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Over-the-counter pain medications and medical treatment options for pain are plentiful today, but many still turn to over-the-counter pain medicine when they have a headache or need something for the pain. One of the most popular choices is the OTC pain medicine called ibuprofen, which is also referred to as Motrin and Advil. The active ingredient in ibuprofen is known as ibuprofen lysine, or lysine for short. Common myths and facts about ibuprofen can help you understand how it works and whether or not it’s right for you.
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a drug that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. It is in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) category. Ibuprofen was first marketed by Merck in the 1960s and is now available as an over-the-counter medication. Myth: Ibuprofen cures everything Fact: Ibuprofen is not a cure-all. It can be used for pain relief and fever reduction, but it doesn’t work for all types of pain or fever. Myth: Ibuprofen is addictive Fact: Ibuprofen does not cause addiction to develop in the body when taken as directed. The only people who should worry about addiction are those who take ibuprofen “as needed” (more than 4 doses in one day) or at high doses (>800 mg per day). Myth: Ibuprofen can lead to stomach bleeding Fact: There have been studies that concluded there is no link between taking ibuprofen and developing stomach ulcers or bleeding. The small risk of developing these problems occurs mainly with people who are already taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin).
You are only supposed to take ibuprofen when you have pain
This is not true. Ibuprofen can be taken on a daily basis to help prevent pain, and it can also be used after an injury or surgery to help reduce swelling and pain.
Ibuprofen is just a stronger version of aspirin
Aspirin is known to be one of the oldest pain relievers. It's been around since the 1870s. Ibuprofen is not just a stronger version of aspirin. It doesn't work the same way, and it shouldn't be used in the way that aspirin would. Aspirin works to stop the effects of inflammatory chemicals on your body by reducing pain and swelling at their source. Ibuprofen works by blocking prostaglandins from being produced, which are chemical signals that are sent through your body when you feel pain or inflammation on your body. Prostaglandins can make these symptoms worse, so ibuprofen helps reduce this reaction and provides relief for a short period of time only. It's important to note that ibuprofen is only meant to be used as a temporary solution for pain relief. It cannot cure problems like arthritis or other chronic conditions - it can only help with symptoms in order to give you some relief while you wait for another treatment method to take effect.
Ibuprofen isn’t safe for young children
Most pain relievers, including ibuprofen, are not recommended for young children. The reason for this is that the long-term effects of ibuprofen use in children are not yet known. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that if you want to give your child ibuprofen and he or she is under 12 years old, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor first. Ibuprofen can be taken by a child over 12 with supervision from his or her doctor. Ibuprofen should have a low dose at first and gradually increased until the desired effect is reached.
Ibuprofen is dangerous when used for too long
The most common myth about ibuprofen is that it’s dangerous when used for too long. The truth is, ibuprofen is safe to use for periods of up to three months, even if the pain persists. One of the reasons people might think it’s dangerous when used for too long is because it can cause liver problems such as hepatitis and jaundice. However, taking ibuprofen for a prolonged period of time doesn’t cause these side effects in healthy adults because the acetaminophen present in the medication protects your liver from potential damage. If you have any other medical issues or take medications which may affect your liver function, please consult your doctor before using ibuprofen. The bottom line is, you shouldn’t worry about using ibuprofen for an extended period of time so long as you don’t have other medical conditions which could increase the risk of adverse effects on your liver.
Ibuprofen is addictive
One of the most common myths about ibuprofen is that it’s addictive. The truth is, ibuprofen is not addictive. There have been reports that show a nonexistent link between ibuprofen and addiction.
Summing up
the Facts There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the drug ibuprofen. It's important to know what is true and what isn't when it comes to taking ibuprofen. Some of these facts include: - Ibuprofen is not an opioid and has a different mechanism of action than painkillers like morphine or codeine. - Ibuprofen is not addictive and there is no withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. - Ibuprofen can be taken with food, but should not be taken on an empty stomach. - The maximum recommended dose for ibuprofen for adults under 50 years old is 3200mg per day, but those over 50 should only take 2400mg per day. - Ibuprofen has been found to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people who have had a history of heart disease, which means at-risk patients should consult with their physician before taking ibuprofen long term.
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