Ten or fifteen years ago, a pharmacist gave me a pharmaceutical paper (lost now) dealing with muscular pain (e.g., back pain)to take the fullest advantage of the NSAID effect of ibuprofen. The paper claimed that taking occasional ibuprofen only masked the pain, whereas taking 2.5-3.0 grams in the course of a day for 4-5 days gives a better chance of allowing the NSAID effect to kick in. Any references and/or recommendations on this?
What is the suggested regimen, if any, for maximizing an ibuprofen effect on an inflammation?
Question posted by prov.356 on 17 Oct 2010
Last updated on 21 August 2017 by ironsheik7
5 Answers
ironsheik7
22 Aug 2017
I have low back pain, and I was taking Ibuprofen 400 mg 2x daily, and it was not helping at all, I upped it to 600 mg 2x daily and it is starting to slowly help, I don't think I could handle any higher of a dosage since the 600 mg 2x daily bothers my stomach as is. If you didn't injure back badly and for example pulled a muscle or have a small pinched nerve in it then 600 mg 2x daily for 7 or 8 days should calm down the inflammation, I ended up pulling the back muscle, pretty sure it's a pinched nerve from lifting weights, did the same thing with my shoulders, but jumped back to quick into lifting weights and my shoulders still hurt for some time. So it's better if something gets injured to take the ibuprofen and let it heal the inflammation and then give it a good 4 weeks rest so it can completely heal altogether. Then I jump back into the weight lifting.
soulreaper
19 Oct 2010
Get a script from your doctor for 800mg ibprofen it works much better and wont tear up your stomach like over the counter stuff I asked my doctor why cant I just take 4 2mg inprofens? and he told me no I'll destroy my stomach but the ones he gave me are made diffrently
vdudley
19 Oct 2010
The thing with any NSAID type medications is to keep a consistant level of medication in your system. That being said, try starting at a lower dose of 400mg at three times a day and increase to 600mg to 800mg only as needed. Be sure to take it with food to be sure that your stomach is protected. The key is the consistancy of the medication of the dosing taking it at the 8 hour intervals for at least 2 weeks and increasing the dose only when your need to. Good luck and I hope it helps.
Inactive
17 Oct 2010
I've heard this said also, from a pharmacist. On MedicineNet I've found the following: "Pain, fever, and inflammation are promoted by the release in the body of chemicals called prostaglandins. Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced."
Also, ".In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to two weeks, taken regularly, before the full benefits of this drug take effect. If you are taking this drug on an "as needed" basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the medicine may not work as well."
These were found at: http://www.medicinenet.com/ibuprofen-oral/article.htm and seem to coincide with what you read, and what I was advised: That the best relief came from using NSAIDS over a period of time, as the prostaglandins that cause inflammation are reduced. Be careful though: NSAIDS can cause heart problems and stroke, also gastrointestinal problems if used over a long period of time. Always contact your doctor if there is any doubt about a medication. Take care -
Nana6xs
17 Oct 2010
Dear prov 356, I researched your question and from what I can tell there are a lot of different answers out there... the most common one was to take 800mgs 3 times a day, and after 4 or 5 days you should start to notice a difference. Now I would be careful doing this, because this drug can cause your stomach to bleed, and you would not know it for a while. I had a friend's dad die from his stomach bleeding, so please be very careful... Good Luck
melissab(twilightfan85)
18 Oct 2010
i agree that you should take it daily for maximum benefit... but i would also like to add that you start off at the minimal daily dose. you may not want to go straight to 800mgs if a lower dose can manage your pain. and also Nana6xs is right on about the stomach bleeding. try taking it with food. and if you have any stomach problems, please see your dr (especially if you have blood in your stool/black stool/etc)
brenda fain
21 Oct 2010
it's also not good on the liver or kiddneys ! i have liver problems and had kiddney failure about three years ago and was taking 800 mg 3x a day but can't now because of my kiddney failure and liver problems ! best to check with your doctor !
thanks for sharing ,good luck!
Ilenalee
28 June 2017
Good to know about side effects on liver and kidneys.
Related topics
rheumatoid arthritis, pain, back pain, muscle pain, ibuprofen
Further information
- Ibuprofen uses and safety info
- Ibuprofen prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Ibuprofen (detailed)
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