Is It Safe To Take Ibuprofen Long-term?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It’s safe to take ibuprofen regularly for many years if your doctor prescribes it

, and as long as you do not take more than the recommended dosage. If you need to take ibuprofen by mouth for a long time and you’re at risk of getting a stomach ulcer, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to help protect your stomach.

How long is it safe to take ibuprofen?

Don’t take more than 1,200 mg of ibuprofen in one day. For OTC ibuprofen, this equates to a maximum of 6 pills per day. Additionally, avoid taking ibuprofen for

longer than 10 days

, unless directed to do so by your doctor.

How much ibuprofen is safe long-term?

To avoid the potential short- or long-term effects of taking too much ibuprofen, do not take more than your recommended dose. The

absolute maximum daily dose for adults is 3200 mg

. Do not take more than 800 mg in a single dose. Only use the smallest dose needed to alleviate your swelling, pain, or fever.

What happens if you take ibuprofen long-term?

Long-term ibuprofen use can lead to serious problems, such as

heart attack, stomach bleeding, and kidney damage

. So, many doctors discourage it. If you need ibuprofen for chronic pain relief, see your doctor regularly to monitor for potential problems.

Can I take ibuprofen every day for arthritis?

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.

Is it OK to take 2 ibuprofen every day?

The usual dose for adults is

one or two 200mg tablets 3 times a day

. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of up to 600mg to take 4 times a day if needed. This should only happen under supervision of a doctor. If you take ibuprofen 3 times a day, leave at least 6 hours between doses.

What happens if you take ibuprofen everyday?

If you use ibuprofen daily and notice “a sudden weight gain, ankle swelling, or breathlessness,” you could be experiencing

worsening heart failure

, Beatty cautions. And for more on heart health, If You Can’t Do This in 90 Seconds, Your Heart Is in Danger, Study Says.

Which is safer Tylenol or ibuprofen?

In one review,

ibuprofen

was found to be similar or better than acetaminophen for treating pain and fever in adults and children. Both drugs were also found to be equally safe. This review included 85 different studies in adults and children.

What can I take instead of ibuprofen for inflammation?

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – should be taken at 500 mg, 1–2 tablets, every six hours as needed for pain. …
  • Arnica – a homeopathic medication that can be taken orally or topically. …
  • Bromelain – a pineapple extract and a natural anti-inflammatory.

Why is ibuprofen so bad for you?

NSAIDs such ibuprofen can

increase the risk of heart attack or stroke

in people with or without heart disease or the risk factors for heart disease.

What is a good natural anti-inflammatory?

  • tomatoes.
  • olive oil.
  • green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.
  • nuts like almonds and walnuts.
  • fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
  • fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

How do I reduce inflammation in my joints?

  1. Treat the disease that’s causing your inflammation.
  2. Relieve pain with medication and by changing your activities.
  3. Maintain joint movement, muscle strength, and overall function with physical therapy and exercise.
  4. Lessen stress on your joints by using braces, splints, or canes as needed.

What is the safest drug to take for arthritis?


Hydroxychloroquine

is an antimalarial drug which is relatively safe and well-tolerated agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the bad side effects of ibuprofen?

  • constipation.
  • diarrhea.
  • gas or bloating.
  • dizziness.
  • nervousness.
  • ringing in the ears.

Which painkiller is best for long-term use?

For most older adults, the safest oral OTC painkiller for daily or frequent use is

acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol)

, provided you are careful to not exceed a total dose of 3,000mg per day. Acetaminophen is usually called paracetamol outside the U.S.

Is ibuprofen bad for the kidneys?

Check with your doctor to be sure you can use these medicines safely, particularly if you have kidney disease. 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

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.