I have 4 broken ribs and have been taking ibuprofen every 4 hours. At night I wake up covered in sweat and my shirt is soaked, is this normal?
Does ibuprofen make you sweat a lot at night?
Question posted by dianedoel on 23 Feb 2013
Last updated on 11 May 2019 by cst532017
6 Answers
cst532017
11 May 2019
Ibuprofen can be taken up to 3200 mg a day for short periods of time. I was prescribed the 800mg tablet and I could take 4 a day. And yes, Ibuprofen and all NSAID can make you hot and sweat because these medications work to lower fever by causing blood vessels to dilate so heat is lost through the skin, and this same mechanism may lead to sweating even if you are not running a fever.
Crowncitigurl
27 Oct 2016
I know it's too late for this particular poster, but I took 4 Motrin each morning for serve knee pain. Sweated at night like crazy for months. Stopped taking the Motrin each morning. Night sweats went away completely. There must be a correlation. For those seaking answers, stop taking them and see if it helps.
charleyo
28 June 2015
Yes. Ibuprophen(Advil) makes me sweat like crazy at night. Ignore answers from people who are guessing. They are detracting from the efficiency of these forums
mfpdfibro
24 Feb 2013
This makes me very curious because a pharmacist specifically told me that ibuprofen can ease up the hot flashes you get from menopause. Huh?
Inactive
2 March 2013
Hello mfpdfibro, many apologies for taking so long to get back to you.
There are a few common medications that may trigger night sweats - Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen.
Antipyretics trigger night sweats by causing a rapid drop in your body temperature.
I hope this help explain to you about the sweats, if not let me know and I will explain it further?
Best regards,
pamee
mfpdfibro
11 March 2013
Hey Pamee, thanks for that explanation. That makes sense to me because those medications are what you think of when you have a fever, to bring the fever down. Wait, now I am confused again. So if they are prone to making people sweat does it just make them sweat, but not actually hot? I guess when Women get hot flashes they do feel hot and they do sweat, but that doesn't necessarily mean they have a fever. Now I have more questions then answers. Could you please post again. I really want to try to understand this.
mfpdfibro
11 March 2013
Also, if you could answer as to why the pharmacist told me to take ibuprofen to stop the night sweats. Was he just plain wrong or am I missing something? Thanks again! Sorry I need further explanation.
Inactive
23 Feb 2013
Hello dianedoel,
Yes ibuprofen can cause night sweats. If you have the sweats when you no loner take the ibuprofen you should see your dr, as night sweats may be a symptom of something serious.
ang1049
23 Feb 2013
Ibuprofen should be taken in the smallest effective dose.One tablet of 200mg. every 4 to 6 hours.If pain does not respond to one 200mg. dose,two can be taken.BUT,do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.If it were me,I would alternate,Ibuprofen and Tylenol.I don't think the sweating is related to your use of the Ibuprofen.But,I find that alternating medications seems to help me.Just be careful to exceed either of the recommened dosages.Acetaminophen can be helpful with the pain as well.Tylenol( Regular Strength )can be taken every 2 to 6 hours.2 tablets.Do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours.Alternating the two differen medications could possibly help you more effectively.I always use a notepad to quickly write down the time and dosage,which medication that I took.That way I don't get confused on which medication I took prior to my next dosage.I also do this for my children when the are sick or hurt.I don't know if I helped you answer your question...
I was unsure of the dosage amount of Ibuprofen you are taking.But if you tried this alternative and you are still sweating,you will be able maybe to rule out that the Ibuprofen is the culprit.And seek the advise of your Physician in finding a solution to your night sweats.Also,make sure to drink plenty of water and or Gatorade to keep yourself from becoming Dehydrated from excessive sweating. Hope you feel better soon!!!
dianedoel
25 Feb 2013
I am taking 3 (200mg) every 4 hours. By reading your answer I guess I was over taking. Thank you,
Diane
ang1049
25 Feb 2013
You are welcome.Hope u feel better soon!
charleyo
28 June 2015
Ang1049 has no basis for her wrong answer. Ibuprophen causes me to sweat profusely at night
ang1049
1 July 2015
The answer I gave to this question is ONLY my personal opinion as I clearly stated. Where was yours when he needed any friendly advise 2 years ago? We are all here to help each other as best we can, I only answer questions IF I have had personal experience and can POSSIBLY help a fellow member who is struggling for any help! This is not a chat or hang out club... Have a great day and hope this helps.
charleyo
1 July 2015
I'm very sorry ang1049. I was inconsiderate and childish. Also I was in great pain from ruptured abscess and soaked in Advil induced sweat. I repent and apologize
ang1049
2 July 2015
I Thank you and commend you for your apology. I can relate to your frustration and pain. It is so hard to know which way to turn, when you don't know how or where to turn. I do hope you find some resolution, for we all here can understand and relate to you. I wish you the best and keep working to get your pain to a level where you can find recovery. I know it is extremely hard. Just remember that you are not alone and we are here for you. Best wishes always.
charleyo
2 July 2015
Thanks anj1049
ang1049
2 July 2015
You are very welcome :)
Stolson1126
12 Jan 2017
Excessive sweating is a rare side effect of ibuprofen. If you google "why does ibuprofen make me sweat", there is a lot of info online about it.
Stolson1126
12 Jan 2017
Excessive sweating is a rare side effect of ibuprofen. If you google "why does ibuprofen make me sweat", there is a lot of info online about it.
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- Ibuprofen uses and safety info
- Ibuprofen prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Ibuprofen (detailed)
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