Ibuprofen

Do you take painkillers often? Here’s how to avoid an overdose

 

When you hear the word “overdose,” images of hard drugs or aggressive medications likely come to mind. And you probably haven’t even thought about an overdose of ibuprofen, but it turns out that not only can you take too much of this “relatively” mild pain reliever, but it can also put your health at risk.

Ibuprofen is the most consumed over-the-counter medication available, used by millions of people every day as a remedy for headaches, to reduce fever symptoms, for chronic bone and joint diseases, muscle pain, pre-menstrual syndrome cramps, and so on.

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient found in many of the most popular pain relievers on the market today, including Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and Rufen. In 2013, Advil containing ibuprofen reached sales of approximately $490.9 million just in the U.S.!

 

Ibuprofen is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); in other words, it helps reduce pain and swelling throughout the body as it is capable of lowering the hormones that cause inflammation. All painkillers also interfere with the normal functions of the nervous system, altering the ways nerves communicate feelings of “pain” when they occur at certain points in the body. Taking ibuprofen can be helpful when you are injured, sick, or recovering from surgery, but unfortunately, it is also overused by many people, which could lead to multiple side effects and even poisoning.

In some cases, someone could experience an ibuprofen overdose if they take more than the recommended amount, but in other cases, the problem is not the dosage – rather, the person may have a physical condition that prevents the absorption of the active ingredients in the medication.

How can an overdose occur?

When it comes to taking any medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – you always want to take the least amount possible to help relieve your symptoms. In other words, more is not better, and to begin with, taking high doses can cause side effects that are worse than the pain and swelling you were experiencing!

 

In the case of ibuprofen, overdoses occur when someone has already taken too much at a given time or the body does not metabolize and eliminate the medication properly. Ibuprofen works by blocking prostaglandins in the body that are sometimes called “local hormones,” as they only affect certain parts of the body.

One of their tasks is to cause inflammation in an attempt to heal from diseases or injuries. When necessary, inflammation can be a good thing to help us get better, but taking this medication in excess over a long period can cause harm, lead to diseases, and pain.

 

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. This would be fine if it only stopped pain and swelling, but it can also be a problem as it also stops normal functions of the blood, heart, and intestines. Some people experience irritation of the intestinal lining, reduced blood clotting, changes in blood pressure, and stomach irritation. All of this caused by ibuprofen!

To begin with, one of the biggest problems with taking very high doses of ibuprofen is that it can damage parts of your digestive system, especially the stomach or intestines. Another alarming risk factor is that it increases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke, even in people who are not at high risk. This is especially true if you have other health issues, when you take very high doses, and when this medication is used long-term to manage symptoms.

Symptoms of overdose include:

• Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes (which can be fatal)
• Increased risk of seizures or coma in cases of severe toxicity
• Intestinal bleeding, especially in the elderly
• Danger of low blood pressure (called hypotension)
• Tinnitus
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Confusion and dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Digestive and gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and stomach pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, and wheezing
• Skin rashes

 

Correct Doses of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is considered safe for most adults and children over 6 months of age, although exceptions apply based on individual health. There are many different conditions that can interfere with how the body absorbs and utilizes ibuprofen – for example, having heart disease, stomach or intestinal disorders, or problems with proper blood clotting.

For most healthy adults, taking a maximum of 800 milligrams of ibuprofen four times a day is considered the safe limit and is unlikely to cause an overdose or serious complications. That does not mean that this dose will not cause any harm at all or add stress to organs like the liver or kidneys, although with this dose it is unlikely that you will end up in the hospital with symptoms of poisoning. But this dose is considered relatively high and should not be the norm. Although this is the maximum amount you should take when symptoms are very bothersome.

For mild to moderate pain caused by common illnesses or injuries, a dose of around 200 to 400 milligrams orally once every four to six hours is generally recommended for adults. For severe pain, your doctor may instruct you to take higher doses, such as 400-800 milligrams every few hours. Generally, it is best to wait about four to six hours between doses of ibuprofen, which is enough time to allow your body to expel a certain amount so that you do not experience an overdose. If you are ever unsure, it is better to take a lower dose and then see how you feel before taking more.

When it comes to giving ibuprofen to children under 2 years old, it is a good idea to ask your pediatrician, including over-the-counter pain relievers. Doses for children are based on their weight and height, so read the instructions carefully and do not assume it is safe to give more than the recommended dose.

If you are pregnant, keep in mind that taking painkillers, including ibuprofen, during the last three months of pregnancy can cause problems in fetal development, so you should follow your doctor’s advice on how to manage swelling and pain before taking any medication. If you are breastfeeding, it is always best to avoid excessive over-the-counter medications as much as possible, as it is still not fully known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk.

 

To reduce the risk of side effects and ibuprofen overdose, always take ibuprofen and other medications, if possible, with meals. Do not mix painkillers with other medications (especially anticoagulants, blood pressure medications, or steroids) or alcohol, as they can change how they work and in some cases can cause toxicity. For example, consuming alcohol with painkillers can cause stomach bleeding in some people, and mixing ibuprofen with aspirin can be risky regarding how the heart and blood vessels function. If you are going to take multiple medications with or without a prescription, take ibuprofen at least eight hours before or 30 minutes after other medications like aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

Interactions and Warnings about Ibuprofen

The elderly and anyone who has trouble absorbing nutrients or medications; a history of circulatory problems, blood pressure or heart issues, and allergies to medications; are more likely to experience an ibuprofen overdose. An allergic reaction to ibuprofen is not the same as an overdose, but it can also be serious, so be very careful if you have symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge or congestion, wheezing or difficulty breathing, hives on the skin, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Due to how it is absorbed in the body, ibuprofen may not be safe for people with the following health issues, so ask your doctor before using it to be sure:

• Heart diseases
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Intestinal disorders that affect nutrient and drug absorption
• Diabetes (especially if you are a smoker)
• History of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots
• Stomach ulcers
• Asthma
• Liver diseases
• Kidney diseases
• Fluid retention
• Autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, such as Marfan syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, or lupus
• Anyone recovering from heart bypass surgery (coronary revascularization surgery)
• If you are allergic to any prescription medication (such as aspirin)
• If you have recently had an allergic reaction to a medication or an asthma attack

 

What to do if you suffer an Ibuprofen overdose?

If you suspect you are suffering an overdose because you are experiencing symptoms like those mentioned above, first, call your local poison control center. Second, it is a good idea to go to the nearest hospital emergency room so that a doctor can check and monitor your vital signs and symptoms.

You will likely have your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate taken, and blood tests may be done, and you may be given laxatives or activated charcoal to help lower the level of ibuprofen in your body quickly. Laxatives can help your stomach and intestines empty more quickly, while activated charcoal binds to medications and heavy metals in the bloodstream and pushes them out through urine. Both are most effective when taken immediately after an overdose, preferably within the first hour after ingesting the medication.

 

In the hospital, the doctor will ensure that you are stable, check that your airways and ability to breathe are correct, and verify that circulation has not changed drastically. In some cases, sodium bicarbonate may be used to counteract the effects of ibuprofen. While a visit to the hospital emergency room will likely provide a good recovery and you will not experience any permanent damage if your case of toxicity is not severe. Ultimately, avoiding an ibuprofen overdose remains the best way to ensure you do not have long-term side effects.

Natural alternatives to use instead of Ibuprofen

If you often suffer from chronic pain, headaches, pre-menstrual syndrome, or other symptoms that make you rely on ibuprofen (or other medications like aspirin) for relief, you will be glad to know that there are plenty of natural anti-inflammatory foods, herbs, and supplements that can help prevent and treat symptoms. First, your diet plays a key role in the level of inflammation within your body, so a healing diet – high in antioxidant-rich foods and low in processed foods – is the first step in reducing symptoms.

Aside from rebalancing your diet, your pain could actually be greatly reduced by making some simple adjustments to your posture, exercise routine, sleep schedule, and lifestyle. For example, getting enough sleep can help with headaches and body aches; applying ice to joints or muscles can prevent swelling; exercise is ideal for reducing digestive issues and joint pain; and paying attention to your sitting and standing posture can do wonders for your lower back, neck, or hamstrings.

 

In addition to these recommendations, here are several supplements and superfoods that can help naturally reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain:

 

• Turmeric and Ginger: Turmeric is one of the most powerful roots in the world and contains the active ingredient called curcumin that acts similarly to dozens of different medications. It is useful for regulating cholesterol, arthritis symptoms, blood clotting, depression, cancer, digestive disorders like colitis, diabetes, and chronic pain. Ginger is also used worldwide to combat inflammation associated with arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
• Bromelain: An enzyme derived from pineapple, bromelain helps combat allergic reactions, indigestion, inflamed muscles and connective tissue, asthma, arthritis, and sinus infections.
• Magnesium: An essential electrolyte that helps with nerve signals and fluid balance, which is ideal for relieving tension headaches, muscle spasms, and indigestion.
• Essential oils: There are numerous essential oils that can help relieve muscles or joints, fight colds and infections, reduce headaches, and speed up wound healing. While, initially, their uses depend on what causes the pain, some popular anti-inflammatory essential oils include peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree.
• Epsom salt baths: If you are prone to muscle or joint pain, Epsom salt baths help relieve muscle spasms and relax painful areas caused by inflammation. The salts are absorbed directly through the skin, penetrating areas that may be swollen or aching.
• MSM: This molecule helps joints remain strong and pain-free as it provides sulfur to cartilage. It is found in supplement form in products labeled “methylsulfonylmethane.”
• Chiropractic adjustments, by stimulating the nervous system.