Ibubrofen and stomach issues

[blindswelledrat]

Quick question if anyone is in the know.
If you are taking large doses of ibuprofen you are advised to make sure you take it on a full stomach. A couple of questions:

1) Why?
2) If you take it immediately before eating dinner does that work out exactly the same as the food mixes up with it, or is it the worst thing you can do?

[Silent1]

All NSAIDs block production of prostaglandins which in turn produces a protective lining in your stomach so by taking them on an empty stomach or before you eat you are potentially exposing your stomach lining to stronger acid than if your stomach is full which can lead to a stomach ulcer.

[blindswelledrat]

Got you, thanks. So if you take it at the beginning of the meal will it mix with the meal , or is it the equivalent of taking it on an empty stomach?

[Silent1]

IANAD but you would probably be better taking it after as otherwise the food can have the effect of digesting the medication quicker, certainly in my experience it does.

[goldblum]

blindswelledrat said:

Got you, thanks. So if you take it at the beginning of the meal will it mix with the meal , or is it the equivalent of taking it on an empty stomach?

After an hour it won't make much difference. If you want quick pain relief take on an empty stomach. Stick to the recommended dosage on the packet - there's a large safety margin factored in anyway. If you have an empty stomach and have to take an weak NSAID like ibuprofen and you're worried about any stomach damage then have a glass of milk first.

[blindswelledrat]

No it's not really that.
My daughter (9) has been prescribed adult doses (400mg x 3) and is getting stomach issues despite omeprazole to counter it. My wife had been giving it before meals hence I was wondering if this was the problem

[goldblum]

blindswelledrat said:

No it's not really that.
My daughter (9) has been prescribed adult doses (400mg x 3) and is getting stomach issues despite omeprazole to counter it. My wife had been giving it before meals hence I was wondering if this was the problem

Ah, it's possible...the omeprazole should stop any stomach upset caused by ibuprofen, it's normally used with stronger stuff like diclofenac or naproxen. You could certainly try letting your daughter take the ibuprofen after a meal, it won't make that much difference to the drug's efficacy.

Edited by goldblum on Friday 14th June 18:31

[Silent1]

blindswelledrat said:

No it's not really that.
My daughter (9) has been prescribed adult doses (400mg x 3) and is getting stomach issues despite omeprazole to counter it. My wife had been giving it before meals hence I was wondering if this was the problem

What strength omeprazole is she on as if she's on 20mg she could take 40 but I wouldn't be surprised if that is what's causing the issue especially if her stomach lining is already tender from long term NSAIDs

[BlackVanDyke]

Silent1 said:

blindswelledrat said:

No it's not really that.
My daughter (9) has been prescribed adult doses (400mg x 3) and is getting stomach issues despite omeprazole to counter it. My wife had been giving it before meals hence I was wondering if this was the problem

What strength omeprazole is she on as if she's on 20mg she could take 40 but I wouldn't be surprised if that is what's causing the issue especially if her stomach lining is already tender from long term NSAIDs

Longer term and high dose increase the risks a bit and swapping to taking after food is the first thing I'd try. If it continues to be a problem they might try naproxen instead.

[N Dentressangle]

I would avoid Ibuprofen entirely.

I ended up with an ulcerated bowel and needing a right hemicolectomy after taking IBP for an extended period after an unsuccessful ankle op.

The ulceration may well have had another cause, but several GI surgeons have fingered the NSAIDS as the culprit. I haven't taken it since.