by GB

Created on: February 11, 2007   Last Updated: January 09, 2008

Since I'm not a doctor I'll have to quote professional opinions regarding to this matter. Doing a research I've found that ibuprofen (sold under many different brand names like Advil, Motrin, etc.) if taken in high doses for a long period of time (800 milligrams three times per day) may cause cardiac risk (source: http://health.msn.com/centers/cardio/articlepage.asp x?cp-documentid=100136719)

"Ibuprofen may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity. Ibuprofen may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of drugs that are given to reduce blood pressure. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation of blood pressure. When ibuprofen is used in combination with aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin) the blood levels of the aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because the elimination of aminoglycosides from the body is reduced. This may lead to aminoglycoside-related side effects. Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) should avoid ibuprofen because ibuprofen also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding." (source: http://www.medicinenet.com/ibuprofen/article.htm)
Als o the same article recommends that pregnant women shouldn't take ibuprofen because not adequate studies were done. And because the drug is excreted in breast milk nursing mothers should avoid ibuprofen. It may cause side effects on the baby.
Also, studies made, show that known side effects may be: "rash, ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. Ibuprofen may cause ulceration of the stomach or intestine, and the ulcers may bleed. Sometimes, ulceration and bleeding can occur without abdominal pain, and black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension) may be the only signs of a problem. NSAIDs reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys and impair function of the kidneys. The impairment is most likely to occur in patients with preexisting impairment of kidney function or congestive heart failure, and use of NSAIDs in these patients should be done cautiously. People who are allergic to other NSAIDs, including aspirin, should not use ibuprofen. Individuals with asthma are more likely to experience allergic reactions to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs."(Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/ibuprofen/article.htm)
The FDA asked the manufacturers of all over-the-counter NSAIDs to include more specific information about potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, and safe use of the drugs. (Source:http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2005/NEW0 1171.html)

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