Ibuprofen 800 is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Other members of this class include Aleve (naproxen), aspirin, Relafen (nabumetone), Indocin (indomethacin), and a few others.
It is typically used for fever, dental pain, migraines or headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or painful monthly periods.
The World Health Organization includes this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the “Essential Drugs List,” a list of the minimum medical requirements for a basic healthcare system.
It contains the following inactive ingredients – croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, lactose, polyethylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, and talc.
How Does It Work?
Prostaglandins are chemicals that are produced by the body and are responsible for causing inflammation, fever, and pain. This medicine blocks the enzyme which makes prostaglandins, resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins. Hence, fever, pain, and inflammation are reduced.
The 800 mg Ibuprofen tablet has an immediate release and is designed with the proper binders, diluents, disintegrants, and glidants to ensure that the active ingredient is absorbed in the small intestine at a rapid rate.
800 mg Ibuprofen vs Vicodin – Are These Drugs Similar?
No. Hydrocodone is a cough suppressant and a narcotic pain-reliever, similar to codeine. Vicodin contains a mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an opioid pain drug. An opioid is occasionally called a narcotic.
Uses
It is part of a group of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and can be generally used to:
- ease swelling and pain caused by strains and sprains, like – sports injuries;
- ease inflammation (swelling and redness) and pain caused by conditions that affect the bones, joints, and muscles, like – osteoarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis (an autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the joints in the pelvis and spine);
- control a high temperature when someone has the flu;
- ease mild to moderate pain, like – migraine, toothache, headache, and period pain.
How Is This Medicine Best Taken?
Use this medication as ordered by your healthcare provider. Common recommendations include:
- do not take this drug for longer than your healthcare provider told you since taking more than you are told may raise considerably your chance of side effects;
- drink lots of liquids (caffeine-free) unless told to drink fewer liquids by your healthcare provider;
- take with a full glass of water;
- take with food, especially if it causes an upset stomach.
Side Effects of Ibuprofen 800 Pill
Common side effects of this medicine may include:
- a decrease in the amount of urine;
- ringing in the ears;
- headaches;
- cloudy urine;
- nervousness;
- bloating;
- belching;
- sour stomach;
- troubled breathing at rest;
- fluid retention;
- full feeling;
- loss of appetite;
- indigestion;
- lightheadedness;
- dizziness;
- noisy, rattling breathing;
- excess gas or air in the stomach;
- confusion;
- shortness of breath;
- unusual bruising or bleeding;
- diarrhea;
- difficulty having a bowel movement;
- unusual fatigue;
- vomiting;
- anemia;
- dark or tarry stools;
- pale skin;
- unexplained weight loss.
Heart Disease
It can increase the risk of stroke or fatal heart attack, particularly if you take high doses or use it long-term. The risk may be considerably more significant if you have an increased risk for heart disease (for instance, due to a family history of heart disease, smoking, or conditions, like – diabetes or hypertension) or if you suffer from heart disease.
To reduce the potential for increased risk of these serious side effects while being treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, use it for the shortest duration possible.
There is an increased incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction found through analysis of data regarding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain in the first two weeks after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Therefore, this drug is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain (postoperative pain) in the setting of CABG surgery.
Gastrointestinal Risk
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events, such as – ulceration, bleeding, and perforation of the intestines or stomach, which can be fatal. These severe side effects can occur at any time during use and without warning signs and symptoms. Also, seniors are at higher risk for serious gastrointestinal events.
Sleepiness
This medicine can sometimes cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. This is not considered a common side effect, but it is not unknown.
Allergic Reactions
If you are allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, foods, or other substances, tell your healthcare professional about the allergy and what signs and symptoms you had, including:
- swelling of face, tongue, lips, or throat;
- cough;
- wheezing;
- shortness of breath;
- itching;
- hives;
- rash.
Drug Interactions
This medicine is a potent drug that can engage in many drug interactions, some of which can be potentially dangerous. That is the reason why you should always consult your healthcare provider when taking this drug.
Pregnancy
Do not use this drug without your healthcare professional’s advice if you are pregnant since using it during the last 3 months of pregnancy may affect the unborn baby.
Note
The risk of these side effects can happen as soon as the first weeks of using this medicine and may be notably higher with long-term use or with higher doses.
Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty
READ THIS NEXT: Sodium Bisulfite – Side Effects And Uses
References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1855338/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3191627/