Osteoarthritis is when the soft tissue between bones breaks down and the bones begin grinding against each other. This constant grinding makes the joints become swollen and stiff and is extremely painful. It becomes hard to move and the pain usually increases over time. There is no cure for osteoarthritis; however there are some pain relief medications that can help.
How does Ibuprofen relieve symptoms?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), an analgesics type of medication that will relieve some symptoms of osteoarthritis. This medication can be purchased over the counter without a doctor's prescription. Research has shown ibuprofen reduces the pain better than acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol). This medicine reduces inflammation and reduces pain by blocking the production of certain body chemicals. The chemicals in our body that cause inflammation, tenderness, pain, swelling and increased temperature are reduced when ibuprofen is taken in safe dosage amounts.
The label on the bottle will advise how much dosage should be taken and how often. It is important to follow these directions to prevent harmful side effects. Sometimes a physician will prescribe this medication, even though it can be purchased over the counter, then the directions for dosage by the physician should be followed.
Who can take Ibuprofen?
It is not safe for everyone to take ibuprofen. In fact, there are people who should never use it, and some who should only use with special care. Know your medical history before beginning this medication. If these conditions are present, use should only be done under physicians directions:
A physician may determine ibuprofen is not safe if any of these conditions are present, or only safe in certain dosages. Ibuprofen may also become unsuitable for use over time, if symptoms appear after use a physician should be contacted immediately.
Restrictions while taking Ibuprofen
Sometimes certain drugs interact badly with certain foods, beverages or activities. These are some restrictions to follow when using ibuprofen:
Long-term side effects of using Ibuprofen
The risks for continued use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are countless. They have been known to cause life-threatening ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding which occurs more frequently as one ages. This medication does not work well with heart medications and has in fact, been know to increase the risk of strokes or heart attacks. Blood pressure may become uncontrollable and kidney function may be affected.
Ibuprofen is not recommended for the elderly as it can cause physiological changes. The guidelines for the geriatric's society say NSAIDs should only be considered for the elderly in rare conditions and then used with extreme caution.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), an analgesics type of medication that will relieve some symptoms of osteoarthritis. This medication can be purchased over the counter without a doctor's prescription. Research has shown ibuprofen reduces the pain better than acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol). This medicine reduces inflammation and reduces pain by blocking the production of certain body chemicals. The chemicals in our body that cause inflammation, tenderness, pain, swelling and increased temperature are reduced when ibuprofen is taken in safe dosage amounts.
The label on the bottle will advise how much dosage should be taken and how often. It is important to follow these directions to prevent harmful side effects. Sometimes a physician will prescribe this medication, even though it can be purchased over the counter, then the directions for dosage by the physician should be followed.
Who can take Ibuprofen?
It is not safe for everyone to take ibuprofen. In fact, there are people who should never use it, and some who should only use with special care. Know your medical history before beginning this medication. If these conditions are present, use should only be done under physicians directions:
- Dehydration
- Trying to conceive or having trouble conceiving
- Elderly
- Allergic or sensitive to ingredients
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Lupus
- Asthma
- Infection
- Autoimmune problems
- Prone to bleeding
- Crohn's disease
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Circulation problems
A physician may determine ibuprofen is not safe if any of these conditions are present, or only safe in certain dosages. Ibuprofen may also become unsuitable for use over time, if symptoms appear after use a physician should be contacted immediately.
Restrictions while taking Ibuprofen
Sometimes certain drugs interact badly with certain foods, beverages or activities. These are some restrictions to follow when using ibuprofen:
- Alcohol - there are no restrictions for alcohol consumption while taking ibuprofen
- Diet - there are no known foods that are restricted when consuming ibuprofen unless physician states to stay away from certain items.
- Operating machinery or driving- it is not suggested you operate machinery or drive while taking ibuprofen as it may impair your abilities.
- Planning a family - should only be taken if physician gives his or her approval. Many drugs affect the development of babies while they are in the womb. It does depend on the stage of development the baby is in, so physician must be consulted before taking this medicine.
- Breast feeding - there are certain medicines that can pass through the breast milk to the infant. One should not take this medicine while breast feeding.
- Taking other medications - consult a physician before mixing ibuprofen with any other medicines as some do not work will together.
Long-term side effects of using Ibuprofen
The risks for continued use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are countless. They have been known to cause life-threatening ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding which occurs more frequently as one ages. This medication does not work well with heart medications and has in fact, been know to increase the risk of strokes or heart attacks. Blood pressure may become uncontrollable and kidney function may be affected.
Ibuprofen is not recommended for the elderly as it can cause physiological changes. The guidelines for the geriatric's society say NSAIDs should only be considered for the elderly in rare conditions and then used with extreme caution.