Table of contents:
- What are the side effects of ibuprofen?
- Ibuprofen side effects are common
- Less common side effects
- Rare side effects
- Side effects that occur if you overdose on ibuprofen
- How do you deal with the side effects of ibuprofen?
- 1. Drink lots of water
- 2. Change eating habits
- 3. Take breaks
Ibuprofen is known as an analgesic or painkiller that is included in the NSAID class (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This drug works to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as toothache or pain during menstruation. Maybe some of you often drink it to relieve your pain. But you need to know what the side effects of ibuprofen are on your body and on your health.
What are the side effects of ibuprofen?
Almost all types of drugs will have side effects in certain people. The same possibilities apply when you take ibuprofen. After taking this drug, there may be symptoms or signs of side effects that appear.
This is not always the case and each individual may experience different symptoms. The side effects of ibuprofen are divided into 3 groups, which are frequent, less common, and rare.
Ibuprofen side effects are common
Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used types of medication for pain management. Side effects that are mild and common include:
- Abdominal aches and pains
- Heartburn, or a burning sensation in the chest due to digestive disorders
- Dizzy
- Nausea
- Gag
- Urine becomes cloudy
- Urinating rarely
- Diarrhea
- Stomach feels tight
- Itchy skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Gastric acid rises
- Pale skin
- The rash is on the skin
- Breathing at rest is disturbed
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. Even if they do occur, they are generally mild and may go away on their own.
Less common side effects
Apart from the common ones, there may also be less common side effects. The following are side effects of ibuprofen that you may experience even though they are rare, namely:
- Severe dizziness
- Edema or fluid buildup
- Bloated
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Inflammation of the stomach
- Ulcers in the digestive system
- Asthma symptoms get worse
If the above effects occur, avoid doing strenuous activities such as driving or exercising intensely.
Rare side effects
Although cases are very rare, the following side effects may occur after you take ibuprofen:
- Agitation, which is an excessive feeling of restlessness
- Bleeding gums
- Peeling skin
- Bloody or black stools
- Chest pain
- Chills arise
- Coma
- Dry mouth
- The veins in the neck widen
- Extreme fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fever chills
- Urinating frequently
- Experiencing thinning hair
- Seizures
- Sore throat
- Fainting
- Upper right chest pain
Long-term use of ibuprofen will cause several serious conditions, such as anemia, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and even the body no longer has the ability to produce blood cells.
Side effects that occur if you overdose on ibuprofen
The recommended daily dose of ibuprofen for adults is 800 mg per day. Ibuprofen that is consumed more than these conditions can cause symptoms of an overdose, such as:
- Hearing loss
- Heartbeat becomes irregular
- Anxiety arises
- Ringing ears
Several other symptoms can also appear when a person has overdosed on ibuprofen, namely
- Dry eyes
- Feeling very sad and hopeless
- Decreased appetite
- Not excited
- Have depression
- Paranoid
- Nasal congestion
- Being very sensitive
- Difficulty sleeping or even feeling sleepy throughout the day
When symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose occur, seek medical attention immediately by calling your doctor or ambulance.
How do you deal with the side effects of ibuprofen?
If the above side effects of ibuprofen occur and interfere with your daily activities, you don't need to worry. Here are some tips you can try to help reduce side effects, as reported by the NHS website:
1. Drink lots of water
Make sure you stay hydrated for any side effects, especially dizziness or headaches. For the time being, you should also not drink alcoholic beverages.
2. Change eating habits
Another way to deal with the side effects of ibuprofen is in the form of heartburn, bloating, nausea, and vomiting are changing your eating habits. Replace your menu with foods that are lighter, less seasoned, and not spicy.
Also, reduce food portions and chew food slowly to make it easier to digest.
3. Take breaks
You can treat the side effects of ibuprofen in the form of dizziness and headaches with rest. The main key to relieving discomfort due to drug consumption is adequate rest. Avoid activities that are too strenuous and require a high level of concentration, such as driving.