Using Ibuprofen To Treat Headache

There are several medicines that can help you deal with a headache. However, it is medicines like ibuprofen that make for the most common choices. It has been used for a long time now to treat headaches. Here is all that you need to know about this common headache relieving medication.

What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This medicine can be used to control pain and inflammation associated with various conditions like headache, muscle pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine can be easily purchased over the counter. However, if you want the medicine in a larger dose, you would need a prescription for the same.

How does it work?
Our body releases chemicals prostglandins when in pain. These chemicals are involved in processes that pertain to pain, temperature control and inflammation. Ibuprofen works by blocking these prostglandins. It blocks a substance called cyclooxygenase (COX), which in turn blocks the production of prostaglandins.

Is it safe?
Even though this medicine has been in use for the longest time to treat headaches, it does have its fair share of side effects. The most prominent side effect of this medicine is that it causes gastrointestinal upset. It can irritate the inner lining of the stomach and also cause ulceration in the stomach.

If you are suffering from high blood pressure, the medicine may elevate your blood pressure levels marginally. Some other common side effects of the medicine include diarrhea, constipation, nervousness and bloating.

There can also be some serious side effects of this medication that call for immediate medical attention. Some of these include:

* Swelling of face, lips or tongue
* Breathing problems
* Blurry vision
* Chest pain
* Redness or blistering of skin
* Unusual fatigue
* Yellowing of eyes

How to use?
The dosage of this medicine depends upon your underlying health conditions. Your health care provider will study the same and recommend a safe dosage. If you are buying this medicine over the counter then it is safe to take tablets containing 200 mg of medication up to three times a day. This medicine should not be taken for more than 7 days on a regular basis, without consulting a doctor.

Pregnant women should not take this medicine without consulting a doctor. This medicine should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. Also, if you are taking certain medications such as Cidofovir, Ketrolac, Methotrexate and Pemetrexed, then you must avoid taking this medicine.

It is important that you adhere to the above mentioned precautions and contraindications to avoid any kind of side effects on using the medication.
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