Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – in short, NSAIDs – are used for treating fever, inflammation and pains. These meds are termed as “non-steroidal” to differentiate them from meds belonging to a genre called steroids – especially, corticosteroids. Such steroids are also used for their anti-inflammatory properties. NSAIDs chiefly function by blocking the activities of enzymes falling a category called cyclooxygenase (COX). There are 2 distinctive types, namely COX-1 as well as COX-2 enzymes. Ibuprofen is a popular NSAID. But is ibuprofen a blood thinner? It is useful to have more inputs on this.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are absorbed easily from your intestines and tummy. Many members of this class are weaker forms of acids indeed. Commonly used NSAIDs have shorter half-life periods of say, 2 hours; drugs like diclofenac, ibuprofen belong to this sub-class. However, there are a few meds having a lengthy half-life of more than 25 hours; meds coming under oxicam have such lengthy cycles.
NSAIDs are prescribed for pain management of conditions like tennis elbow, different forms of arthritis – say, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc., migraines, gout, stiffening of muscles, etc. These drugs also help treat pains and inflammation caused by injuries and pains caused by onset of Parkinson’s disease or other such degenerative conditions.
What is ibuprofen?
This is an NSAID that works on hormones and enzymes to reduce pains and inflammation. It aids in the treatment of pains such as back ache, cramping of muscles as well as autoimmune disorders like arthritis. This med can be used among children aged more than 12 months and on adults of any age-group.
Ibuprofen
Excessive dosages of ibuprofen can impair your digestive system. Maximum limit of dosing is 800 mg per dose. With a maximum of 4 doses within a 24-hour timeline, you are advised not to take more than 3,000 mg within a day’s time. Dosages for younger patients like children depends on your kid’s weight as well as age. Upon sensing side effects like upset of gastric system, you may take ibuprofen with milk or with a meal.
Is ibuprofen considered a blood thinner?
Key substances present in ibuprofen can lead to ‘blood thinning’. But the drug actually does not thin your bloodstream; instead, it works by delaying time blood takes to clot. Hence, if to have met with an injury, it takes a longer time to for blood to clot. Owing to this property, risks of internal bleeding loom at large. It is a safe practice to watch out for likely interactions with other meds.
If you are experiencing signs such as respiratory problems, sharp pain in your tummy, discharge of darkened stools, etc. check with your caregiving team / pharmacist without much delay. In some cases, you may witness a marked drop in blood pressure – this is known as hypotension. It is characterised by spells of dehydration, dizziness, being tired and excessive levels of fatigue.
It is important to tell your caregiver of blood-related conditions like anemia, vitamin K deficiency, etc. Also, if you are taking antiplatelet medications or blood thinners like heparin, your treating physician must know of such drugs. It is a good practice to keep your physician informed of all the other meds you are taking; in this light, update your doctor about over the counter meds, prescription drugs as well as dietary aids / herbal supplements.
Those who are allergic or have prior spells of hypersensitivity to NSAIDs like naproxen or ibuprofen must keep their caregiving team updated of all such allergies. Allergic reactions can manifest as inflammation of tongue or as rashes on skin. So, upon sensing any of these side effects, rush to a healthcare setting quickly. You may also call the helpdesk of food and drug administration. It is also a safe thing to go to a poison management center on an emergency mode.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
