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How often 800mg ibuprofen. Ibuprofen for Menstrual Cramps: Effectiveness, Dosage, and Potential Risks

How does ibuprofen work for period pain. What is the recommended dosage of ibuprofen for menstrual cramps. What are the potential long-term effects of taking ibuprofen. Can ibuprofen increase the risk of stroke or ulcers.

Understanding Ibuprofen: A Common Pain Reliever for Menstrual Cramps

Ibuprofen, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has become a go-to solution for many women experiencing menstrual cramps. Its popularity is evident from a 2018 study reported by NBC News, which revealed that nearly 87 percent of people in the U.S. have used ibuprofen or its brand-name equivalents like Advil or Motrin. But what exactly is ibuprofen, and how does it work to alleviate period pain?

Ibuprofen belongs to the NSAID family, which sets it apart from acetaminophen-based pain relievers like Tylenol. Its primary function is to reduce hormones responsible for pain, inflammation, and swelling in the body. When taken for menstrual cramps, ibuprofen typically takes effect within 30 to 45 minutes.

Why is ibuprofen effective for menstrual pain? The answer lies in its ability to slow down the body’s production of prostaglandins. These hormones play a crucial role in uterine shedding during menstruation. By reducing prostaglandin levels, ibuprofen helps decrease uterine contractions, thereby alleviating cramps and potentially reducing menstrual flow.

Proper Dosage and Usage of Ibuprofen for Period Pain

When considering ibuprofen for menstrual cramps, it’s crucial to understand the appropriate dosage and timing. Most over-the-counter ibuprofen tablets contain 200mg of the active ingredient. Healthcare professionals typically recommend taking one tablet every four to six hours as needed for pain relief.

How much ibuprofen is too much for period cramps? The maximum recommended dosage is generally 800mg per dose, and it’s advisable not to exceed this amount without consulting a healthcare provider. Exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to various side effects and potential health risks.

  • Standard dosage: 200-400mg every 4-6 hours
  • Maximum single dose: 800mg
  • Maximum daily dose: 3200mg (consult with a doctor before reaching this limit)

It’s important to note that individual responses to ibuprofen can vary based on factors such as overall health, medical history, and concurrent medications. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate dosage for your specific needs.

Short-Term Side Effects of Ibuprofen Use

While ibuprofen is generally considered safe for occasional use, it’s not without potential side effects. Even at moderate doses of 400mg to 600mg, some individuals may experience short-term discomfort. Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Gas
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain

These side effects are typically mild and transient. However, they serve as a reminder that even over-the-counter medications can impact our bodies. It’s also worth noting that consuming alcohol while taking ibuprofen can increase the risk of stomach irritation and other adverse effects.

Long-Term Effects and Potential Risks of Ibuprofen Usage

While occasional use of ibuprofen for menstrual cramps is generally safe, prolonged or excessive use can lead to more serious health concerns. Understanding these potential long-term effects is crucial for making informed decisions about pain management during menstruation.

What are the potential long-term risks associated with ibuprofen use? Some of the more serious concerns include:

  • Stomach bleeding or ulcers
  • Kidney damage
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Liver failure
  • Allergic reactions
  • Heart attack or stroke

It’s important to emphasize that these serious health conditions are relatively rare and often associated with pre-existing health issues or prolonged, high-dose usage of ibuprofen. Nonetheless, being aware of these potential risks can help individuals make more informed decisions about their pain management strategies.

Ibuprofen and Stroke Risk: Understanding the Connection

One of the more concerning potential long-term effects of ibuprofen use is an increased risk of stroke. A study reported by Medical News Today suggested that ibuprofen use could increase stroke risk by more than three times in certain individuals. However, it’s crucial to understand that this risk is not uniform across all users.

Who is at higher risk of stroke when using ibuprofen? The risk is significantly higher for individuals with:

  • Personal or family history of stroke or heart attack
  • Clotting disorders such as hemophilia or anemia
  • Medications that affect blood clotting
  • Conditions like uterine fibroids or adenomyosis that can cause heavy periods leading to anemia

For most people without these risk factors, the danger of stroke from ibuprofen use remains low. However, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen, especially if you have concerns about stroke risk.

The Link Between Ibuprofen and Ulcer Risk

Another significant long-term risk associated with ibuprofen use is the development of stomach ulcers. Ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs, can irritate the lining of the stomach and small intestine, potentially leading to ulcers over time.

How does ibuprofen contribute to ulcer formation? The medication works by inhibiting certain enzymes that protect the stomach lining. This can make the digestive tract more vulnerable to damage from stomach acid, potentially resulting in ulcers.

Who is at increased risk of developing ulcers from ibuprofen use? Risk factors include:

  • Age (65 years or older)
  • History of stomach ulcers
  • Concurrent use of other NSAIDs or corticosteroids
  • Regular alcohol consumption
  • Smoking

To minimize the risk of ulcers, it’s advisable to take ibuprofen with food or milk, avoid alcohol while using the medication, and not exceed the recommended dosage. If you experience persistent stomach pain or notice signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, seek medical attention promptly.

Alternatives to Ibuprofen for Menstrual Pain Management

Given the potential risks associated with long-term ibuprofen use, many women seek alternative methods for managing menstrual pain. While ibuprofen can be effective, it’s not the only option available.

What are some alternatives to ibuprofen for period pain relief? Consider these options:

  1. Heat therapy: Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen can help relax uterine muscles and alleviate cramps.
  2. Exercise: Light to moderate physical activity can increase blood flow and release endorphins, potentially reducing pain.
  3. Dietary changes: Some women find relief by reducing caffeine and salt intake while increasing consumption of anti-inflammatory foods.
  4. Herbal remedies: Certain herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and chamomile have shown promise in reducing menstrual pain for some women.
  5. Acupuncture or acupressure: These traditional Chinese medicine techniques may help alleviate menstrual discomfort for some individuals.
  6. Other pain relievers: Acetaminophen or naproxen might be suitable alternatives, but consult with a healthcare provider before switching medications.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these alternatives can vary from person to person. What works for one individual may not be as effective for another. Experimenting with different methods under the guidance of a healthcare professional can help you find the most suitable pain management strategy for your needs.

The Role of Hormonal Birth Control in Menstrual Pain Management

For some women, hormonal birth control methods can be an effective way to manage menstrual pain and regulate periods. These methods work by altering hormone levels, which can reduce the severity of cramps and even lighten menstrual flow.

How do hormonal contraceptives help with menstrual pain? They typically work by:

  • Thinning the uterine lining, resulting in lighter periods
  • Reducing prostaglandin production, which can decrease cramping
  • Regulating menstrual cycles, making periods more predictable

Options for hormonal birth control include oral contraceptives, patches, vaginal rings, and hormonal IUDs. Each method has its own set of benefits and potential side effects, so it’s crucial to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable choice for your individual needs.

When to Seek Medical Advice for Menstrual Pain

While some level of discomfort during menstruation is common, severe or debilitating pain may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. It’s important to recognize when menstrual pain goes beyond what’s considered normal and when to consult a healthcare provider.

When should you see a doctor about menstrual pain? Consider seeking medical advice if:

  • Pain is severe enough to interfere with daily activities
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen don’t provide adequate relief
  • Pain lasts longer than the first 1-2 days of your period
  • You experience heavy bleeding or irregular periods
  • Pain is accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting
  • You notice a sudden change in your menstrual pain patterns

These symptoms could potentially indicate conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. A healthcare provider can perform necessary examinations and tests to determine the underlying cause of severe menstrual pain and recommend appropriate treatment options.

The Importance of Tracking Menstrual Symptoms

Keeping a record of your menstrual cycles and associated symptoms can be incredibly valuable, both for personal understanding and for communicating effectively with healthcare providers. Many smartphone apps are available to help track periods, symptoms, and medication use.

What should you include in your menstrual tracking? Consider recording:

  • Start and end dates of each period
  • Intensity and duration of pain
  • Other symptoms (bloating, mood changes, etc.)
  • Medications taken and their effectiveness
  • Any lifestyle factors that seem to impact your symptoms

This information can help identify patterns in your menstrual cycles and pain levels, making it easier to predict and prepare for upcoming periods. It can also provide valuable insights to healthcare providers if you need to seek medical advice for menstrual issues.

Balancing Pain Relief and Health: Making Informed Decisions

Managing menstrual pain effectively while minimizing potential health risks requires a balanced approach. While ibuprofen can be an effective tool for pain relief, it’s important to use it judiciously and in conjunction with other pain management strategies.

How can you balance pain relief with long-term health considerations? Consider these strategies:

  1. Use ibuprofen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary
  2. Explore and incorporate non-medicinal pain relief methods
  3. Stay informed about potential risks and side effects of medications
  4. Maintain open communication with healthcare providers about your menstrual health
  5. Consider long-term solutions like hormonal birth control if appropriate
  6. Pay attention to your body and note any changes in your menstrual patterns or pain levels

Remember, every individual’s experience with menstrual pain is unique. What works best for one person may not be ideal for another. It’s crucial to work with healthcare providers to develop a personalized approach to menstrual pain management that addresses your specific needs and health considerations.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Menstrual Health

While medications like ibuprofen can provide relief from menstrual pain, lifestyle factors can also play a significant role in overall menstrual health. Adopting certain dietary and lifestyle habits may help reduce the severity of menstrual symptoms and decrease reliance on pain medications.

What dietary and lifestyle changes can potentially improve menstrual health?

  • Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • Engaging in regular physical activity
  • Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
  • Ensuring adequate sleep
  • Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, especially during menstruation
  • Quitting smoking, if applicable

These lifestyle modifications may not only help manage menstrual symptoms but can also contribute to overall health and well-being. As with any health-related changes, it’s advisable to discuss significant dietary or lifestyle alterations with a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.

In conclusion, while ibuprofen can be an effective tool for managing menstrual cramps, it’s important to use it responsibly and be aware of potential risks. By combining appropriate medication use with lifestyle strategies and alternative pain relief methods, many women can find a balanced approach to managing menstrual discomfort. Remember, your menstrual health is an important part of your overall well-being, and it’s always worth investing time and effort in finding the most suitable management strategies for your individual needs.

Taking Ibuprofen for Menstrual Cramps

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June 04,2021

It’s that time of the month again, your period cramps have been acting up when you’re at an important meeting at work, exercising at the gym, and going out to dinner with friends. Thankfully, as soon as you pop an Ibuprofen…or two…or three, you feel better and are able to do the things you love. The minute you forget to take one, you’re weighed down by the fatigue and pain that comes with your monthly cycle.

Although, have you ever stopped and thought about how the short and long-term effects of ibuprofen could be affecting your health? Even though ibuprofen is considered a relatively safe medication you can use to manage painful periods, every drug has a few side effects you should be aware of.

What Is Ibuprofen?

In a recent article published by NBC News, a study was conducted in 2018 that showed that nearly 87 percent of people in the U.S. took a form of ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin. However, very few people consider what this common pain reliever is and what the long-term effects of ibuprofen may be.

Unlike acetaminophen, ibuprofen belongs to the family of medicinal drugs known as: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause pain, inflammation, and swelling in the body. If you regularly take ibuprofen, you may have noticed it takes about 30 to 45 minutes to begin working.

Additionally, many people don’t realize that ibuprofen goes by many different brand names such as: Advil, Motrin, Medipren, and Nuprin. Naproxen, another NSAID over-the-counter medication, is different from ibuprofen because it lasts longer, meaning you don’t have to take it as often. If you have a chronic condition, naproxen may be a better fit.

Although many of these over-the-counter pain meds may seem similar, ibuprofen should never be confused with acetaminophen drugs that are in a completely different category called non-opioid analgesic. The most common acetaminophen brand name is Tylenol.

Does Taking Ibuprofen for Period Cramps Work?

The short answer is yes, taking ibuprofen for period cramps will work. Ibuprofen works by slowing your body’s release of hormones such as prostaglandin. When you produce less prostaglandin, your uterus will shed less which leads to cramps and bleeding.

Before you take ibuprofen for menstrual cramps, you will want to be aware of the quantity, time between doses, and the type of pain reliever you are using. Most ibuprofen pills are 200mg, and doctors typically recommend taking one every four to six hours. You should never exceed 800mg unless discussing with your doctor beforehand. You may be wondering what happens if you exceed the recommended dosage and we want you to know that the answer may vary from person to person depending on your health and family history.

Long-Term Effects of Ibuprofen

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, especially after consulting with your physician, from time to time like ibuprofen for menstrual cramps is usually considered safe. However, even taking 400mg to 600 mg every now and then can have a few short-term effects such as:

  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Gas
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain

Although these short-term side effects are not considered life-threatening or serious, it’s good to know that these can happen after taking ibuprofen for heavy periods. Also, you should be careful about taking ibuprofen for period cramps if you plan to drink alcohol later that day.

Even though ibuprofen is generally safe for short-term usage, there are a few uncommon long-term effects of ibuprofen that you should be aware of; these include:

  • Stomach bleeding or ulcers
  • Kidney damage
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Liver failure
  • Allergic reactions
  • Heart attack or stroke

Some of these serious health conditions are contingent on having a personal or family history of heart, clotting, or liver issues before taking ibuprofen. We’ll dive deeper into two serious long-term effects of ibuprofen so you can be aware of the potential risks.

Does Ibuprofen Increase Stroke Risk?

If you’re wondering, “Does Ibuprofen increase stroke risk?” your answer will depend on a few different health factors. In a recent study published by Medical News Today, ibuprofen increased the risk of stroke by more than three times. Your ibuprofen and stroke risk increases if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Personal or family history of stroke or heart attack.
  • Clotting disorders such as hemophilia, anemia, etc.
  • Medications that negatively affect your blood’s ability to clot normally.
  • Uterine fibroids or adenomyosis which can cause heavy periods leading to anemia.

The dangers of ibuprofen are still considered to be rare for most people who are not at risk. Consult your physician before taking ibuprofen for menstrual cramps so you can determine the correct dosage and frequency.

Ibuprofen and Ulcer Risk

Understanding how NSAIDs work can help reduce your worry about ibuprofen and ulcer risks. Peptic ulcers are the most commonly associated issue when taking ibuprofen for menstrual cramps over a long period of time. If you’re taking high doses of ibuprofen to manage period pain or chronic conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases, your ibuprofen and ulcer risk may increase.

The reason taking ibuprofen for menstrual cramps or other chronic pain issues can cause ulcers is NSAIDs interfere with the stomach’s ability to protect itself from gastric acids. These protective layers in your stomach, esophagus, and intestines are extremely important for digestion, but can be eaten away over time from extended ibuprofen use.

So, does this mean you should avoid NSAIDs just because of an ibuprofen and ulcer risk? Not exactly. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to protect your stomach and intestine’s lining, such as:

  • Ask your doctor about medications that can protect the lining.
  • Eat a large meal before taking ibuprofen.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Reduce the amount you take or switch to an NSAID like naproxen you can take less.

It’s important to always consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen for period cramps so you can learn more about additional preventative measures.

Benefits and Risks of Taking Ibuprofen for Menstrual Cramps

Using ibuprofen for menstrual cramps from time to time can help manage painful period symptoms, especially if you have uterine fibroids or adenomyosis. Just make sure you consult a physician before taking more than the recommended dose and if you are planning to take ibuprofen for an extended amount of time.

If you are planning to use ibuprofen for heavy periods caused by fibroids or adenomyosis, it’s important to find an effective solution. This is so you can avoid the long-term effects of ibuprofen as well as get relief from painful symptoms. The dangers of ibuprofen increase over time and amount taken, so finding treatment for fibroids or adenomyosis is a healthier option.

Thankfully, women who struggle with painful fibroid or adenomyosis symptoms and rely on using ibuprofen for menstrual cramps have numerous treatment choices, including non-surgical alternatives like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

Treating Period Pain Caused by Fibroids or Adenomyosis

If you’re constantly relying on ibuprofen for period cramps caused by fibroids or adenomyosis, we want you to know there are other, effective and safe options to choose from.

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment that can treat fibroid pain. During UFE, the fibroids’ blood supply is cut off causing it to shrink. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the fibroid and painful symptoms should subside. UFE gives women the freedom to stop using ibuprofen for heavy periods and other fibroid symptoms. With UFE, women can avoid the long-term effects of ibuprofen and live life free of painful symptoms.

If you’re someone who regularly relies on ibuprofen for menstrual cramps or heavy bleeding caused by fibroids, give us a call at 855. 455.5262 so we can give you the information you need about UFE as well as help find a treatment center near you.

The Fibroid Fighters Foundation is here to help answer any questions you may have about both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Don’t keep relying on ibuprofen for period cramps or other fibroid symptoms, take action today.

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Do NSAIDs Help in Acute or Chronic Low Back Pain?

GLENN GRIFFIN, M.D., M.SC., M.ED., FRED TUDIVER, M.D., AND WILLIAM D. GRANT, ED.D.

Am Fam Physician. 2002;65(7):1319-1322

Clinical Scenario

A 42-year-old man presents with a one-day history of moderately severe low back pain that began after he bent over to pick up a newspaper.

Clinical Question

Are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) an effective treatment for low back pain?

Evidence-Based Answer

Patients can expect a modest improvement in global function with NSAID therapy, such as ibuprofen. There is no evidence that any particular NSAID or combination of medicines has superior efficacy in the treatment of low back pain.

Cochrane Abstract

Background. Worldwide, NSAIDs are the most frequently prescribed medications and are widely used to treat low back pain.

Objective. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of nonspecific low back pain and to assess which type of NSAID is most effective.

Search Strategy. The authors searched the Medline and Embase databases and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR) up to and including September 1998 if reported in English, Dutch, or German. The authors also screened references given in relevant reviews and identified trials.

Selection Criteria. Randomized trials and double-blind controlled trials of NSAIDs in nonspecific low back pain with or without pain radiating to the legs were included.

Data Collection and Analysis. Two reviewers, blinded with respect to authors, institution, and journal, independently extracted data and assessed methodologic quality. A methodologic quality score was applied, and studies meeting at least six of 11 specified criteria were considered high-quality studies. If data were considered clinically homogeneous, a meta-analysis was performed using a fixed effects model for statistically homogeneous subgroups and a random effects model for statistically heterogeneous subgroups.

If data were considered clinically heterogeneous, a qualitative analysis was performed using a rating system with four levels of evidence (strong, moderate, limited, no).

Primary Results. A total of 51 trials (total number of patients: 6,057) were included in this review, of which 46 were published in English and five in German. Sixteen trials (31 percent) were of high quality. The pooled relative risk for global improvement after one week was 1.24 (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1. 10, 1.41) and for additional analgesic use it was 1.29 (95 percent CI, 1.05, 1.57), indicating a statistically significant effect in favor of NSAIDs compared to placebo. The results of the qualitative analysis showed that there is conflicting evidence that NSAIDs are more effective than acetaminophen for treatment of acute low back pain, and that there is moderate evidence that NSAIDs are not more effective than other drugs for treatment of acute low back pain. There is strong evidence that various types of NSAIDs are equally effective for treatment of acute low back pain.

Reviewers’ Conclusions. The evidence from the 51 trials included in this review suggests that NSAIDs are effective for short-term symptomatic relief in patients with acute low back pain. There does not seem to be a specific type of NSAID that is clearly more effective than others. Sufficient evidence on treatment of chronic low back pain is still lacking.

The Cochrane Abstract is a summary of a review from the Cochrane Library. It is accompanied by an interpretation to help clinicians put evidence into practice. Glenn Griffin, M.D., M.Sc., M.Ed., Fred Tudiver, M.D., C.C.F.P., F.C.F.P., and William D. Grant, Ed.D., present a clinical scenario and clinical question based on the Cochrane Abstract, along with evidence-based answers and a full critique of the abstract.

Cochrane Critique

Did the authors address a focused clinical question? Yes.

Were the criteria used to select articles for inclusion appropriate? Yes.

Is it likely that important relevant articles were missed? No.

Was the validity of the individual articles appraised? Yes.

Were the assessments of studies reproducible? Yes.

Were the results similar from study to study? No. There was much variation from study to study, and the authors developed a reasonable strategy for dealing with this variation. They did a quantitative analysis on studies that were clinically homogeneous and a qualitative analysis on those that were clinically heterogeneous.

Can the results be applied to patient care? Yes.

Do the conclusions make clinical and biological sense? Yes.

Are the benefits worth the harms and costs? Yes.

Separate analyses were performed for the primary outcome measures of pain intensity, overall improvement, functional status specific to back pain, and return to work. Qualitative analysis was performed if the studies were heterogeneous or if data required for statistical analysis were lacking.

Practice Pointers

Low back pain is a major health problem in the Western world. The disease is usually self-limited, but the pain can be severe. Specific causes of low back pain such as infection, neoplasm, osteoporosis, fractures, or rheumatoid arthritis were not studied. The authors stated that there was not enough information to determine the effectiveness of NSAIDs in the treatment of chronic low back pain, although one high-quality trial showed a clear benefit for NSAIDs over placebo.

In acute low back pain, several measures showed statistical evidence of slight overall short-term improvement with NSAIDs compared to placebo. There was no statistically significant difference in side effects. Included studies showed slightly greater effect in acute and chronic low back pain for NSAID therapy compared with acetaminophen therapy. NSAIDs were not more effective than muscle relaxants or narcotics in treatment of acute low back pain.

Heterogeneity and homogeneity
The terms heterogeneity and homogeneity are commonly used in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Just as there is clinical significance and statistical significance, there is clinical heterogeneity and statistical heterogeneity.
If the included studies are considered to be similar to one another (in terms of types of studies, participants, interventions, and outcome measures), they are said to be clinically homogeneous. If the included studies are significantly different from each other in one or more of the above criteria, they are said to be clinically heterogeneous and should not be combined for analysis.
If a group of studies is statistically homogeneous, the results of each individual trial are compatible with the results of any of the others. In other words, the results of the individual trials are no more different from each other than they would be by chance alone. If the differences are greater than they would have been by chance alone, the trials would be statistically heterogeneous. There are also rules of thumb and statistical tests to measure heterogeneity/homogeneity. These are described in How to Read a Paper by Greenhalgh.1

NSAIDs were no more effective than physiotherapy or spinal manipulation for treatment of acute low back pain but were somewhat more effective than bed rest. There was no difference in effectiveness between different types of NSAIDs. There was no advantage to adding muscle relaxants to NSAIDs for treatment of acute low back pain. The usefulness of adding B vitamins to NSAID therapy was supported by very limited evidence.

Based on patient-oriented outcomes from this review, it is reasonable to treat acute or chronic low back pain with NSAIDs. All NSAIDs are equally effective, and all have minimal side effects, so generic ibuprofen is probably the best choice because it has fewer serious gastrointestinal side effects2,3 and lower cost. Acetaminophen is a reasonable, although slightly less effective, alternative.

Initial drug treatment for acute low back pain starts with ibuprofen in a dosage of 600 to 800 mg three times per day as needed unless contraindicated. Acetaminophen in a dosage of 650 to 1,000 mg four times per day as needed is a reasonable alternative. There is no benefit from using the more expensive brand-name NSAIDs. The new cyclooxy-genase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (e.g., rofecoxib, celecoxib) provide no greater efficacy than ibuprofen,4 with a slightly smaller harm level. Two hundred patients need to be treated with a COX-2 inhibitor to prevent one gastrointestinal bleeding event,5 and these agents cost significantly more than generic ibuprofen. COX-2 inhibitors should typically be used in patients who are at significantly higher risk for gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease (i.e., those older than 75 years or with a previous history of gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer).6,7

Based on the evidence in this systematic review, there is no reason to treat patients with chronic low back pain differently than patients with acute low back pain.

These are summaries of reviews from the Cochrane Library.

This series is coordinated by Corey D. Fogleman, MD, assistant medical editor.

A collection of Cochrane for Clinicians published in AFP is available at https://www.aafp.org/afp/cochrane.

Ibuprofen tabs 200 mg 20 pcs with free home delivery from VkusVill

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Film-coated tablets, pink, round biconvex, two layers are visible on the cross section: pink and white or almost white.

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Film-coated tablets, pink, round biconvex, two layers are visible on the cross section: pink and white or almost white.

Indications for use

The drug is indicated for the short-term treatment of such conditions as: headache, migraine, toothache, painful menstruation, neuralgia, back pain, muscle pain, rheumatic pain, joint pain, fever due to influenza and colds diseases. The drug is intended for symptomatic therapy, reducing pain and inflammation at the time of use, does not affect the progression of the disease.

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200 mg

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