Generally, typical adults can take one or two 200mg ibuprofen tablets or capsules three times a day
Ibuprofen is a readily available over-the-counter drug that can be found in virtually every chemist and supermarket across the country. This popular painkiller is praised for its ability to relieve various aches, pains, swellings, and even symptoms associated with colds, flu, or Coronavirus.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to note that ibuprofen isn’t suitable for everyone. The NHS recommends that specific groups speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using this anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug, which includes the following:
- People who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- People with high blood pressure that’s not under control
- People who have had a hole (perforation) in their stomach, bleeding in their stomach, or a stomach ulcer more than once
- People who have heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure, or who have ever had a stroke
- People who have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- People who have had chickenpox – taking ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions
- People who have kidney or liver problems
- People who have asthma, hay fever or allergies
- People have severe heart failure, severe kidney failure or severe liver failure
- People who have ever had bleeding in their stomach or a hole (perforation) in their stomach caused by an NSAID
- People who have a health problem, which means they have an increased chance of bleeding
Anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin, or similar NSAIDs like naproxen is advised to avoid it entirely, along with pregnant women. Others who have experienced kidney problems, asthma, or a stomach ulcer should also consult a doctor before applying ibuprofen to the skin.
Official NHS guidance adds: “If you’re over 65, ibuprofen can make you more likely to get stomach ulcers. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to protect your stomach if you’re taking ibuprofen for a long-term condition.”
Generally, typical adults can take one or two 200mg ibuprofen tablets or capsules three times a day. If you take ibuprofen three times a day, it’s advised to leave at least six hours between doses. In certain circumstances, you might be prescribed a higher dosage of ibuprofen, but this must only occur under the supervision of a doctor.
Ibuprofen is usually safe to be taken alongside paracetamol or codeine, but it must not be taken with similar painkillers like aspirin and naproxen without talking to a doctor. Anyone prescribed these medicines should also consult a doctor before using any ibuprofen:
- Diabetes medicines such as gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide or tolbutamide
- Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin or ofloxacin
- Medicines that help to prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
- Medicines for high blood pressure
- Antidepressants such as citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, paroxetine or sertraline
- Steroid medicines such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone or prednisolone
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin, diclofenac, mefenamic acid or naproxen
The NHS website continues: “If you’re taking ibuprofen for a short-lived pain like toothache or period pain, you may only need to take it for a day or two. You may need to take ibuprofen for longer if you have a long-term health problem, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
“If you need to take ibuprofen for more than six months, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to protect your stomach from any side effects.”
For more information on ibuprofen, visit the NHS website here.
Who should speak with a doctor before taking paracetamol?
Paracetamol, similarly, isn’t suitable for everyone. The NHS recommends that the following people should consult a doctor before taking it:
- People who take certain medications
- Anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or another medicine
- People with liver or kidney problems
- Anyone who regularly drinks more than the maximum amount of alcohol recommended (14 units per week)
- People who weigh less than 50kg (eight stone) might require a lower dosage
Official NHS guidance confirms: “Most people aged 16 and over can take paracetamol. You can also take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding”, and adds: “Paracetamol can take up to an hour to work. It keeps on working for about five hours.”
Click here for additional guidance on the NHS website.