Under the premise of “a pill and goodbye to the pain”ibuprofen has established itself as an essential in the family medicine cabinet. From the occasional headache to the discomfort of the flu, this pain reliever has become an everyday companion in our search for relief.
According to a study carried out by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)approximately 30% of adults have used ibuprofen in the past month. However, its accessibility and effectiveness can become a trap: 70% of patients do not follow the recommended dosage instructions, which can lead to excessive use.
For its part, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that excessive use of ibuprofen may increase the risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems, with up to 40% of users taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) experiencing adverse side effects.
Therefore, the line between relief and problem can be thin, and knowing when and how to use ibuprofen safely is essential. We unravel doctor-recommended dosing times and explore the implications of excessive consumption, because in the search for relief, moderation is key.
Recommended dosage of ibuprofen for adults and children and frequency of administration
According to Veronica Casado Vicenteformer Minister of Health in the Ministry of Health of Castilla y León, and family doctor and university and specialized training teacher, ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is widely used in clinical practice. Its effectiveness extends to the treatment of fever and pain of mild to moderate intensity, including migraine.
In addition, it is indicated for various inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (a form of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints) and for the relief of symptoms in primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain that occurs in the initial phase of the menstrual cycle).
“The recommended dose of ibuprofen for adults ranges between 400 and 1200 milligrams per dayadministered in two or three doses. It is important to note that, as doses increase, cardiovascular risk also increases. In the case of the childrenthe appropriate dose is established between 5 and 10 milligrams per kilo of weight every four to six hourswith a maximum limit of 40 milligrams per kilo per day,” explains the doctor.
Regarding the frequency of administration, Verónica points out that ibuprofen can be taken every four to six hours, without exceeding the maximum dose of 3,200 milligrams per day. “It is essential to use the lowest dose that is effective, since this helps minimize adverse reactions,” says the specialist.
For adults and adolescents From 14 to 18 years old, a tablet of 400 to 600 milligrams every six to eight hoursadjusting according to the intensity of pain and response to treatment. “The maximum recommended daily dose for adults is 2400 milligramswhile for adolescents from 12 to 18 years old is 1600 milligrams“, says Casado. “In cases of long-term treatment, the dose should be adjusted to the minimum necessary to guarantee adequate control of symptoms,” he adds.
Ibuprofen contraindications: everything you need to know
The use of ibuprofen is not without precautions. According to Verónica Casado Vicente, there are various health conditions that may contraindicate its use:
- Hypersensitivity to ibuprofento other NSAIDs or to any of the excipients: galactose and lactase.
- Patients who have experienced bronchospasm, asthma attacks, acute rhinitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema (a reaction that causes rapid and deep swelling of the skin, mucous membranes, and sometimes the airways), or other allergic type reactions after having used substances with similar action such as, for example, acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs.
- Those people who have had previous episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation due to treatments with NSAIDs. Cases of peptic ulcer (open lesion that forms in the lining of the stomach or in the upper part of the small intestine), or active gastrointestinal bleedingas well as those with a history of at least two different episodes of ulceration or bleeding that have been confirmed.
- Insufficiency severe cardiac, renal, or hepatic (when the liver loses its ability to function properly).
- Hemorrhagic diathesis (abnormal predisposition or tendency to hemorrhage or excessive bleeding) or other coagulation disordersduring the third trimester of pregnancy
The expert also points out that it is It is essential to avoid the simultaneous administration of ibuprofen with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (NSAIDs), including selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (Coxib), which is an enzyme that plays a key role in the production of prostaglandins (chemical compounds that cause inflammation, pain and fever in the body).
To minimize adverse reactions, it is recommended to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary to control symptoms. This strategy, in addition to helping manage pain, also reduces the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks associated with the use of these medications.
Common and serious side effects of ibuprofen
The use of ibuprofen can involve a series of side effects that patients should be aware of. According to Verónica Casado, one of the most serious problems is the gastrointestinal complicationswhich include bleeding, ulcers and perforations. The likelihood of these complications occurring increases with the use of high doses and in people with a history of ulcers, especially those who have experienced previous complications.
Therefore, it is recommended that these patients begin treatment with the lowest possible dose. In some cases, it may be prudent to prescribe protective agents, such as misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors, which help reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining, thus minimizing the risk of damage.
Additionally, there are other concerns that patients should keep in mind. The serious adverse skin reactionsalthough less common, can arise and require immediate medical attention.
Attention should also be paid to the effects on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system. Patients with history of hypertension, heart failure, or risk factors such as diabetes and smoking They should be carefully monitored, especially if they require high doses exceeding 2400 mg daily.
The kidney and liver failure is another important consideration. It is essential to exercise caution with those who have a history of diseases in these organs or who are being treated with diuretics, as this could aggravate their condition. In children, severe dehydration, such as that which can occur from diarrhea, the risk of developing kidney failure increases if ibuprofen is taken.
A critical aspect, says the doctor, is that this medication may mask symptoms of underlying infectionswhich could delay the start of appropriate treatment and therefore worsen the prognosis in situations such as bacterial pneumonia or complications of chickenpox.
Lastly, patients advanced age They are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects, “including gastrointestinal complications that can be fatal,” explains Casado.
When to seek medical attention when taking ibuprofen
Taking ibuprofen requires caution, especially regarding dosage. According to Verónica Casado, “the majority of overdose cases have been asymptomatic,” but it is important to be alert, since doses higher than 80-100 mg/kg can trigger adverse symptoms. Overdose symptoms generally appear within four hours after ingestion.
Symptoms can vary from abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, to central nervous system disorders, such as headache, dizziness and lightheadedness. Furthermore, there is a risk of drop in blood pressureas well as functional disorders in the kidneys and, in severe cases, there may be loss of consciousness.
“Treatment in the event of an overdose is symptomatic, since there is no specific antidote,” warns the expert. It is essential to seek medical attention if serious symptoms appear, which may include gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, dermatological, renal or hepatic complications.
Additionally, special attention should be paid to vulnerable populations, such as children and elderlywho may be more likely to experience serious adverse effects.