Nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others) can damage your liver, especially if taken frequently or combined with alcohol.
Ibuprofen is a commonly-used OTC medication. While it doesn't usually cause liver damage, it can be hard on the kidneys. It's important to follow OTC dosing instructions, as this will help lower your risk of side effects, including kidney damage. Keep in mind that ibuprofen isn't right for everyone.
The severity of the liver injury from ibuprofen ranges from asymptomatic elevations in serum aminotransferase levels to acute cholestatic hepatitis to acute liver failure and the need for transplantation. Several instances of chronic vanishing bile duct syndrome have been attributed to ibuprofen use.
Heavy or long-term use of some of these medicines, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and higher dose aspirin, can cause chronic kidney disease known as chronic interstitial nephritis.
Ibuprofen is rapidly metabolized and biotransformed in the liver to the formation of major metabolites which are the hydroxylated and carboxylated derivatives.
Abuse of paracetamol can cause damage on your liver, while abuse of ibuprofen can cause damage to your stomach or liver. It's safer to take paracetamol if you are pregnant than ibuprofen. (In the case of the latter, you should consult your doctor first, but completely avoid it in your 3rd trimester)
The current recommendations for ibuprofen are to limit daily use to no more than 30 days. Dosing can range from 400 mg to 800 mg up to 4 times a day, with a daily maximum of 3200 mg per day. Above this limit, the negative effects of COX inhibition begin to outweigh the desired benefits of decreased discomfort and pain.
Ibuprofen for adults (Nurofen)
Other brand names: Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel, Ibuleve. Find out how ibuprofen treats pain and swelling (inflammation), and how to take it.
While you can continue taking ibuprofen for a few days, it's not recommended that you take it daily to relieve pain unless your doctor has prescribed it. Medications like ibuprofen can irritate your stomach lining and cause problems ranging from mild nausea to ulcers.
adults – can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (200mg) every 4 to 6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 1,200mg (6 x 200mg) tablets in the space of 24 hours.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Compared with other over-the-counter pain relievers, acetaminophen is less toxic to the liver and also tends to have fewer major side effects in other organ systems. However, it should still be taken cautiously, as large doses can damage the liver over time.
Generally, the renal failure with NSAIDs is acute and reversible, though analgesic nephropathy with papillary necrosis and chronic renal failure are reported.
Naproxen. Another anti-inflammatory drug, which works much like ibuprofen. Some studies show this may be a better choice than ibuprofen for people at risk for heart disease. Aspirin.
Acetaminophen is generally considered safer than other pain relievers. It doesn't cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
World's Most Popular Painkiller Raises Heart Attack Risk : Shots - Health News Diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — raises the risk of a heart attack by about 40 percent.
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is a widely available alternative to NSAIDs that targets pain rather than inflammation. As stress can also be a factor in the development of headaches, relaxation techniques, such as meditation or long baths, can help reduce symptoms.
It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine. But do not take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor.
An easy pill to swallow for the one in three who don't know the difference anyway, but ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory firepower blows paracetamol out of the pharmacy. Just use the lowest effective dose, and use sparingly.
The graph was reproduced from the Schachtel Study. The overall impression, particularly the graph with its bright red line for Nurofen and 4 hour time frame, was that Nurofen delivers faster and more effective relief from pain caused by common headaches than does Panadol or paracetamol.
Take NSAIDs at the end of a full meal or with an antacid
Drugs that reduce stomach irritation include misoprostol (Cytotec), or a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or rabeprazole (Aciphex).
The main difference between the two medications is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation, whereas paracetamol does not.
If you have trouble sleeping with pain, do not take this medication for more than five nights in a row. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options suitable for you if you have sleeplessness as a result of ongoing pain.