Ibuprofen is a commonly-used OTC medication. While it doesn't usually cause liver damage, it can be hard on the kidneys. It's important to follow OTC dosing instructions, as this will help lower your risk of side effects, including kidney damage. Keep in mind that ibuprofen isn't right for everyone.
Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is removed from your body by your kidneys. Taking it for a long time can cause kidney damage and stomach bleeding. Using high doses of ibuprofen for longer than recommended can increase your risk of: blood clots.
Heavy or long-term use of some of these medicines, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and higher dose aspirin, can cause chronic kidney disease known as chronic interstitial nephritis.
Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are two of the most commonly used pain relievers. They share some similar features, but have several key differences. Advil is harder on the stomach and the kidneys, while Tylenol is harder on the liver.
Naproxen. Another anti-inflammatory drug, which works much like ibuprofen. Some studies show this may be a better choice than ibuprofen for people at risk for heart disease.
Nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others) can damage your liver, especially if taken frequently or combined with alcohol.
In fact, the National Kidney Foundation recommends acetaminophen as the pain reliever of choice for occasional use in patients who have underlying kidney disease. Although NSAIDs are more likely to cause kidney issues, Ibuprofen can still be used as long as it is not taken in excess.
However, taking doses that are too large (usually more than six or eight tablets a day) may temporarily and possibly permanently reduce kidney function.
Over-the-counter Tylenol (generic acetaminophen) is often the best choice for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems.
Ibuprofen has the highest liver safety profile among NSAIDs and showed no severe liver injury in larger studies. Along with paracetamol and aspirin, it is considered one of the most common over the counter NSAIDs sold in the world.
This is called analgesic nephropathy. Painkillers that combine 2 or more medicines (such as, aspirin and acetaminophen together) with caffeine or codeine are the most likely to harm the kidneys.
Don't take more than 1,200 mg of ibuprofen in one day. For OTC ibuprofen, this equates to a maximum of 6 pills per day. Additionally, avoid taking ibuprofen for longer than 10 days, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
A gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) is one option. Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys. However, topicals may not work well for hip pain, because the joint is too deep for the medication to penetrate.
adults – can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (200mg) every 4 to 6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 1,200mg (6 x 200mg) tablets in the space of 24 hours.
Time to Onset of Ibuprofen- and APAP-Associated Renal Injury
The average onset time of APAP-related kidney injury was 32.74 days, which was about a quarter of that of ibuprofen-related kidney injury (115.82 days).
Study: Ibuprofen Found Safest NSAID for the Kidney.
You shouldn't take more than 1,200 mg of ibuprofen in a 24-hour period. If you have menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, or RA pain, your healthcare provider may prescribe ibuprofen for you at a higher dose. Prescription tablets are usually stronger compared to the OTC dose, such as 600 mg and 800 mg.
Generally, the renal failure with NSAIDs is acute and reversible, though analgesic nephropathy with papillary necrosis and chronic renal failure are reported.
The main difference between the two medications is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation, whereas paracetamol does not. According to Hamish, there's no advantage in taking ibuprofen or paracetamol brands such as Nurofen or Panadol over the cheaper chemist or supermarket versions.
Regular use of ibuprofen may eventually cause: anaemia due to bleeding in the stomach. impaired hearing. kidney and liver damage.
Taking too much ibuprofen or similar painkillers can damage kidneys, but a recent study has revealed some people at high risk are still being prescribed them. Research has found that prescriptions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduced over the two years before the pandemic.
Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including diclofenac. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section).