Ibuprofen Side Effects

Can natural alternatives help you avoid side effects of ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen side effects can be quite troubling, especially when taken for extended periods of time.

For this reason, it may make sense to try a natural anti-inflammatory to avoid the adverse reactions of this drug and other NSAID medications.

What are the side effects of ibuprofen?

Marketed as Advil, Nuprin and Motril, ibuproven falls under a class of medications called NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

NSAIDs are used to reduce inflammation and pain associated with injury, arthritis or tendonitis. They block the chemicals that produce the inflammatory response.

Ibuprofen is a non-prescription NSAID, but more powerful prescription versions are available, including the Cox-2 inhibitors Vioxx and Celebrex. (Vioxx recalled September 2004)

Following are the ibuprofen side effects, as well as those of other NSAID medications:

• Stomach Pain
• Heartburn
• Ulcers
• Bleeding
• Ringing in the Ears
• Liver or Kidney Problems
• Allergic Reactions
• Increased Blood Pressure

Different NSAIDs could cause different complications, and the side effects of ibuprofen may be different than some of the other medications.

But all of these anti-inflammatory drugs work by the same or similar mechanisms, so there are related potential adverse reactions.

How can you avoid ibuprofen side effects?

Always take the minimal amount of any NSAID to treat your condition, and try to take it with food to minimize stomach problems.

To avoid the side effects of ibuprofen altogether, you may want to try a natural anti-inflammatory such as curcumin, ginger or MSM.

Most of these natural anti-inflammatories have no side effects, and some are actually more effective than ibuprofen and similar drugs.

So although most people do not suffer any significant problems from taking recommended dosages of NSAIDs, especially the non-prescription ones, you can avoid all potential ibuprofen side effects by trying a natural alternative first.

However, please be sure to consult with your physician or other qualified medical professional before you take any NSAID or natural anti-inflammatory to avoid the side effects of ibuprofen.

more than ibuprofen side effects on our prescription drugs side effects page

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