Ibuprofen side effects: Signs to spot when you go to the toilet – ‘contact your doctor’

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Ibuprofen is a medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is available as tablets and capsules, and as a syrup that you swallow. It also comes as a gel, mousse and spray that you rub into your skin.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them.

The following are some of the most common side effects of the painkiller:

• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

If you experience any of the above, stick to simple meals and drink plenty of liquid to replace any lost fluids and remember to take your doses with food, or with a glass of milk. If the discomfort continues, speak with your GP.

One slightly rarer side effect of ibuprofen whilst going to the toilet can be passing blood or black stools, bringing up (vomit) blood, or having severe stomach pains. Other, more serious side effects, can involve:

• Breathing difficulties such as wheeze or breathlessness
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling around your mouth or face, or an itchy skin rash.

The best place to find a full list of the side effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

According to the NHS, if you experience these symptoms stop taking the pain killer straight away and consult your GP.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine but it is important to be aware of the possible impacts of ibuprofen.

If you have asthma, symptoms such as wheeze or breathlessness can be made worse by anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.

There is known to be a small increased risk of heart and blood vessel problems in people taking some anti-inflammatory painkillers, particularly if taken long-term.

If you are concerned about this, speak with a healthcare professional for more information.

If you are prescribed ibuprofen, your GP will prescribe the lowest suitable dose for the shortest time in order to reduce the risk. If you have purchased ibuprofen, it is important not to take more than the recommended dose as the risks of side effects will increase if you do.

Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic warn against taking ibuprofen with any other anti-inflammatory painkiller, some of which are available in cold and flu remedies which can be bought ‘over the counter’.

Some medicines, especially anti-inflammatories, are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken.

For these reasons, before you start taking ibuprofen, it is important that your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist knows:

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding
• If you have liver or kidney disease
• If you have a heart condition or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation
• If you have high blood pressure

Or:

• If you have any blood clotting problems
• If you have high blood sugar or cholesterol levels
• If you have a connective tissue disorder.
• If you are taking any other medicines.

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac, and indometacin) or to any other medicine it is important to take ibuprofen in small doses to monitors impact.

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