Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a pharmaceutical drug that is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

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Usage:

Ibuprofen is used to treat a number of conditions including:
  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Severe pain (when combined with codeine)
  • Fever
  • Swollen, red and tender tissues (inflammation)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, back pain and gout (in conjunction with physiotherapy)

Misuse

Some people misuse ibuprofen by intentionally taking more than the recommended dose in a mistaken attempt to get high, or as an act of self-harm.

Forms:

Ibuprofen is usually swallowed and comes in different forms including:
  • Tablets
  • Capsules
  • Suppositories
  • Soluble powders
  • Liquids

Overdose & Mixing with Other Drugs

Dangerous Signs

If you take more than the recommended dose, you could overdose. If you have any of the symptoms below, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:

  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Vomiting blood that may look like coffee grounds and bowel motions that look like black tar
  • Severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face
  • Kidney and liver problems
  • Seizures
  • Coma and death

Mixing Ibuprofen with other drugs

IBUPROFEN + ALCOHOL

Can increase the risk of stomach irritation and discomfort.

Side Effects of
Ibuprofen

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk – even medications can produce unwanted side effects.

The effects of taking Ibuprofen with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Ibuprofen affects everyone differently, based on:

  • A person’s size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The amount taken

The most common side effects of ibuprofen are:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness, fatigue and restless sleep
  • Thirst and sweating
  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurred vision and eye irritation
  • Fluid retention and ankle swelling
  • Mild allergic reaction
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea and constipation
  • Bladder irritation and pain, frequent urination
NSAIDs such ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with or without heart disease or the risk factors for heart disease.

Long-Term Effects:

Regular use of ibuprofen may eventually cause the following effects:
  • Kidney and liver damage
  • Bleeding in the stomach and bowels
  • Increased risk of heart attack