Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a popular pain medication that is bought over the counter. Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin. It is also widely available as a generic brand, which in most cases will cost you less and have the exact same ingredients and dosage as name brands. As a general rule, ibuprofen is very effective and is stronger than pain and fever medications such as Tylenol and aspirin. It can be used by most people with little to no difficulties and is very effective for relieving fever, pain, swelling and inflammation.
When using over the counter ibuprofen, low doses are available. When you take this medication, you can expect it to give you pain relief for about four to eight hours. However, this depends on the milligrams that is taken and body weight. Most adults can take between 200-400 mg every four to six hours with no difficulty. The maximum daily dosage that is recommended is 800-1200 mg. For children, ibuprofen is safe to used in smaller doses according to body weight. It is also very effective when used in conjunction with acetaminophen during a high fever. A doctor or nurse can give you specific direction on this use.
While some forms of pain medication can be harsh on the stomach, ibuprofen is relatively safe and presents few side effects. However, some side effect could occur in some people. These could include nausea, stomach ulcers or bledding, dizziness, fluid rentention, hypertension, headache and diarrhea. More severe, yet rare side effects may include heart failure, renal impairment and confusion. This medication is best used when taken according to the package directions or under the supervision of a health cae provider. Pregnant and nursing mothers should not take ibuprofen medication. As with any medication, if you are taking other prescrption drugs or other medications, you should be aware of any negative interactions that could occur. Drug interactions can be serious.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
