How often and in what dosage should I take this medication?
February 22, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Carsten Schillinger
Dear Doctor,
My name is Rolf Krebs and I have been suffering from severe back pain for some time now, which greatly affects my daily life. My general practitioner has now prescribed me the medication Ibuprofen to alleviate the pain. However, I am unsure about how often and in what dosage I should take this medication.
Currently, I take Ibuprofen 400mg when the pain becomes too severe. But I have read that it is important to adhere to the correct dosage to avoid side effects. I am concerned that I may be either taking too little or too much of the medication and therefore not achieving the desired effect.
Could you please explain to me in more detail how often and in what dosage I should take Ibuprofen to effectively combat the pain? Are there specific guidelines I should follow, and how long can I take the medication for maximum without posing any health risks?
I thank you in advance for your valuable assistance and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Rolf Krebs
Dear Rolf Krebs,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a doctor on the topic of medication. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe back pain and that it is affecting your daily life so much. Ibuprofen is indeed a commonly prescribed medication for pain relief, but it is important to adhere to the correct dosage to avoid side effects and achieve maximum effectiveness.
The usual dosage of Ibuprofen for pain relief is typically 400-800mg every 6-8 hours. It is important to take Ibuprofen with plenty of water and to take it with a meal or food to avoid stomach discomfort. So, if you are taking Ibuprofen 400mg, you can do so every 6-8 hours as needed, while considering the maximum daily dose.
It is important not to exceed the maximum daily dose of Ibuprofen to minimize the risk of side effects. The maximum recommended daily dose is usually 1200-3200mg, depending on the severity of the pain and individual tolerance. It is advisable to follow your doctor's dosage instructions and not increase the dose on your own.
There are also certain risk groups that should not take Ibuprofen or should only do so under medical supervision, such as people with stomach problems, kidney problems, high blood pressure, or heart problems. Please inform your doctor about any existing conditions and medications you are taking to ensure that Ibuprofen is suitable for you.
Regarding the duration of taking Ibuprofen, it is important not to take it for an extended period without medical supervision. Ibuprofen is not intended for long-term use and excessive use can lead to stomach problems, kidney problems, and other side effects. If your back pain persists for a longer period of time, you should talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options.
I hope that this information helps you and supports you in taking Ibuprofen safely and effectively. If you have any further questions or need more information, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Carsten Schillinger
