Overview Of Ibuprofen (Advil)

Precautions To Remember

Patients should always ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking Advil with any other over-the-counter medicine, prescription, or herbal supplement. Many over-the-counter medicines for cold, flu, allergy, and pain relief contain medications similar to ibuprofen, and using too many anti-inflammatories can be dangerous. In addition, patients should not take Aspirin while taking Advil. If a doctor has advised patients to take Aspirin for heart attack and stroke prevention, patients should take it at least eight hours after taking Advil. Adult patients should not exceed the recommended daily dose of 3200 milligrams for this medicine, and all patients should use the lowest effective dose of ibuprofen for the shortest length of time necessary to relieve their symptoms. Patients should ask their doctor before use if they have ever had a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke, and they should also check with a physician before taking Advil if they have heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Patients undergoing heart bypass surgery will need to ask their healthcare team about when to stop taking this medication before their operation. Precautions are also needed in cases of liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, Marfan syndrome, and pre-existing stomach ulcers. Patients should not consume alcohol while taking ibuprofen. Due to the risk of birth defects, pregnant women should not use this medicine during the last three months of pregnancy, and they should ask their healthcare provider before taking Advil at any stage of their pregnancy.

Learn about the side effects of Advil next.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Advil are skin itching, skin rashes, dizziness, tinnitus, and headache. Other frequent side effects include decreased appetite, nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, bloating, and gas. Some patients have reported diarrhea or constipation while taking ibuprofen, and it might lead to headaches, nervousness, or vomiting as well. Patients should let their doctor know if any of these side effects occur. Although less common, Advil can cause stomach bleeding, and this risk is increased in patients over sixty-five years old. Potential signs of stomach bleeding include blood in the stool, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and coughing up blood. Ibuprofen could cause serious liver and kidney damage, especially if it is used on a long-term basis. Patients may need to have frequent blood tests to check their organ function, and they should be vigilant for signs of potential organ damage such as flu-like symptoms, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, and reduced urination. Fatigue, swelling of the feet and ankles, rapid weight gain, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath are possible effects that need urgent evaluation.

Get familiar with the commonly prescribed alternatives to ibuprofen next.