Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This drug controls natural chemicals that trigger inflammation or internal swelling. In a few cases, this med is also used for chronic autoimmune conditions such as joint pains (especially those caused by arthritis). A few users may develop stomach problems; those users are advised take this med along with food. But, how often can you take ibuprofen within a 24-hour timeline? It is a vital thing to know more on this.
The key chemicals of ibuprofen halt a few enzymes which produce a substance known as prostaglandin. You need to know that prostaglandins are your body’s own way to bring about swelling (to make you heal). The chief function of this drug is to halt signs such as internal swelling. Ibuprofen is commonly administered for treating medical conditions like migraines, joint pains, muscular aches, back pains, etc. This drug fares as part of widely used meds all over the world.
Safe intake of ibuprofen
No two people living with pain are prescribed the same dosage strength. Your medication plan depends on your age, body weight, the nature of pain as well as presence of other ailments, if any. In case of children – aged between 4 months to 22 months – safe dosage strength is 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Maximum permissible dosage must never exceed 40 mg per kg within a 24-hour timeline.
For children aged between 2 to 11 years, dosage strength of 10 mg / kg of body weight is considered for the treatment of fever. Here again, maximum dose is restricted to 40 mg / kg per day. On the other hand, for teens and adults, each dose hovers between 200 to 400 mg. Care to ensure that the maximum dosage never exceeds 1,200 mg within a day.
How often can I take ibuprofen within a day?
It is essential to take an effective dose of this med for better outcomes. In case of children, each dose is offered every 6 or 8 hours. For adults, dose of ibuprofen is repeated every 4 or 6 hours. It is essential not to consume multiple forms of NSAIDs concurrently. You are advised to stay away from long-action drugs because the risks they bear of gastrointestinal ailments are sizeable. Also, never take ibuprofen for a long term.
Long acting NSAIDs may cause internal bruises, bleeding and / or ulcer formation. But, meds like ibuprofen are far less likely to trigger ulcers as it falls under a genre of short-acting variant. Possible risks of cardiac conditions: The blockage of COX-2 enzyme can cause blood clots or thrombosis. Owing to such near-fatal risks, daily dose of is pegged below 1,200 mg within a 24-hour timeline. Beware of dosage strengths of 2,000 to 2,400 mg per day; such potent dosages can cause serious cardiac conditions.
On a related vein, it is essential to tell your caregiving team of recent episodes of strokes or heart attack. Moreover, if you are already having autoimmune ailments like diabetes mellitus or erratic levels of blood sugar, the possibilities of cardiac dysfunction may only tend to get larger. It is hence a good practice to talk to your doctor and ask for safer alternatives. Here, meds like acetaminophen are considered as a safer option.
Risks of kidney ailments are more likely among the elderly and /or people aged above 50 years. Also, inform your treating doctor of the other meds you are currently consuming. Make a list of all the drugs you are taking now; as you are making this list, ensure to add over the counter (OTC) meds, prescription drugs, supplements of proteins, minerals and /or vitamins, herbal aids as well as dietary meds. Those who are planning to go for a shot of vaccine must tell their caregiving team of such upcoming shots, if any.
Above all, if you are sensing adverse side effects such as discharge of watery stools, flatulence, nausea, esophageal reflux disease / acid reflux, it is recommended to talk to your treating doctor about these signs. If you are witnessing symptoms of a possible heart failure; signs such as an acute pain in the chest, overall weakness, numbness, seek clinical support on an urgent basis.
If you are living in the US, you are advised to call 911 without delay or reach out to the helpdesk of FDA for needful clinical help. On the other hand, if you are a resident of a Canadian province, establish contact with Health Canada or go to a poison control unit as quickly as possible.
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.
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