Ibuprofen

[Sqad]

Innuendos concerning the prescribing and dosage of Ibuprofen have been banded about in threads both in serious conversation and in, I am afraid to say, jocular mode.

Ibuprofen is an analgesic and antipyretic which can be used in the long term and indeed the short term to great effect in the control of temperature and pain.

It has its contraindications and drug interactions.

The dose of 600mgms has also been a controversial feature of this topic and it is for a short period of time a recognized and safe dose. Indeed on the continent of Europe it can be bought at the pharmacy in 600mgm tablet form.

Perhaps this has gone some way in correcting the misapprehensions and myth of some ABers.

[mrs_overall]

It should NOT be used by anyone with kidney problems

[Mamyalynne]

I think the confusion has arisen because the labelling and dosage information on over the counter packs of Ibuprofen is pitched at the lower end of the scale.

When prescribed by a physician the daily dose can be much higher. If in doubt check with GP or pharmacist, but otherwise a very good drug.

[Bobbisox]

I was told off my GP it can cause palpations and allsorts of problems also can contain caffein

[milly143]

I agree with Mamy. The pack of Ibuprofen I bought today off the shelf states each tablet is 200mg. Taking three tablets in one go would seem alot to the average person.

[Mamyalynne]

Indeed Milly, so if you know of no contra-indication as to why you should not take it then 600mg to get you through a bad patch would be fine.

[Prudie]

I have to concur with sqad based on experience (not medical knowledge). We are very conservative in UK on dosage for off the shelf painkillers. 2 x 200mg of aspirin, paracetamol etc being the norm. When I got a throat infection on holiday in Spain the doctor gave me a huge packet of paracetamol 1000mg tablets with no qualms. They also gave me one injection of antibiotics and I felt better within 36 hours. Would not have happened in UK.

[DTCwordfan]

I feel a headache coming on.......thanks Sqad

[mazie]

I haven't taken any across the counter medicine for the past 15 years. If I have a problem, I justy pick a few herbs, that are appropriate for the problem

[Dris]

Doesnt contain caffeine as I cant take caffeine in even small doses so anything I buy I have to check the labels first -father has same severe intolerance he was hospitalised.
Is it not Solpadeine that you're thinking of? That has caffeine in it.

[Bobbisox]

perhaps my GP was wrong here then?

[Prudie]

I envy you Milly, wish I could say that. I'm an aspirin lover - it's a cure-all for me

[Dris]

Just noticed 'can' contain caffeine. Always best to check though.

[askyourgran]

My doctor would not prescribe me with ibruprofen prior to my hip replacement. I was taking up to 8 paracetamols per day, which over a time deadened the pain. But I was concerned about taking the max dose regularly. Taking 1 -2 Ibruprofen (bought at the chemist) The pain was much more manageable, but when I asked my GP he wouldn't prescribe them. He said they caused stomach bleeding. Indeed a friend of mine was having tests for leukaemia, she was feeling quite ill, until it came out she had been taking ibruprofen daily for 6 months or so for arthritis. It worries me that you can recommend these sqad, and my Gdaughter at 16 has been prescribed them for the migraine headaches she suffers badly from, she is also on a beta-blocker. And yet my GP and his colleagues are adamant they are not good to take.

[milly143]

Well, now I know 600mg is fine I'll be knocking them back. It took me ages to convince my bf that one tablet probably wouldn't have much effect on his fractured ankle.

I usually take Nurofen plus. It's a god send. No idea how much ibuprofen is in it but it has the magic ingredient - codeine.

[Bobbisox]

same here gran

[Prudie]

Apologies milly - I meany I envy Mazie not taking any over the counter drugs.

[Dris]

Im not disputing anyones GP -I was referring to the generic Ibuprofen -not the different brands such as Nurofen etc and I did make that clear.
Straight Ibuprofen does not contain caffeine -anyones GP should make it clear which brands to avoid which contain caffeine.
My father was hospitalised as an emergency as his tonque swelled up and one side of his body became paralysed so I thought it prudent to alert anyone to how severe the effects of too much caffeine can be due to intolerance.

[milly143]

that's ok. I was a bit confused but thats par for the course.

[Mamyalynne]

But no one is advocating taken regular doses of Ibuprofen at any level for 6 months without the reason you are in pain being investigated, rather a stop gap until your trauma/problem is diagnosed or if a short lived problem due to an injury, settles itself.

[Bobbisox]

I never suggested you did, perhaps my GP was referring to one particular type thinking about it