Sunday, November 19, 2023, 10:21 p.m
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Person taking a painkiller PHOTO Unsplash
A doctor has issued warnings to ibuprofen users about serious side effects that “should always be taken seriously”.
Primarily known as a small pill, oral ibuprofen is also sold in capsule, granule, or liquid form.
Used for various painthis pain reliever is easy to find in most pharmacies.
Like any other pill in the medicine cabinet, ibuprofen comes with a list of side effects that you need to be aware of.
Taking large doses of this drug for pain relief could pose a serious risk, according to Dr. Deborah Lee of Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy.
The doctor explained that ibuprofen is a drug known as a COX enzyme inhibitor.
COX enzymes are required for the production of prostaglandins that provide protection to the gastric mucosa.
When the COX enzymes are stopped, the production of gastric mucus is reduced, which can lead to problems gastrointestinal (GI).
“High doses can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers and/or pancreatitis. Liver and kidney failure can also occur,” the doctor told Express.co.uk.
These side effects can occur as early as three days after starting ibuprofen, according to Dr. Lee.
“In one study, gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in some healthy volunteers as early as three days after starting 800 mg of ibuprofen three times a day.”
According to the NHS (National Health Service), the UK’s public health system, the usual dose for adults is one or two 200mg tablets or capsules three times a day.
However, in certain cases, DOCTOR may prescribe a higher dose of up to 600 mg four times a day.
For those who have gastrointestinal bleeding caused by the pain reliever, the appearance of the stool may be the first warning sign.
“If bleeding occurs in the upper GI tract, as the blood passes through the GI tract, it is partially digested and excreted at the other end as dark, black, foul-smelling stools known as melena” , explained the doctor.
“If the bleeding is lower in the GI tract, in the large intestine, the blood will be fresher and look red. It’s often mixed with the stool.”
Because melena or the presence of blood in the stool is considered a expedite medical, the doctor advised anyone with these symptoms to get an appointment with their family doctor urgently or call 911.
“It is possible to overdose on ibuprofen either intentionally or accidentally. Always read the product labels and follow the instructions carefully. Never exceed the maximum dose,” the doctor emphasized.
2023-11-19 20:28:55
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