Does Nurofen Cause Stomach Problems
Motrin is a brand name for the generic drug Pain and…
Ibuprofen: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Shutterstock We’ve been there: a bad headache hits and we’re apt to reach for some meds – only to remember we haven’t eaten anything lately and it’s not wise to take pills on an empty stomach. But is it really such a big deal? pain.
Medication To Prevent Ulcers
Various medications can lower the risk of getting a peptic ulcer. These include, in particular, drugs called proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. Both of these types of drugs reduce the production of stomach acid. In Germany, the most commonly used PPIs are omeprazole and pantoprazole. The H2 blocker that is normally used is ranitidine.
The hormone-like drug misoprostol is sometimes used too, although less often. One of the things misoprostol does is increase the production of gastric mucus, which helps protect the stomach wall. In Germany, misoprostol is available as a combination drug together with the painkiller diclofenac.
Reducing The Risks Of Side Effects
Aleve is an over-the-counter drug that carries with it a slight risk of very serious and sometimes fatal side effects. It is very important to understand all of the side effects before beginning treatment.
Patients are encouraged to take the smallest effective dose of Aleve for the shortest amount of time possible in order to reduce the risk of experiencing worsening mild side effects or even potentially life-threatening stomach issues. The most serious side effects can occur at any time and without warning, so patients should know when it is important for them to seek medical help. The only way to completely avoid these effects is by not taking NSAID pain relievers and fever reducers.
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Lack Of Fiber In The Diet
People with a high intake of dietary fiber are less likely to experience constipation.
This is because regular bowel movements, especially when a person combines it with proper hydration.
High fiber foods include:
- lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes
Low fiber foods include:
- high fat foods, such as cheese, meat, and eggs
- highly processed foods, such as white bread
- fast foods, chips, and other premade foods
Learn more about foods that can prevent and treat constipation .
How To Use Aleve:
- Before taking this medication, if you are using an over-the-counter product, read all of the directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed naproxen, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you begin taking it and again when you get a refill.
- Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times per day with a full glass of water . After taking this, donât lie down for at least 10 minutes. Take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid to avoid stomach upset.
- The dosage is determined by your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. Take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible to reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more frequently than prescribed by your doctor or on the package label. Continue to take this medication as directed by your doctor if you have an ongoing condition such as arthritis.
- For some conditions , it may take up to two weeks of regular use of this medication before you see the full benefit.
- If you are not taking this medication on a regular basis, remember that pain relievers work best when they are used at the first signs of pain.
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How To Use Naproxen Oral
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using naproxen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily with or without food. Swallow this medication whole. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Doing so can release the drug too quickly, increasing the risk of side effects. Take this medication with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor.
For certain conditions , it may take up to two weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
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Drug Interactions And Overdose
Many OTC medications contain NSAIDs. For this reason, it’s crucial to read all medication labels before using them. Also, be sure you’re getting only one dose of an NSAID at a time.
Nutritional supplements, herbs, recreational drugs, and caffeine can interact with naproxen and change the way it works in your body. Speak with your doctor about all medications and supplements you take before taking Aleve.
Medications that may interact with naproxen in a harmful way include:
- Alendronate, taken to prevent bone loss
- Other NSAIDs, including aspirin
- Herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or Ginkgo biloba
- Lithium medication such as Eskalith and Lithobid
If you think you may have overdosed, or your local poison control center.
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How To Use Aleve
If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking naproxen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day with a full glass of water . Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. To prevent stomach upset, take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed by your doctor or the package label. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor.
For certain conditions , it may take up to two weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.
If you are taking this drug “as needed” , remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
Assessing Your Likelihood Of Developing Gi Side Effects From Nsaids
For some arthritis patients, NSAIDs may not be an option because of other health issues.
Typically, if someone has a history of peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or Barretts esophagus, NSAIDs should be avoided, Dr. Bhana says. Anyone who is on blood thinners or will be undergoing surgery may need to avoid these medications as well, he adds, because the risk of life-threatening bleeding is significantly higher.
Other medications that may increase your risk of bleeding when taken with NSAIDs include low-dose aspirin , selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and Paxil, and glucocorticoids.
If your doctor determines you shouldnt take oral NSAIDs, he or she may recommend other therapies for pain relief.
There are topical NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, that may be helpful for localized arthritic pain, Dr. Bhana. These have a low rate of systemic absorption and are safer for your stomach.
Non-NSAID analgesics such as acetaminophen may also be an option.
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How Was Your Experience With Aleve
Naproxen is used to treat the following:
- pain and redness
- swelling and inflammation from conditions such as different types of arthritis and gout
- menstrual cramps
- other types of short-term pain
Over-the-counter
Naproxen is used to temporarily reduce fever, as well as treat minor aches and pains due to:
- minor pain of arthritis
- backache
- toothache
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Lower The Risk Of Peptic Ulcers
The proton pump inhibitors used in the studies were lansoprazole , omeprazole and pantoprazole . The studies lasted up to six months. They showed that, compared to a placebo, all of these proton pump inhibitors clearly lowered the risk of getting peptic ulcers:
- Without a proton pump inhibitor, 36 out of 100 people developed an ulcer.
- With a proton pump inhibitor, 14 out of 100 people developed a peptic ulcer.
In other words: Proton pump inhibitors prevented the development of NSAID-related peptic ulcers in 22 out of 100 people.
Proton pump inhibitors may cause headaches, diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain. Only a few people in the studies stopped their treatment early due to side effects.
But it’s not clear whether the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors is safe. It has been observed that hip fractures, spinal fractures and wrist fractures are more common in people over the age of 50 who have taken PPIs in a high dose or for longer than a year.
It is also thought that the long-term use of PPIs might increase the risk of intestinal infections and pulmonary infections or nephritis .
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What Are The Dosages Of Naproxen
Dosages of Naproxen:
- 220 mg
- 250 mg
Dosage Considerations Should be Given as Follows:
Adult Dosage Considerations
Pain
- 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 hours or 500 mg orally every 12 hours as needed, not to exceed 1250 mg/day naproxen base on day 1, subsequent daily doses should not exceed 1000 mg naproxen base.
- Extended-release 750-1000 mg orally every day, may temporarily increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well and clinically indicated.
- 500-1000 mg/day orally divided every 12 hours, may increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well for a limited time.
Dysmenorrhea
- 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 every hour or 500 mg orally every 12 hours , not to exceed 1250 mg/day on the first day, subsequently does should not exceed 1000 mg/day naproxen base.
- 750 mg orally initially, followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until attach subsides
- Extended-release 1000-1500 mg every day, followed by 1000 mg every day until the attack subsides
- 750 mg orally initially, may give additional 250-500 mg if necessary, not to exceed 1250 mg in 24 hours
Pediatric Dosage Considerations
Pain
Is Topical Diclofenac Safe For Everyone
Over the years we have written that topical NSAIDs may be safer than oral versions of ibuprofen or diclofenac. That was based in part upon an overview by the Cochrane Collaboration :
Topical NSAIDs provided good levels of pain relief in acute conditions such as sprains, strains and overuse injuries, probably similar to that provided by oral NSAIDs. Gel formulations of diclofenac , ibuprofen, and ketoprofen, and some diclofenac patches, provided the best effects. Adverse events were usually minimal.
That said, some people are extremely sensitive to NSAID toxicity. Even topical diclofenac can cause harm to these individuals. Here are some examples:
Q. Youve written about Voltaren gel for arthritis pain. I cannot use this drug, as it causes me severe stomach pain and acid reflux. I wish I could use it for my sore joints.
My aunt died from using an NSAID. It gave her an ulcer that led to infection and death.
I cant believe we can buy NSAIDs without a prescription in this country. They can kill you and are known to cause ulcers even when people are unaware of the damage until it is too late.
A. You are correct that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen , meloxicam and naproxen can cause stomach ulcers . Such complications can indeed be deadly.
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Dont Take Too Many Too Often
To avoid abdominal pain when taking painkillers, you must first make sure that you follow the recommended dosage to the letter. Do not take any more than recommended, and do not double-dose. You should never take more than one NSAID at a time as they are in the same family and side effects will be more severe.
Taking Naproxen With Other Painkillers
Do not take naproxen with ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
It’s OK to take naproxen with paracetamol or co-codamol that you buy over the counter, but this should just be for short periods of time.
If you often need to take extra painkillers with naproxen or for more than a few days, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Sometimes taking different painkillers together is a good way to relieve pain, but there may be other treatments you can try.
It’s OK to take other painkillers with naproxen for longer if your doctor has given them to you on prescription and told you to take them together.
If you’re unsure, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
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Preventing Gi Damage From Nsaids
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a type of medicine that relieves pain. NSAIDs inhibit the production of bodily compounds, called prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation and sending pain signals to the brain. Reducing prostaglandins results in less pain both from the decrease in inflammation in the injured area and from the fact that fewer pain messages are reaching the brain. Common pain relief medications such as ibuprofen , acetylsalicylic acid , and naproxen are examples of NSAIDs.
While NSAIDs are effective medications with relatively few risks when taken occasionally, they can affect the gastrointestinal tract in long-term users, resulting in complications such as dyspepsia, which can range from mild to severe, and ulcers, which can cause bleeding, perforation, and obstruction. In fact, 15-30% of these long-term NSAID users are at risk of developing ulcer disease, with 2-4% of these ulcers leading to complications.1 Chronic NSAID use can even result in death, with one study estimating 7,000-16,500 individuals in the United States dying from NSAID complications each year.1
Chronic pain can have a massive influence on quality of life, and it affects so many individuals. As many as one in five Canadians experience chronic pain at any given time.2 Medications to treat pain are extremely important, and while NSAIDs can cause problems, other medications also have their own risks and complications.
What Are The Side Effects Of Aleve
Aleve belongs to the drug class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is used to relieve symptoms of arthritis and other painful conditions.According to the Mayo Clinic, Aleve can be used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, bursitis, tendonitis and menstrual cramps 2. This medication works by blocking chemical signals that cause inflammation and are related to pain. Aleve is available over the counter, while stronger forms can be prescribed. As with all medications, you should be aware of the possible side effects of Aleve and what to do if you experience them.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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Special Warnings And Precautions
Problems with stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding can occur with any NSAID, and naproxen is no exception. Typically, these problems are tied to long-term use of the drug, but not alwaysshort-term use of naproxen or other NSAIDs can be problematic for some people.
Stomach ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning. Signs can include burning stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting. Call your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Liver damage can occur in people taking NSAIDs like naproxen. Warning signs include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, appetite loss, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark urine.
Naproxen can cause fluid retention and swelling in the body. NSAIDs like naproxen have also been linked to increased blood pressure.
NSAIDs, including naproxen, are associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and new onset or worsening of pre-existing hypertension . Cardiovascular risk may be increased with longer duration of use of naproxen or pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
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Am I Taking Too Much Ibuprofen
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What Are The Side Effects Of Ibuprofen Vs Naproxen
Ibuprofen side effects
- heartburn.
NSAIDs reduce the ability of blood to clot and therefore increase bleeding after an injury.
Ibuprofen may cause ulceration of the stomach or intestine, and the ulcers may bleed. Sometimes, ulceration can occur without abdominal pain and due to bleeding, the only signs or symptoms of an ulcer may be black, tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing .
Sometimes, ulceration can occur without abdominal pain, due to the bleeding, and the only signs or symptoms of an ulcer are:
- weakness, and
- dizziness upon standing
NSAIDs reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys and impair function of the kidneys. The impairment is most likely to occur in patients who already have impaired function of the kidney or congestive heart failure, and use of NSAIDs in these patients should be cautious.
People who are allergic to other NSAIDs, including aspirin, should not use ibuprofen.
Individuals with asthma are more likely to experience allergic reactions to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.
Other serious side effects associated with NSAIDs are:
- fluid retention ,
- hypertension , and
- heart failure.
Naproxen side effects
The most common side effects from naproxen are:
- rash,