Can Ibuprofen Cause Liver Damage
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs rarely affect the liver. Unlike acetaminophen , most NSAIDs are absorbed completely and undergo negligible liver metabolism.
In other words, the way NSAIDs are metabolized makes liver injury very rare. Estimates are that 1 to 9 in 100,000 NSAID prescriptions result in acute liver injury. Generally, NSAIDs are very liver-safe.
However, if you have problems with your liver, such as cirrhosis, talk to your doctor before taking NSAIDs. Also, studies have shown NSAIDs can cause elevated results on liver tests in up to 15% of patients.
Which Painkillers Can You Use If You Have Heart Or Kidney Disease
There is no simple answer. The best painkiller to use depends on your health problems. It also depends on any other drugs you take. Be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal medicines you take.
Over-the-counter Tylenol is often the best choice for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems.
- However, high doses of Tylenol can damage the liver, so take the lowest dose you can to get enough pain relief.
- Never take more than 4,000 milligrams a day. Thats equal to twelve 325 mg pills.
If Tylenol or generic acetaminophen do not work, ask your doctor about using a stronger prescription painkiller, such as Ultram for a short time.
- If you have kidney problems, do not take more than 200 mg a day. And take it once every 12 hours to limit the risk of side effects.
- Do not use tramadol if you have epilepsy or if you take Paxil , Prozac , or Zoloft . Taking tramadol with these drugs can increase your risk of seizures.
This report is for you to use when talking with your healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk.
08/2012
Your Ears Might Start To Ring If You Take Ibuprofen Every Day
Taking ibuprofen every day has plenty of side effects and some are more surprising than others.
While it might not be the most intense or dangerous side effect of taking ibuprofen every day, the drug could result in a ringing in your ears. Sure, its not as scary as damage to your organs or ulcers in your stomach, but a ringing in your ears can present a variety of problems. Additionally, theres no cure for the condition also known as tinnitus. As noted by Harvard Health Publishing, tinnitus is defined as sound in the head with no external source and could present as ringing, buzzing, whistling, or even shrieking.
As it turns out, ibuprofen might be the source behind that ringing you hear. Some medications can cause tinnitus that goes away when the drug is discontinued,Harvard Health Publishing reported. If you take ibuprofen every day and notice that theres a ringing in your ears, it might be smart to lay off the pills.
Also Check: Red Wine And Kidney Stones
How Does Ibuprofen Or Acetaminophen Affect To Kidney
NSAIDs have important unfavorable effects on the kidney that you should know about.
Here is the science behind the issue. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs hinder prostaglandins, and that can cause an issue due to the fact that prostaglandins dilate capillary resulting in the kidneys, according to iytmed.com. Preventing prostaglandins may result in kidney anemia and therefore severe kidney injury.
A simple blood test might show a rise in creatinine if your kidneys are being affected, typically seen within the first 3 to seven days of NSAID therapy. Severe kidney injury can occur with any NSAID though naproxen appears to be a bigger culprit. In one study, folks who took NSAIDs had twice the risk of acute kidney injury within 30 days of starting to take the NSAIDs. Good news is its reversible if you stop taking them.
In individuals with hypertension, taking NSAIDs long term may aggravate underlying hypertension. Individuals with kidney problems at baseline regularly get in difficulty with NSAIDs, however if you are taking ibuprofen for extended periods of time its not a bad idea to have a check of your kidney function with a quick blood test. Keep in mind, intense kidney injury from NSAIDs does not cause any symptoms.
Bottomline
NSAIDs are safe for the liver, but can cause a problem with kidney function that is reversible if you stop taking them. Typically safe but worth taking notice of.
What Clinical Trials Are Open
Clinical trials that are currently open and are recruiting can be viewed at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
The NIDDK would like to thank Jeffrey Fink, MD, MS, Chief, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Also Check: What Std Causes Kidney Pain
Painkillers And The Kidneys: Analgesic Nephropathy
An analgesic is any medicine intended to relieve pain. Over-the-counter analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and others. These drugs present no danger for most people when taken in the recommended dosage. But some conditions make taking even these common painkillers dangerous for the kidneys. Also, taking one or a combination of these drugs regularly over a long period of time may increase the risk for kidney problems. Most drugs that can cause kidney damage are excreted only through the kidneys.
Analgesic use has been associated with two different forms of kidney damage. Some patient case reports have attributed incidents of sudden-onset acute kidney failure to the use of over-the-counter painkillers, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. The patients in these reports had risk factors such as systemic lupus erythematosus, advanced age, chronic kidney disease, or recent heavy alcohol consumption. These cases involved a single dose in some instances and generally short-term analgesic use of not more than 10 days. Acute kidney failure requires emergency dialysis to clean the blood. Kidney damage is frequently reversible, with normal kidney function returning after the emergency is over and the analgesic use is stopped.
For more information
How Much Ibuprofen Can I Take
To treat mild to moderate pain, minor fever, and acute or chronic inflammation, 200 mg to 400 mg of will work. That amount is comparable to 650 mg of or .
Generally, the maximum amount of NSAIDs you should take per day is 3200 mg or 12 over-the-counter tablets. That means if you take a dose every 6 hours, you can take up to 800 mg each time.
Don’t Miss: Do Huntsman Spiders Eat Kidneys
Advil Vs Tylenol Liver Damage Risk: Symptoms Of Ibuprofen And Acetaminophen Overdose
Most things in life are about balance and moderation, and pain killers are no different. While Advil, Motrin and Tylenol offer relief when youve tweaked your neck or have a fever, taking too much of these medications can have serious health consequences, one of which is liver damage. But how much exactly is too much?
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is the one most closely linked to liver problems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against using higher than the recommended dose, even in the short-term using more than one product containing the drug or combining the drug with alcohol. FDA believes that consumers need to know that these products can cause serious side effects, such as severe liver injury and stomach bleeding, when used improperly. The maximum safe dose of extra strength Tylenol for adults, as per the companys website, is 3,000 milligrams per day, or six pills. Thats lower than it used to be Tylenol explains that the old dosage limit was 4,000 milligrams a day, and that it now recommends taking only two pills every six hours, when previously it said four to six hours.
Liver damage caused by Tylenol overdose could turn the skin yellow, a condition called jaundice.Image courtesy of Pixabay, public domain
To avoid liver damage associated with any pain reliever, the FDA advises following recommended dosage guidelines.
Recommended Reading: Does Red Wine Cause Kidney Stones
Be Careful About Using Over
If you take OTC or prescription medicines for headaches, pain, fever, or colds, you may be taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . NSAIDs include popular pain relievers and cold medicines that can damage your kidneys if you take them for a long time, or lead to acute kidney injury if you take them when you are dehydrated or your blood pressure is low.
Ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs. NSAIDs are sold under many different brand names, so ask your pharmacist or health care provider if the medicines you take are safe to use.
You also can look for NSAIDs on Drug Facts labels like the one below.
Read Also: Does Pellegrino Cause Kidney Stones
How Does Ibuprofen Work
Because it is non-steroidal and non-addictive, some forms of ibuprofen are readily available over the counter, so many people dont recognize the dangers. Ibuprofen is a drug that works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes . These enzymes have many jobs including production of prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are what go to work when your body needs to heal by causing inflammation which means fever, pain, and swelling. So, by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes you are keeping prostaglandins from doing their job. Dont make the mistake of thinking thats a good thing. I know we talk about how bad chronic inflammation is but inflammation itself isnt bad. Signs of inflammation like fever, pain, and swelling arent a mistake. They are your body working to repair itself.
Is Ibuprofen Bad For My Kidneys
While NSAIDs rarely affect the liver, they have important adverse effects on the kidneys that you should know about. Here is the science behind the problem.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs block prostaglandins, natural body chemicals that normally dilate blood vessels leading to the kidneys. Blocking prostaglandins may lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, which means a lack of oxygen to keep the kidneys alive. That can cause acute kidney injury.
Acute kidney injury can occur with any NSAID, though seems to be a bigger culprit. In one study, folks who took NSAIDs had twice the risk of acute kidney injury within 30 days of starting to take the medications. People with existing kidney problems more often get in trouble.
The good news is these effects are reversible if you stop taking NSAIDs.
Remember, acute kidney injury from NSAIDs doesnt cause any symptoms. if you are taking ibuprofen for long periods of time, its not a bad idea to have a check of your kidney function with a quick blood test. The test may show a rise in creatinine if your kidneys are being affected, usually seen within the first 3 to 7 days of NSAID therapy.
You May Like: Functional Unit Of The Kidney
Can I Take Ibuprofen When Im Pregnant
Ibuprofen isnt normally recommended in pregnancy â especially if youre 30 or more weeks â unless its prescribed by a doctor. This is because there might be a link between taking ibuprofen in pregnancy and some birth defects, in particular damage to the babys heart and blood vessels.
There may also be a link between taking ibuprofen in early pregnancy and miscarriage.
Talk to your doctor about the benefits and possible harms of taking ibuprofen. It will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and the reason you need to take the medicine. There may be other treatments that are safer for you.
Paracetamol is the best painkiller to take during pregnancy.
Ibuprofen is safe to take by mouth or use on your skin if you are breastfeeding.
by akhealthfair | May 17, 2019 | News
Many analgesic medicines are available over the counter. These medicines are generally safe when taken as directed. However, their heavy or long-term use may harm the kidneys. Up to an estimated three to five percent of the new cases of chronic kidney failure each year may be caused by chronic overuse of these medicines. It is important to realize that, while helpful, these medicines are not completely without risk, and they should be used carefully. Kidney disease related to analgesics is preventable.
What are analgesics?
Can analgesics hurt kidneys?
Is aspirin safe for regular use?
What analgesics are safe for people who have kidney disease?
Contributed by
Your Stomach Will Start To Hurt If You Take Ibuprofen Every Day
If you take ibuprofen every day, you just might find yourself doubled over with a tummy-ache.
One of the most common side effects that come from taking ibuprofen every day is stomach pain. And if you’re taking the pills daily on an empty stomach, you better believe your body won’t be thanking you for that. As noted by Everyday Health, as many as 50 percent of people who have tried ibuprofen for their aches and pains are unable to rely on the medication due to the abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other tummy troubles it causes them. So, if you’ve been popping ibuprofen like candy for a while, you might want to rethink that decision moving forward.
According to the Advil website, the NSAID can also cause “severe stomach bleeding,” which would call for a trip to the emergency room. Of course, if you’ve noticed slight discomfort after taking ibuprofen without food, it might help to eat a little something with the medication. However, if ibuprofen causes stomach pain even when taken with food, you should probably talk to your doctor about alternative medications, or scientifically proven natural remedies.
Don’t Miss: Does Chocolate Cause Kidney Stones
Is It Ok To Take 2 Ibuprofen Every Day
To avoid the potential short- or long-term effects of taking too much ibuprofen, do not take more than your recommended dose. The absolute maximum daily dose for adults is 3200 mg. Do not take more than 800 mg in a single dose. Only use the smallest dose needed to alleviate your swelling, pain, or fever.
Taking Ibuprofen Every Day Could Lead To Kidney Disease
Taking ibuprofen every day could negatively impact the healthy of your kidneys.
In case you didnt know, your kidneys are pretty important organs. As noted by the National Kidney Foundation, your kidneys work to remove waste from your body, and also produce important hormones your body needs. Anyone can see why its important to keep your kidneys healthy however, just like your go-to snacks are some of the worst foods for your kidneys, your go-to pain medicine just might be one of the worst medications for your kidneys. In fact, if you take painkillers like ibuprofen on a regular basis, your kidneys could get sick.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, longterm, habitual use of medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, and high doses of aspirin can cause chronic interstitial nephritis a disease in which the spaces between the kidney tubules become inflamed . While sporadically taking ibuprofen in recommended doses shouldnt hurt your kidneys, medicines like Advil and Motrin should probably be avoided if you already have kidney-related diseases or other issues.
Read Also: Watermelon Good For Kidney Disease
If I Need Pain Medicines What Can I Do To Keep My Kidneys Healthy
Kidney disease caused by pain relievers is often preventable. Here are some things you can do to help keep your kidneys healthy.
How you take these medicines makes a difference:
- Make sure you read the warning label before using any overthecounter analgesics.
- Do not use overthecounter pain relievers more than 10 days for pain or more than three days for fever. If you have pain or fever for a longer time, you should see your doctor.
- Avoid using pain medicines that contain a combination of ingredients, like aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine mixed together in one pill.
- If you are taking pain medicines, increase the amount of fluid you drink to six to eight glasses a day.
- If you are taking pain medicines, avoid drinking alcohol.
Talking with your doctor about pain medicines can also make a difference:
- If you have kidney disease, ask your doctor before taking a pain medicine, particularly NSAIDs and higher dose aspirin.
- If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, make sure you only take NSAIDs under your doctors supervision. This is especially important if you take diuretic medications or are over 65 years of age.
- Make sure your doctor knows about all medicines you are taking, even over-the-counter medicines.
What Are The Complications Of Analgesic Nephropathy
Some cases of acute kidney failure have been linked to the use of painkillers, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Many of these people had risk factors, such as:
- Lupus
- Chronic kidney conditions
- Recent binge-drinking alcohol
Talk with your healthcare provider for more information about diagnosis and treatment of analgesic nephropathy and kidney failure.
Don’t Miss: Is Watermelon Good For Kidney Disease
Why Is Ibuprofen Bad For You
Ibuprofen comes with many common side effects because of how it works. The body is like a Swiss Watch and everything is connected so you cant impact one physiological process without affecting others. Cyclooxygenase enzymes and prostaglandins also play a role in the integrity of the bodys gastric mucosal protection. They play multiple roles in mediating processes that keep your gut lining healthy. Taking ibuprofen can add inflammation to your gut and increase intestinal permeability.
Thats why it shouldnt be a surprise that the most common side effects of ibuprofen are:
- Stomach pain
Is Ibuprofen Bad For Your Liver
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . This kind of drug works by inhibiting inflammation-causing chemicals known as prostaglandins. Ibuprofen is available in two main forms: tablets and capsules. It is sometimes combined with other drugs to treat colds, cough, and headaches. But, how safe is this widely used drug? Is it bad for your liver?
Also Check: Grapes For Kidney Stones