4 Myths About Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is one of the best selling drugs in our country and is available to everyone. Although a prescription is required for its sale, the lower dose of ibuprofen can be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription. Being such a popular drug, myths have been created about ibuprofen that need to be clarified.
Although some medicines are available without a prescription, this does not mean that they do not have specific recommendations for use. Misuse of any medicine can lead to serious health problems.
Therefore, in the case of both ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications , we need to be aware of possible side effects. Let us therefore consider the various myths about ibuprofen that are circulating today!
What is ibuprofen?
It is a drug that belongs to the family of non-steroidal analgesic drugs. It is mainly used to treat pain and inflammatory processes and to reverse febrile symptoms.
Although it is a widely used drug with a good safety profile, it is not exempt from a number of side effects. These include:
Myths about ibuprofen
1. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the same thing
It is one of the most widespread myths about ibuprofen. However, this is not true. Paracetamol does not have anti-inflammatory effects like ibuprofen. When we have pain associated with inflammation, ibuprofen is indicated. An example is menstrual pain, which causes inflammation in the ovaries, pain for which ibuprofen will be more effective.
Paracetamol is more effective in treating febrile symptoms, although both drugs have antipyretic effects.
2. Taking ibuprofen before drinking alcohol prevents hangovers
It is very common for young people to spread various myths to combat hangovers when going to parties. Among these myths is the one that says that the administration of ibuprofen before consuming alcohol prevents the subsequent hangover associated with excess alcohol.
The truth is that this statement is completely false. In addition, if you take ibuprofen and then drink alcohol, not only do you not prevent the hangover, but you can make it worse.
Both substances are metabolized in the liver, giving twice as much work to the same organ. This can increase the level of alcohol in the blood, increasing the effects on the body.
Ibuprofen is not addictive or tolerant. In other words, the use of ibuprofen will not cause an impulsive need to continue treatment.
It is true that sometimes you may have a feeling of tolerance or reduced effects. However, the reason is the intensity of the pain and not the ineffectiveness of the drug.
4.
Myths about ibuprofen include possible side effects on the liver. It is often confused with the potential liver damage that paracetamol has.
The truth is that ibuprofen does not harm the liver, but affects the stomach and can cause ulcers. In contrast, paracetamol is hepatotoxic, ie toxic to the liver.
As you can see, there are many false beliefs and myths about ibuprofen that are widespread. And, despite the fact that some professionals defend self-medication with this drug, we recommend that you always be informed about the correct use.
