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If you don't need a prescription to buy it, it must be safe to take . . . right? For the most part, taking ibuprofen is a relatively harmless and effective way to alleviate pain. But should you notice yourself becoming dependent on the medicine for consistent pain relief, you may wonder if it's safe to take ibuprofen every day. To find out more, we asked experts if it's OK to take ibuprofen every day, and when to know if something is wrong.
Before diving in, it's important to know what ibuprofen actually is and how it works. "Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)," explains pain management specialist Harrison Linder, MD. "NSAIDs are frequently used for the treatment of inflammatory and painful conditions and are considered to be one of the most commonly used classes of medications worldwide." That means it's definitely a useful medicine to have on hand — so long as you're paying attention to proper timing and dosing.
Safe dosage for ibuprofen can range from 400 milligrams to 800 milligrams up to four times a day, Dr. Linder says. The daily maximum is 3200 milligrams per day. If you were to exceed that amount or keep taking it every single day for months, the negative effects may begin to outweigh the desired benefits, Dr. Linder says.
That said, it's not entirely uncommon for people to lean on ibuprofen throughout the day. "Very often, individuals involved in large amounts of physical activity — either athletes or people with physically demanding occupations — will rely on ibuprofen or other NSAIDs as a way to limit daily aches and pains and allow continued function," Dr. Linder says. Unfortunately, while you might feel some relief in the moment, using ibuprofen every day could put your body at risk down the road. Here's what to know about some of the risks, potential side effects, and when to see a doctor.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Harrison Linder, MD, is a board-certified pain management specialist with The Center for Interventional Pain Medicine at Mercy Medical Center.
Bindiya Gandhi, MD, is a double board-certified integrative medicine physician.
How Does Ibuprofen Work?
"Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs achieve their effects through inhibition of an enzyme named cyclooxygenase (COX)," says Dr. Linder. "This COX enzyme is responsible for the production of substances such as prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and thromboxanes," all of which play a key role in normal cellular functions. In the short term, ibuprofen can limit the production of these substances, resulting in reduced inflammation and pain. However, the effects of ibuprofen are not specific to any singular tissue type, says Dr. Linder, so long-term intake or overuse can lead to gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems complications.
Is It OK to Take Ibuprofen Every Day?
While ibuprofen is generally safe to use for the occasional headache or flare up, overuse can cause serious health issues. For context, the National Health Service (NHS) says you should check with your doctor if you feel the need to take ibuprofen for more than 10 days. If you clear it with a healthcare professional, you should be able to take ibuprofen regularly for years. However, should you exceed the recommended dosage, the following complications may arise.
- Stomach Problems: Prostaglandins produced by the COX enzyme help protect the intestinal lining from the stomach acids used to digest food. When you take ibuprofen, you have less prostaglandins, which means the gastrointestinal lining is exposed to chronic irritation from these acids, Dr. Linder explains. This can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines, leading to a slew of uncomfortable symptoms, including abdominal pain, and in rarer cases, internal bleeding. If you experience extreme stomach pain or cramping, stop taking ibuprofen immediately, and talk to your doctor.
- Excess Bleeding: The COX enzyme is also involved in coagulation and hemostasis, meaning it plays a key role in blood clot formation and bleeding, Dr. Linder says. "With long-term use or overuse of ibuprofen, patients may be more at risk for increased or uncontrolled bleeding," he explains.
- Heart Complications: According to UCLA Health, when taken regularly or in high doses, ibuprofen can raise your blood pressure. This may put strain on your heart or increase the risk of other cardiovascular complications.
- Poor Kidney Function: Prostaglandins help regulate blood flow to the kidneys. However, "when there are abnormal amounts of prostaglandins, the renal blood vessels constrict, leading to decreased blood flow and increased pressures," Dr. Linder says. In more serious cases, this can cause acute renal failure. Altered blood flow to the kidneys can also change the way the body eliminates electrolytes, so you might notice potassium and sodium imbalances. That means you might feel especially dehydrated or hold some extra water weight while taking ibuprofen regularly.
When Should You Avoid Ibuprofen?
Now that you know what can happen if you take too much ibuprofen, there are also some instances in which you should avoid it altogether. "Do not take ibuprofen with alcohol because that slightly increases your risk for GI bleeding," says Bindiya Gandhi, MD. Drinking on ibuprofen can also further damage your stomach lining and lead to abdominal pain.
Additionally, Dr. Gandhi says to avoid ibuprofen after a period of intense exercise, as you're more likely to be dehydrated. This can increase your risk of acute kidney damage. "I often see athletes after a race end up with rhabdomyolysis — acute muscle and kidney injury," she says. "They [either] don't stay adequately hydrated after a race, or drink alcohol to celebrate and take ibuprofen to improve their overexertion and muscle soreness."
If you're pregnant, you may also want to limit your ibuprofen usage, Dr. Gandhi says — especially during the third trimester. This is because ibuprofen increases the risk of certain heart and lung conditions. Overuse is also believed to prolong labor and increase the risk of bleeding, Dr. Gandhi says. If you're concerned, talk to your doctor for the best personalized medical advice.
— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of "5-Minute Energy."
Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.
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