There are hundreds of medications out there who promise to help in relieving the symptoms of gout. Even though some of these are effective, there are some that have no worth at all. Furthermore, there are also some that are capable of giving a long-lasting relief for the condition. While some give a short but quality relief for gout. These are the reasons why people usually look for comparisons. One medication that people often look for comparison is ibuprofen. You read it right, I am talking about the derivation of the aspirin –ibuprofen. How effective ibuprofen for gout really is? Read on to this article to know!
Ibuprofen for Gout…
It was in 1961 when ibuprofen was first patented and invented by Andrew RM Dunlop. On the other hand, 1969 is the year when the medication was first used as a treatment for a rheumatoid type of arthritis. And then, in 1974 in the United States of America.
Ibuprofen actually first started to be a prescription drug. However, after many studies, trials, and tolerability level in the general population, it has already become an over-the-counter medication in a myriad of pharmacies all over the world. Furthermore, it is available in a number of dosage forms, just like topical gel, capsules, tablets, suppository, and suspension
The ibuprofen is an NSAID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. Furthermore, it comes in a lot of names, like Nurofen, Motrin, and Advil. In comparison to some other NSAIDs, the potential of the ibuprofen is much lesser. Just like causing some side effects like strokes, heart attacks, stomach ulcers, etc., ibuprofen is much lesser than the others. This is even though the effectiveness of ibuprofen in the inflammation relieving and pain is thought to be lesser than the other NSAIDs.
Furthermore, ibuprofen is beneficial mainly in treating fever, painful periods, mild to moderate pain, and even various inflammatory diseases. These inflammatory diseases may include rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, headache, dental pain, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, you must also remember that ibuprofen is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. However, it is associated with a much higher risk for gout, thus avoiding it is necessary.
Ibuprofen for Gout: Is it really effective?
There is no doubt that ibuprofen is effective in treating the pain from gout flare up. In fact, it is beneficial in reducing the gout pain. However, it does nothing in reducing the uric acid or even reduce the uric acid crystals in the joints. It must increase the mobility much quicker. And because it is more mobile, it may help in healing from the gout attack much quicker.
Whatever type of arthritis, including gout, may heal better with ibuprofen and some mild exercise. There is no doubt about the effectiveness of this medication in alleviating gout attacks. This is the reason why some gout sufferers advise to always have ibuprofen in the medicine cabinet. This is especially if you don’t have colchicine freely available. On the assumption that you do not have any renal conditions, you are good to take ibuprofen. However, you should make sure to ask your doctor if you really are allowed to take it.
Uses of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is actually used in relieving pain from some conditions, including gout. Furthermore, it is also beneficial in reducing fever and relieve some minor pain and aches. It works by blocking the body’s production of several natural substances that cause inflammation. This particular effect may help in reducing the swelling fever, or pain.
Side Effects of Ibuprofen
You should stop taking ibuprofen if you experience the following side effects:
- Ringing in the ears
- Rash or mild itching
- Nervousness, headache, and dizziness
- Constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating
- Vomiting, nausea, mild heartburn, upset stomach
- Severe skin reaction
- Low red blood cell count
- Kidney conditions
- Liver conditions
- Stomach bleeding
- Rapid weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Change in the vision
How to take Ibuprofen for Gout?
You may take ibuprofen in either liquid or tablet form. Not just that, there is also a cream or gel form for the medication. If you are going to take tablets, you should make sure to not take it for more than 4 times every day. Usually, a tablet may consist of about 200-400 milligrams for the maximum daily dose of 1200 milligrams. You should only take a high dosage of the medicine if your doctor told you to. You should never exceed the prescribed dose. Moreover, you should wait for at least 4 hours before taking the next tablet.
If you happen to experience any of the aforementioned side effects, it is the best to consult your doctor. Remember that most of the side effects of the medicine relate to stomach conditions. Make certain that before you take the medicine you are done eating. If you are to use topical ibuprofen, then there is a much lesser chance of acquiring upset stomach.
Read more about:
Ibuprofen Vs. Paracetamol: Which Is Better?
Can You Take Colchicine And Ibuprofen Together?
Ibuprofen Vs. Diclofenac Which Is Better For Gout?
