Cases in which ibuprofen should not be used (and can be very dangerous)

It is one of the medicines that we always have at hand in the homemade kit When some pain catches us. Athletes depend on them, women with menstrual cramps give thanks that they exist, and in general if we have any discomfort of any kind, is the first thing that comes to our mind. However, scientists are beginning to realize that perhaps ibuprofen It's not as benign as we thought.

So there is no doubt: it is a fast-acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has proven to be very effective in calming numerous discomforts. However, taking it improperly can lead to problems for our health, and it is important to keep in mind that, in general, its consumption should be brief and the dose appropriate according to the characteristics of each patient.

But then, when are the times when I could be counterproductive?

Do not mix with aspirin

You may think they are similar, since both relieve pain and swelling, but there end their similarities. Aspirin is often used to lower fever and to relieve mild or moderate pain caused by headaches, arthritis, colds, muscle or tooth aches, and although it is platelet antiaggregant and before American Heart Association said a low dose could help prevent heart attacks, it has recently been shown that administering it in healthy people increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

In excessive amounts ibuprofen increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke or damage to the small intestine

You will think that ibuprofen is used for similar symptoms, and it is true, since it is generally used to reduce fever and relieve minor pain (headaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, tooth or back pain), although their patients are usually children. The question when combining them thinking that they are similar is that they can cause problems or stomach bleeding, so don't play it.

You have stomach problems

We talked about stomach bleeding with aspirin, and although you do not combine ibuprofen with any other medication, if you have gastrointestinal problems it could also be counterproductive. This is because they irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, and can also reduce blood flow in the area and affect its ability to repair, so if you have digestive problemsYou may not want to take it.

If you are pregnant

It has been discovered that they can harm the fetus, increase the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy and produce heart defects in the third trimester. In addition, a recent study published in 'Human Reproduction' suggests an association between ibuprofen that women took during their first trimester and a subsequent reduction in ovule development in the fetal ovaries, which could compromise the future fertility of their daughters.

Nor is it a good idea during labor because it could cause prolonged bleedingThe best thing is that if you need to relieve pain at some time during pregnancy, consult your doctor.

Or you have a urinary infection

A few years ago, some researchers said that ibuprofen could be useful for treating urinary tract infections because they relieved pain and helped stop the use of antibiotics. The problem? That is not true, according to a study of PLOS Medicine The women who took it to treat a urinary infection took an average of three more days to heal and also had a slightly higher risk of complications.

If you drink alcohol

We understand, you have stayed with a friend to have a wine, a cocktail or a beer, and as your head hurts you take an ibuprofen before. You should, however, think twice, since the two together increase much the chances of damaging your stomach and even produce stomach ulcers or even liver damage.

You have asthma

Ibuprofen could exacerbate it, in fact, it is likely that in the leaflet you have ever read that asthma sufferers should be careful in their consumption. "They have a demonstrated sensitivity," he says Professor Marilyn E. Morris in 'Reader Digest', "they could have a life-threatening attack, so it is best to talk with their doctors about alternative options for controlling pain."

In training

Some athletes usually be quite fans of ibuprofen, for example, before a long run. In the best case it is a waste of time and potentially harmful in the worst. You have to listen to the body, and if ibuprofen silences the pain, you may not know if you are trying too hard, which could mean that you may not slow down or seek help if necessary. Also can exacerbate real damage, so say simply no.

Of course, the fundamental thing is that the amount is adequate, because in excessive amounts it raises the risk of suffering heart attacks, stroke or damage to small intestine, so, as recommended by Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom, it is best to reduce the prescription of these drugs to cases where they are absolutely necessary.