Pain experienced as a result of certain conditions require specific treatment and remedial measures. Specialists typically prescribe certain medications for the conditions, with suitable or appropriate medications for tackling the pain. Such combinations deliver desired outcomes in treating the condition and managing the pain. For instance, patients suffering from arthritis or from menstrual cramps are generally prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptomatic conditions or pain that is linked to the above conditions include headache, fever and pain in the muscles. Subsequent sections will describe in detail the possibility of side effects of Advil, one of the popular OTC/prescription medications of the NSAID category.
Why stronger options to tackle pain are not necessarily the best?
Medications such as Advil, typically contain Ibuprofen and are effective enough in combination with other medications. However, there are other stronger and potent pain killers that work with greater speed, longer durations and offer stronger relief. Though the efficacy of certain other drugs may be stronger, or potent, the drugs may not be the best option always. The risk of exposure to side effects increases significantly, and this may lead to complications. For instance, opioids, steroids and similar medications promise better and faster relief; though with increased side effects. Tramadol can result in constipation and this may aggravate the condition of bedridden patients, as the constipation will have to be treated with additional medications. Similarly, other side effects may also manifest, and this could pose health complications that could also be serious in nature. NSAIDs are regarded as safer option in tackling pain in most conditions, unlike steroids or opioids that are suitable only when the pain is unmanageable, and when pain management is of a higher priority or urgent.
Standout properties of NSAIDs
NSAIDs are regarded as a suitable option for many reasons, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Ibuprofen work depending on the specific dosage. For instance, when NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen are taken in lower dosages, the analgesic properties being to work, and this is mainly witnessed in OTC forms that come in lower dosages. Prescription dosages are generally stronger and anti-inflammatory properties being to work at higher dosages. Therefore, the mechanism of action typically depends on dosages, and health care professionals generally work with the ideal or appropriate strengths depending on the desired outcomes.
The conditions that are typically managed with NSAIDs containing Ibuprofen include inflammation, fever and in the management of pain. The highlight of this class of medications is the lesser probability of side effects and the greater tolerance levels of most patients when the medication is taken in heavier strengths. The popularity of the medication is aided by specific presentations and dispensers; for instance, the easy open arthritis cap designed for patients with arthritis, helps patients to easily open the caps and consume the prescribed dosages.
Advil and NSAIDs class of medications are effective in treating following conditions
The conditions that can be effectively treated with Advil and other NSAID class of medications include:
Specific presentations of Advil for specific condition
Advil comes in six different presentations that are intended for use in treating six different conditions. For instance, Advil is available as:
- Tablets
- Liquid-gel minis
- Easy open arthritis cap
- Dual action
- Liquid-gels
- Formulations for migraine
In addition to the above, Advil is also available in pediatric dosages and as an ingredient in combination formulations. Ibuprofen is one among the common active ingredients in cold, allergy medications.
Mechanism of action of Advil
The mechanism of action Advil in handling pain is the same as most NSAIDs. Prostaglandins and thromboxane, are part of the sequence of actions that result in the manifestation of pain, inflammation and fever. Tissue that has been damaged either due to injury or from infections, typically starts off a process where prostaglandins begin to form at the site of tissue damage. This is facilitated by the cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX), which is again divided into COX-1 and COX-2 categories.
These enzymes have distinct roles that are responsible for the response mechanisms, and generally medications belong to the class of OCX-1 or COX-2 inhibitors. This results in inhibiting or preventing certain specific effects – such as pain or fever. These medications are called selective inhibitors with desired or targeted actions. Non-selective inhibitors work on both the enzymes offering relief from both conditions. Advil, while belonging to the category of non-selective inhibitors works on each conditions as per the actual dosage administered.
Commonly reported side effects of Advil
The possibility of undesirable effects of Advil cannot be entirely ruled out, like all medications. For instance, medications are made available in markets after fulfilling certain well laid down criteria, to assess the effects and long-term complications. However, this does not exclude or prevent or rule out the possibility of effects altogether. Depending on the outcomes of tests, medications are permitted to go on sale as approved with appropriate warnings regarding the possible harmful effects or outcomes. Drugs that present severe effects or medications that present outcomes that are dangerous are not permitted to be sold. Therefore, all commercially available medications have passed certain tests before being made available as OTC or prescription medications.
Despite the safe tag and relatively better tolerance, Advil comes with the possibility of side effects that may differ from person to person and depends on varying conditions including pre-existing health conditions/co-morbidities, and other medications being consumed by the patient. Effects are generally classified into mild/moderate and severe. While the mild effects resolve naturally, serious effects generally require medical attention.
It is important to note that allergies can pose a serious health hazard in certain conditions, with many either disregarding or attaching lesser importance to allergic reactions. It is necessary to treat allergies promptly, when there is a possibility of this degenerating into a more serious condition.
Mild effects of Advil
Mild effects of Advil include the following:
- Flatulence
- Full feeling in the stomach
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia (indigestion and upper abdominal pain)
Patients using the medications for the first time are most likely to experience certain effects that do not require special treatment, and may resolve naturally. Nervousness is one among the most commonly experienced effects among patients using the medication for the first time. Other effects that are likely to be experienced initially include headache, rashes and tinnitus (ringing sensation in the ears). Additionally, patients may experience edema and this could effectively result in long term consequences. Caregivers or patients are advised to check for tell-tale symptoms such as swelling in the hands and the feet, and report the same for suitable medical intervention.
Certain effects that may appear mild initially, may actually end up as serious in nature if the effects persist for a longer period or if left untreated. For instance, edema can result in organ damage if left untreated and this makes it necessary for patients and caregivers to attach importance to the symptoms.
Conditions that are best treated with medications other than Advil
Certain conditions make non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs unsuitable as a treatment option. For instance, patients with liver complications, kidney problems and individuals on diuretics are advised to pick other treatment options. It is necessary to take a call on avoiding one of two medications that interact with each other, by assessing the outcome or the importance of each medication. For nuisance, diuretics are important when compared with Ibuprofen/NSAIDs; therefore, patients are to stick to the diuretics, and seek advice on taking medications instead of NSAIDs.
Similarly, as mentioned earlier, Ibuprofen is an active ingredient in many medications, and this makes it necessary to be aware of such formulations to avoid the possibility of excessive intake. Individuals who take multiple medications that all contain Ibuprofen may being to experience stronger undesirable outcomes, and it is necessary to seek medical advice on discontinuing certain medications to ensure that the intake is controlled. In addition to the above, patients on anticoagulants, are to stay away from Ibuprofen and NSAIDs due to the possibility of interactions.
Simple precautions to avoid side effects of Advil
Certain precautions help to prevent undesirable outcomes among patients, and this is a more prudent option that treating the after effects. For instance, individuals planning to undergo surgeries are to discontinue Ibuprofen well in advance, under intimation to the specialist recommending the surgery. Ibuprofen is also unsafe for use by patients who have undergone surgical procedures. This is especially important among patients with certain heart conditions who may require surgical procedures. Other conditions that make the medication unsafe include stomach ulcers, heartburn and abdominal pain. Patients with the above conditions especially when it is chronic are to stick to other medications that may be safe without Ibuprofen as the active ingredient. The reason behind the interactions is the similar outcome from the mechanism of action of Ibuprofen and the natural outcomes of the above conditions – i.e., internal bleeding from stomach ulcers.
The need for precautions at the workplace
Side effects of Advil include the possibility of dizziness and this makes it necessary for individuals to either take adequate precautions or avoid work in hazardous workplaces. Certain responsibilities require a high degree of alertness and reflexes, and Advil may render the patient less alert with compromised reflexes. Driving, operation of hazardous or heavy machinery and similar responsibilities are to be avoided. In addition to this, there is also the possibility of individuals experiencing nausea, which may be difficult to mask at the workplace, causing possible embarrassment.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
Exclusive 30% OFF for New Customers!
