I take Ibuprofen regularly for arthritis pain and headaches, but how can I tell if I am exceeding the safe dosage?

Ibuprofen is one of the most popular medications on the market to relieve various types of ailments including headaches, fevers and cramps. Given the drug’s broad pain relief benefits, track record of safe use and over the counter (OTC) accessibility, it is common for individuals to regularly take ibuprofen whenever they feel discomfort. However, ibuprofen can pose certain health risks, especially for individuals with kidney or stomach issues. Here is what you should know.

What is Safe?

For most adults and children at least 12 years and older, the recommended OTC dose of ibuprofen is one or two 200-milligram tablets, caplets or gel caplets every four to six hours while symptoms persist. You should not take more than 1,200 mg (or six pills) in a 24-hour period. If you have not consulted a doctor about the appropriate dosage, or if you are not certain about your risk factors, it is best not to exceed the recommended limit of 1,200 milligrams a day.

If you experience chronic pain, or were recently injured or underwent surgery, your doctor 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 tablets. The maximum daily dose for prescription-strength ibuprofen is 3,200 mg in a 24-hour period. It is important to only take what your healthcare provider has prescribed for you. You should also be aware that ibuprofen is sometimes added to certain cold and flu medications, so always read the ingredient list on medications before using them.

Be Cautious!

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the activity of certain enzymes. These enzymes also help maintain kidney and liver function and regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. Since it can interfere with these processes, taking ibuprofen can be dangerous for patients with kidney disease or failure, liver damage or cirrhosis, and individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure. Those at high risk for these conditions – as well as for stomach ulcers, heart attacks, strokes or bleeding disorders – should consult with their doctors before taking ibuprofen.

People taking medications such as diuretics, anticoagulants, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) to manage cardiovascular issues should take caution when using ibuprofen as it can place extra strain on the kidneys and the heart. To reduce these health risks, avoid taking the maximum recommended dose for more than a week or two at a time. If you need ibuprofen for more than two weeks, or if you are turning to it every day to keep your aches and pains in check, you should see your doctor.

When taken for long periods, ibuprofen can also increase the risk of stomach ulcers. The drug inhibits enzymes that aid in the production of mucus that line and protects the stomach lining. Without these enzymes, the stomach becomes vulnerable to irritation and damage.

Some alternatives to ibuprofen that you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider include acetaminophen, topical NSAIDs (diclofenac gel), nonacetylated salicylates, curcumin (an active ingredient in turmeric) and acupuncture.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.