Prednisone and ibuprofen

Meds belonging to a family of drugs known as corticosteroids help control your immune system. Essential chemicals of these steroidal drugs can alter signals that activate allergies. As a result, you can manage signs of allergies like itchiness, rashes, swelling and/or pain. Prednisone is a commonly used corticosteroid. It is administered painful joints, allergies showing up on skin, conditions of the immunity cells, etc. Prednisone and ibuprofen – you need to know how the former differs from the latter. It is quite helpful to know more on this front.

Corticosteroids are administered used for a wide range of medical problems. These drugs can help treat pains associated with arthritis, a few allergic reactions skin problems, dysfunction of immune cells, a few blood-related problems, etc.

In this light, what is prednisone?

Prednisone is a popular medication that belongs to the genre of corticosteroids. This med is prescribed to alter how your immune cells work. Suppression of the immunity system helps reduce allergies such as an itchy skin and inflammation/swelling triggered by exposure to allergens. Some examples of allergens are bed mites, pollen grain, pet dander, certain smells as well as a few types of foods.

Prednisone is also prescribed for the treatment of swollen joints triggered by autoimmune problems like arthritis. It can also manage ocular infections like discoloration of eyes as well as breathing conditions viz., gasping or panting for breath.

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a very popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug i.e., an NSAID. Of the several sub-genres of NSAIDs, ibuprofen belongs to the non-selective type of NSAIDs. This drug blocks enzymes like COX – 1 as well as COX – 2. Of these, COX – 1 is linked to the inner linings of your abdomen and stomach. COX-2 is associated with transmitting messages to create swelling and pain.

As ibuprofen suppresses these enzymes, it is widely administered for the treatment of swelling and pain. Its chief function is its ability to inhibit enzymes that activate inflammation. This property helps manage discomforts such as painful knees, migraine, tooth pains and a few other discomforts associated with autoimmune problems like arthritis.

Intake of prednisone and ibuprofen

In some cases, prednisone and ibuprofen are administered together; such coadministration is strictly based on the advice of your caregiving team. These drugs may however cause some side effects. A few of the commonly observed adverse effects are ulcer formation, internal bruising and bleeding. A few users of these meds have reported very severe conditions like pain in lower abdomen, constipation or darkening of stools.

Coadministration of prednisone and ibuprofen should not be taken through over the counter (OTC) route/self-medication mode. As these two drugs may augment risks of ulcers, tell your caregiver if you are already living with ulcers or any other gastric discomforts. Your physician will administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or an acid reducer to manage gastric wellness.

If combinatorial medication plan turns an inevitable one, your doctor may administer the lowest possible dose of prednisone. Also, such a dosage plan is only for a shorter span of time.

A few precautionary measures associated with the use of prednisone

It is unsafe to stop taking prednisone without informing your doctor. Prior to discontinuing the medication plan, the final few doses are gradually reduced to clear away likely signs of withdrawal. Withdrawal signs include migraines, being weak, stomach conditions such as indigestion, discharge of watery stool, nausea, etc.

If you observe any of these problems, consult with your doctor with immediate effect. On witnessing very adverse effects like gasping or passing out, call 911 quickly. Those living in Canada must dial Health Canada or visit a poison management center as soon as you possibly can.

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.