Nurofen is a very popular form of medication used by the majority of the population in the world. It is available over the counter and is used to treat a variety of ailments, mostly to do with pain of some sort. It is used to relieve symptoms of pain from things such as headaches, menstrual cramps, dental pains, arthritis and general joint pains. It is very effective in doing so for moderate pain, and is available easily, thereby Nurofen is a very popular form of medication. It is also relatively safe if used correctly, and does not have the potential for addiction like so many prescription painkillers do. Prescription painkillers are for much more serious pain, and therefore will have stronger effects than Nurofen, however they often can lead to addiction due to how they make an individual feel who uses it. This has led to a crisis, especially in America, where opioid users can become addicted to prescription painkillers such as OxyContin or Morphine. Luckily, Nurofen is used for lower amounts of pain and does not have the same euphoric feeling and thereby potential for addiction as these prescription painkillers.
Nurofen comes in a variety of different forms including capsules, pills/tablets and even as a syrup which can be swallowed. It even has alternative methods of consumptions and application such as a spray, mousse or gel.
Here is what you need to know about Nurofen.
The key facts about Nurofen
There are many key facts about Nurofen that you should know prior to using it for yourself.
Nurofen contains Ibuprofen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which works quickly to block the production of certain natural substances within the body that directly contribute to inflammation, and thus pain.
By blocking these substances from being produced, your body will not be able to product inflammation and thereby you will not feel any pain. This is definitely a short term solution to stop the pain, however it is important your body heals to ensure that the pain goes away naturally.
Upon consumption of it for your situation, it will take around 20-30 minutes to kick in and start taking effect and dealing with your pain. However, when applied to the skin using methods such as a spray, mousse or gel, it can take up to 1-2 days. It is recommended to take Nurofen with food or a drink, as it can burn the stomach lining otherwise. It is not uncommon for those who take it without food or drink to feel discomfort in the stomach region. It is important to take the tablets with the lowest dose and not take it for more than 10 days at a time. When it comes to the spray, mousse or gel, you should not take it for more than 2 weeks at a time. When taking it, it is best to use for period pain or strains and also back pains, as it works better than paracetamol for these purposes.
Who should not take Nurofen
Nurofen is good for the majority of people, however there are some that should not take it and it is important to do your research on this and take it into consideration. Some tablets can contain traces of certain ingredients which may not be suitable for some people including gelatin, glucose, sodium lactose, soya, sorbitol or sucrose. You also should not take Nurofen if have had any allergic reactions in the past to these types of medicines, including symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, skin reactions or a runny nose. You should also not take it if you are trying to get pregnant or if you are currently pregnant due to health concerns. You also should not take it if you have high blood pressure which is not currently under control.
You may not be suitable to take Nurofen through skin applicable products if you have had any health problems that mean you have an increased chance of bleeding, if you have ever had stomach bleeding before, stomach ulcers or a hole in the stomach, liver problems, kidney problems, heart failure or heart disease, Crohn’s disease or chickenpox or shingles.
Furthermore, if you are over 65, taking this medication can increase the chance of stomach ulcers. In most cases, your doctor will be able to prescribe you with a medicine that can protect your stomach if you are required to take it.
How to take it in capsules, tablets and syrups
Normally, the dose of Nurofen for adults is 1-2 200mg tablets per day, 3 times a day.
In certain different situations, a doctor may prescribe you to take up to 600mg Nurofen tablets 4 times a day if required. You should only do this under the careful guidance of a doctor. If your situation calls for you to take Nurofen 3 times a day, then you should be leaving 6 hours between doses, and if it is 4 times a day, you should be leaving around 4 hours between doses. For those in chronic pain, a doctor may prescribe you to take slow release tablets which will slowly release the medication over a long period of time to fit with the chronic pain situation. Normally, you would be taking these 1-2 times a day. If you are taking these twice a day, you should be leaving 12 hours between doses.
Some people may have trouble swallowing tablets, and therefore you should be taking them with a form of liquid or drink in order to minimize the chances of choking.
What if I take too much of it?
Taking too much Nurofen can be dangerous and can lead to several health complications. There are some symptoms that you can experience that can identify if you have taken too much. These symptoms include stomach pain, feeling very tired and sleepy, feeling sick, black stools and blood appearing your vomit, difficulty breathing and ringing in your ears. These are all indicative of taking too much Nurofen, and if any of these symptoms are experienced or multiple in conjunction, then you should visit the hospital straight away.
If you are going to the emergency room (ER), then have someone drive you, do not drive yourself.
What if I forget to take it?
If you are taking Nurofen as a regular medicine, then you should aim to take it on schedule. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is too far after the scheduled dose, then skip it and wait for the next scheduled dose.
Setting an alarm can help to remember your scheduled doses.
There are many things you should know about taking Nurofen, and it is important to read this and take these things into consideration before taking it. In doing so, you are keeping yourself and others who are taking it safe, and you will not unknowingly expose yourself to risk of health complications.
Nurofen can be a very helpful medication for those experiencing moderate pain, and should be used for these purposes but also be used carefully and with consideration.
When taking any form of medication, not just Nurofen, it is important to research it carefully, and if you are unsure, ask your doctor.