UK. Two-thirds of prescriptions are for ibuprofen and diclofenac.

Another drug, naproxen, has less severe side effects and is recommended by some doctors for patients with increased health risks.

Like aspirin, this drug prevents blood from clotting, increasing the risk of stomach bleeding.

Professor Alan Silman, head of research on arthritis, said that because of the possible side effects, it is necessary to look for alternative drugs that are equally effective but safer.

Professor Donald Singer, Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society, commented that research shows that strong drugs can have serious side effects.

“It’s important for prescribers to be aware of these risks and to fully inform patients about the medications they are taking,” Singer said.

Do you often take painkillers? Read this article

Experts explain how to properly use analgesics to get the most benefit and minimize potential negative side effects.

How often, at the first hint of pain, we reach out to the first aid kit at home and take out a painkiller. Billions of analgesic tablets are sold in pharmacies every year, and the number of sales increases every year. The British charitable foundation Nuffield Health conducted a study and found that one in three people who take painkillers worry that they will eventually become dependent on the drugs. There are other concerns, such as stomach bleeding as a side effect of some analgesics. And one more burning question: is it worth buying expensive drugs? Are they really faster and more reliable than their cheaper counterparts?

Unbearable pain: what is the scale of pain and whether it is necessary to endure

The cheapness of the medicine is not a hindrance

There is no need to buy more expensive analgesics in beautiful packaging, which says that the medicine “hives right on target” and acts faster. Most often, these are the same paracetamol and ibuprofen, which cost 10 or even more times more than ordinary pills. “I always choose the drug that is cheaper,” says Dr. Mike Platt, lead specialist in pain management at Imperial Healthcare, British Healthcare. “The instructions for some drugs say they work faster, but the difference in absorption rate is negligible. A normal pain reliever takes 20-30 minutes to take effect, and even “quick-acting” drugs go through the same route: they have to go into the stomach, be broken down, then absorbed in the small intestine. ” Liquid medicines may work faster because they are easier to break down, but the difference in time will still not be significant.

Most drugs for migraine or menstrual cramps are based on standard painkillers, most often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the most common of which is ibuprofen (this group also includes diclofenac, aertal, nalgesin, nise – translator’s note). The exception is migraine preparations based on triptans (sumatriptan, almotriptan and others). These substances mimic the action of serotonin, the “happiness substance” produced by the brain, the lack of which may be one of the causes of migraines. These are expensive drugs and it is advisable to coordinate their intake with your doctor.

Will the caffeine in the medicine help?

Photo: Lina Kivaka/Pexels

Many analgesics contain caffeine to enhance the effect. Some studies show that this component makes the drug 40% more effective. In the case of a headache, caffeine constricts dilated blood vessels, which can cause discomfort.

Dr. Giles Erlington, director of the charity National Migraine Center, doubts this is true, however. “If I were a cynic, I would say that caffeine is put into pills so that patients come back for them again and again,” he says. Dr. Platt is also skeptical about caffeine: “Caffeine stimulates the brain, but I doubt that it helps the painkillers work. If so, the caffeine in a cup of coffee would have exactly the same effect.”

If caffeine really works, it’s better to get it from coffee, black or green tea (green has less caffeine) than a large dose in a pill. Caffeine has an anti-inflammatory effect, but in the composition of the drug, it can lead to side effects such as insomnia and migraines, as well as addiction.

Do not take medicine on an empty stomach

If you wake up in pain, you are strongly tempted to take the pill right away. But if it’s ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like aspirin, it can damage your stomach.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are especially effective for muscle pain, such as in the neck, and also for menstrual cramps. They work by inhibiting enzymes that cause inflammation and pain. But these same enzymes protect the gastric mucosa from the action of the acid contained in the gastric juice, so when they are taken, irritation of the stomach walls is possible. “This is most likely to occur if NPS are taken on an empty stomach, because food acts as a buffer, softening their effect,” says Dr. Platt. “Milk or yogurt is an ideal protection for the gastric mucosa.”

Dr. Platt also recommends taking painkillers with a full glass of water. In this case, the concentration of the drug acting on the stomach decreases, and the tablet does not get stuck somewhere on the way to it. You can take the tablets with tea or other drinks.

Paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach, because it does not act on enzymes and, accordingly, the mucous membrane, its target is certain pain centers in the brain.

The main thing is to take your medicine on time

Photo: energepic.com/Pexels

Many people take painkillers at the wrong time and then complain that they don’t work, says Nito Beijekal, consultant gynecologist at Barnet Hospital in London. This is especially true for menstrual pain. At this time, the uterus produces prostaglandins, physiologically active substances that constrict blood vessels to prevent too much blood loss. The contraction of blood vessels leads to intense muscle spasms of the uterus, causing pain.

Pain medication should be taken when prostaglandins are just starting to be produced, that is, the day before the bleeding. “Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug—the only drug that suppresses prostaglandins—at the first sign of bleeding or pain,” advises Dr. Beijekal.

Dr. Platt also advises taking painkillers as soon as possible. For example, those who suffer from migraines should take the medicine at the very beginning of the attack. Patients with arthritis tend to experience particularly severe pain in the morning. They should take the medicine in the morning (with food) or a long-acting tablet before going to bed.

The best cure for a hangover

Paracetamol is best for hangovers, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the stomach walls, which are already inflamed from alcohol, advises Roger Nuggs, consultant of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. “Hangover headaches can be related to dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water while you’re at it,” he says.

Dr. Platt believes that only codeine in the painkiller, a weak opioid that blocks pain receptors, will help with a very severe hangover headache). (In Russia, unlike the UK, these drugs are sold only by prescription – translator’s note.)

Gels are recommended for old people

As we age, our organs do not work as efficiently as when we were young, and drugs are removed from the body more slowly. Elderly patients should ensure that there is sufficient time between doses of drugs, says Dr. Platt. The kidneys take longer to excrete chemicals, and the heart also works slower, slowing blood circulation. As a result, the drug also circulates more slowly in the body.

The ratio of fluid in different parts of the body also plays an important role. For most of life, the amount of fluid inside our cells exceeds the amount outside of the cell, but this ratio changes with age. As a result, the active substance of the drug may be retained in the interstitial fluid, it takes longer for it to get to the liver, where it is metabolized. For this reason, for the elderly, topical anti-inflammatory agents in the form of a gel, cream or patch may be more useful, for example, against knee pain than tablets. High doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (except aspirin) are associated with a higher risk of blood clots, so older people who are prone to stroke or heart attack should consult their doctor about taking them.

“Just one more pill” can be harmful

Photo: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Even if you don’t exceed your daily dose, taking three pills instead of one or two can be dangerous. “The liver won’t be able to make enough enzymes to metabolize the drug,” says Dr. Platt. “In addition, the third tablet of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug increases the risk of damage to the gastric mucosa.” The recommended maximum single dose is the amount of medicine that the body can handle in the best possible way at one time. Chronic intake of paracetamol in excess of the daily dose (4 grams) can lead to severe and even fatal liver damage.

Will addiction develop?

Many people fear that chronic use of painkillers will lead to dependence or addiction. Neither will happen for over-the-counter analgesics such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Opioids, such as codeine, which are available only by prescription, are addictive and require a higher dose over time to achieve pain relief if taken regularly. As a rule, this does not happen if the main active substance of the tablet is different, and codeine is contained in it only in a very small amount.

Headache pills may affect your headache

If you take headache (migraine) pain medication more than 10 days a month, it may have the opposite effect. Perhaps this is because migraines have a natural “shutdown mechanism” that is suppressed by drugs if used too often. Dr. Erlington believes that frequent migraines that are unresponsive to medication are best tolerated and allowed to go away naturally. He recommends consulting a doctor to find the cause of frequent migraines, and not constantly using drugs that are fraught with complications.

Why you shouldn’t split a pill in half

Some people think that half a pill is enough to stop the pain. “If there’s no risk on a pill, don’t break it,” Dr. Erlington advises. “Such a pill will not achieve an analgesic effect at half the dose. The impact on the pain must be palpable.