Customer question:
What is ibuprofen? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Ibuprofen is an active substance belonging to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), which are responsible for the formation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that participate in inflammatory processes and cause pain, fever, and inflammation. When inflammation or pain occurs in the body, COX enzymes are activated and trigger the formation of prostaglandins. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the activity of these enzymes, which reduces the production of prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandins, inflammation, pain, and fever are also reduced.
In addition, ibuprofen also acts as an analgesic, which means that it reduces the sensation of pain by affecting the nervous system and reducing the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Ibuprofen is often used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation in various conditions, such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, muscle inflammation, and other conditions. It is essential to follow the instructions for use and consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen or any other medicine.
What are the possible side effects of ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is usually a well-tolerated drug, but it can still cause unwanted side effects in some people. Common side effects of ibuprofen include:
- digestive problems,
- headache,
- bleeding,
- allergic reactions,
- kidney problems and
- heart problems.
In addition to these side effects, ibuprofen can also cause other, less common side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any unusual symptoms or problems after taking ibuprofen. It is essential to follow the recommended dose and avoid taking too much ibuprofen or other NSAIDs unless your doctor recommends it.
Can we become addicted to ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is not a substance that causes physical dependence, as some drugs, such as opioids or, for example, benzodiazepines, can cause. This means that regular use of ibuprofen does not cause the need for ever-increasing doses or withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. However, there is a possibility of psychological dependence on ibuprofen, which may come into play if a person gets used to regularly taking the drug to relieve pain or reduce inflammation.
This can happen if a person starts using ibuprofen as their primary method of managing pain or discomfort and relies on it as a cure-all. In such cases, a person may develop a psychological dependence on the drug and feel uncomfortable or anxious without taking it.
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