Ibuprofen and Alcohol Interaction
Ibuprofen and Alcohol
Ibuprofen is the generic name for the drug which is sold under the brand names Advil, Genpril, IBU, Midol, Motrin and Nuprin and is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which works by reducing the hormones which are the cause of inflammation and pain in the body.
The drug is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps or minor injury and may also be used for other purposes.
It is suggested that you do not drink alcohol while using this drug as it will greatly increase side effects especially that of stomach bleeding.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
Do not use this drug before or after heart bypass surgery such as coronary artery bypass graft or CABG. Also if used long term it may cause heart attack or stroke and it is advised not to use it if taking aspirin.
Before starting Ibuprofen advise your physician if you have a history of heart attack, stroke, blood clot, heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, asthma, polyps in your nose, liver or kidney disease, systemic lupus erythmatosus, bleeding, clotting disorder or if you smoke, if you are pregnant, plan to be so or are breast feeding.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, dizziness, headache, nervousness, skin itching, rash, blurred vision or ringing in your ears. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects severe allergic reactions such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, chest pain, weakness, short of breath, slurred speech, vision or balance problems, black bloody tarry stools, coughing up granular vomit, swelling, rapid weight gain, changes in urination, nauea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay coloured stools, jaundice, fever, sore throat, headache with blistering, peeling, skin rash, bruising, tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness neck stiffness, chills, light sensitive or seizures. If these occur get emergency medical help.
Ibuprofen and Alcohol Ibuprofen and alcohol
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
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