Can you take Ibuprofen on an empty stomach

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) sold under the brand Advil, Motrin, Nuprin. This medication is primarily used to treat pain and inflammation-related conditions. The effects of taking Ibuprofen on an empty stomach vary from person to person/ this precisely depends on person to person. However, it is safe to take Ibuprofen with food to avoid stomach uneasiness.

Consumption of Ibuprofen without food can lead to gastrointestinal issues and can take a toll on prostaglandins. The prostaglandins protect the stomach, but not taking the medication with food can reduce prostaglandins' levels and increase mucus production.

The gastrointestinal issue depends upon various factors, namely:

• Health condition: if already suffering from any health condition such as inflammatory bowel syndrome or bleeding ulcer, there is a higher risk of leading to this condition.
• Dosage: Dosage is one of the factors as, if taken this medication on higher dose regularly then can possibly increase chances of GI.
• Age: Senior citizens or older people have higher possibilities of getting GI.

Ibuprofen: How To Take It?

• As previously mentioned, this medication can be taken with or without food. But on the safer side, it is beneficial to take it with food. 
• If taking a capsule or tablet, do not crush, break or chew it; instead, ingest it with water or milk. 
• Do as directed by the medical practitioner to avoid side effects.

•  You can check Ibuprofen price from the certified online pharmacy but before consuming these medications contact your health care provider.

Ibuprofen: What To Do If Already Taken? 

If you have already taken the drug on an empty stomach, you need not worry. Contact the doctor and keep close contact regarding the symptoms you notice if you notice any common issue such as stomach ache, gastric issue, or acid reflux confab with the medical expert. 

To avoid the cause of these symptoms, you can take magnesium-based medication, which can help with acid reflux. Other than that, proton pump inhibitors can also help with the same. In any case, tell the medical practitioner about your issues. (He, C., Tsuchiyama, S.K., Nguyen, Q.T., Plyusnina, E.N., Terrill, S.R., Sahibzada, S., Patel, B., Faulkner, A.R., Shaposhnikov, M.V., Tian, R. and Tsuchiya, M., 2014)

Ibuprofen: How Does It Work?

Ibuprofen is a drug that treats pain and inflammation. This medication works by blocking the naturally occurring chemical substance that causes inflammation and pain. This medication also aids in reducing fever. 

Ibuprofen: Forms And Strengths

Forms: Ibuprofen is available in; tablets, Capsules, Suppositories, soluble powders, liquids.

Strength: The strength of this medication is as follows:

• 200 mg tablets
• 400 mg tablets 
• 600 mg tablets
• 800 mg tablets

Ibuprofen: Dosage

Dosage for Ibuprofen

The dosage should be provided according to the medical guidance and doctor's prescription. Do follow the instructions given, or it can lead to adverse effects. Overdosing on the medication can be lethal, so it is wise to take medicine according to the guidance. 

The pediatrics should only take this drug under doctors' advice. The adult dosage is as follows:

• Initial dosage: The dosage for the person experiencing mild to moderate pain is 400 mg. This can be taken for every 4-6 hours under the medical expert's consultation.
• Maximum dosage:  3200 mg is the maximum dose that can be increased according to the cause and expert's guidance. 
• Pediatrics: The dosage totally depends upon the age and weight of the child.

Ibuprofen: Side Effects

Adverse side effects 

• Swelling or gaining weight rapidly.
• Skin rash or allergies 
• Vision change or blurred vision
• Liver and kidney problems.
• Anemia.
• Blood in stool 
• Bloody vomit 

If you face any of these problems, consult the doctor regarding the problem immediately. If the issues become unbearable, contact the health line number.

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Headache  
• Acid reflux or gas 
• Diarrhea or constipation  

These side effects may fade within a short period; if not, consult the doctor.

Ibuprofen: Who Cannot Take It?

Ibuprofen is not advisable to be taken by anyone who is suffering from the following conditions:

• It is not recommended to take Ibuprofen if you are allergic to aspirin or any NSAIDs drug. 
• Do not take this drug if you have breathing issues, namely asthma.
• Don't consume the medication if you have any blood-related issues such as blood clots or anemia. 
• It is not recommended to consume this medication if you have heart, liver, or kidney-related issues. 
• Make sure to contact the medical expert if suffering from stroke, stomach or intestinal issues, or throat problems. 

Ibuprofen: Other Conditions

• Alcohol: It is not advised to take Ibuprofen with alcohol as it can worsen the effect. Ibuprofen can lead to dizziness, so it is wise to limit alcohol use when on Ibuprofen. Do not indulge in tedious tasks when on the medication.
• Pregnancy: Consult the medical practitioner regarding pregnancy as it can harm the unborn child. It is not recommended to use this medication 20 weeks prior to the delivery. Do not take Ibuprofen 30 weeks after the delivery, as it can be harmful. In any case, do consult the doctor regarding it.
• Overdose: Overdosing can lead to adverse symptoms such as GI (gastrointestinal issues), stomach problems, dizziness, drowsiness, and even coma. It can lead to damage to the stomach and intestine. Thus, it is advised to take the drug according to the prescription and under the medical expert's surveillance.
• Weight gain: Ibuprofen does not lead to weight gain or weight loss as it does not affect the appetite and thus, does not lead to fat accumulation.

Other issues: It is potent to confab with the medical expert regarding your history of mental and physical health. Other than that, as many drugs seem to interact with Ibuprofen, do let the expert know about other medications you consume, which can guide you to a proper solution, for instance, sleeping pills, antidepressants. (Antezana, D.F., Clatterbuck, R.E., Alkayed, N.J., Murphy, S.J., Anderson, L.G., Frazier, J., Hurn, P.D., Traystman, R.J. and Tamargo, R.J., 2003)

Drug Interactions

Ibuprofen can interact with several drugs, leading to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and it can also lead to adverse effects. To avoid these effects, follow the instructions on the label and the medical guidance.

Few drugs that interact with Ibuprofen are: 

• Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Fish Oil 
• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350)
• Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
• ProAir HFA (albuterol)

 Synopsis 

Ibuprofen is a drug that belongs to an NSAIDs drug class that treats pain, inflammation, and fever. This medication thus can be taken with or without food but is recommended to take with food to avoid any issues. Do consult the medical practitioner regarding any problem and follow the instructions given.