Ibuprofen is a widely available medication used to treat pain, inflammation, stiffness, and fever associated with conditions like painful menstrual periods, tendon injury,
arthritis, and the
common cold. Brand names include
Motrin®, Advil
®, Genpril
®, and Nuprin
®, but it is also available in generic form.
While the medication is generally safe and well tolerated, risks are associated with
ibuprofen use. For example, people using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, may have a greater chance of experiencing a
heart attack or
stroke than those people who do not take NSAIDs.
Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke can occur without warning and include chest pain, shortness of breath, and slurred speech.
Certain factors seem to increase a person's risk of ibuprofen side effects, such as age, size of the dosage, and if other medications are taken at the same time. You can minimize your chance of problems by taking the drug exactly as indicated and not exceeding the recommended daily dose.
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