Ibuprofen can cause a range of side effects, some of which may necessitate an urgent hospital visit
Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly found painkillers on supermarket shelves and pharmacies across the country. However, it differs significantly from other painkillers such as paracetamol due to being part of the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) family.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin help not only to relieve pain but also reduce inflammation across the body. This makes it effective at treating pain from a wide array of conditions such as muscle pain, back pain, periods, toothache and arthritis.
However, while ibuprofen can be an effective painkiller, it also comes with a number of side effects that people should be aware of. In some cases, these side effects could be so severe that you will either need to call 999 or go to A&E.
Common side effects of ibuprofen
Ibuprofen can be taken either through tablets, capsules, liquid, gels, mousse, or sprays. Because of this, side effects may vary significantly and affect people differently.
Guidance from the NHS highlights that ibuprofen found in sprays, gels, and mousse are less likely to cause side effects when put on the skin, compared to when taken internally. Despite this, it can still increase skin sensitivity, especially if used on a larger area of skin.
If taken internally, though, you will absorb more ibuprofen and could experience some of the following common symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Wind
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Feeling dizzy
While these side effects can affect more than one in 100 people who take ibuprofen, they may not always be severe. However, if you are struggling to cope with them, or if they do not go away, it’s advised that you speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
While taking ibuprofen, you may also experience some symptoms, which the NHS advises you call a doctor or 111 as soon as possible as result. This includes if you suddenly have black poo or blood in your vomit as this could be a sign of bleeding in the stomach.
You should also call 111 or a doctor if you have blood in your urine, swollen ankles, or have suddenly lost the ability to urinate at all as this could signify a problem with your kidneys.
When you need to go to the hospital
If you’re taking ibuprofen and experience more severe symptoms that you believe may be related to the painkiller, you may need to either call 999 or head straight to your nearest A&E. NHS guidance notes that the following symptoms will necessitate this response:
- Blurred vision
- Hallucinations
- Severe headache, stiff neck, high temperature, and a dislike of bright lights – this could be caused by inflammation in the membrane around the spine and brain
- Severe chest
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty breathing
Further guidance from the NHS surrounding ibuprofen use can be found here.
