This post was written by Carli Hartman, PharmD candidate, Parkview Health.
As spring transitions into summer, many are eager to shake off the lethargy of the colder months and engage in outdoor pastimes spent with family and friends. Muscles that have been sedentary during the colder seasons often face a rude awakening with increased physical activity like swimming, hiking and biking. This sudden shift may lead to persistent soreness that seems to hang around day after day, prompting many people to use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen daily. But is this frequent use safe?
Recommended dosage
People commonly rely on ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to treat mild to moderate pain, inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain.
For general pain relief, you may take over-the-counter ibuprofen at the following doses:
- 200-400mg orally every four to six hours as needed.
- The maximum daily intake of ibuprofen is 1200mg.
- Use ibuprofen at this dose for no more than ten days.
Downsides of chronic use
Although ibuprofen can be effective for temporary pain relief, chronic use of this medication for an extended period can lead to significant health risks. Be aware of these potential side effects:
- Nausea
- Stomach ulcers and bleeding
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Kidney damage
Additionally, this NSAID may interact with other medications and supplements that you are taking. Always consult your primary care provider or local pharmacist before use to prevent adverse side effects. Your providers can recommend a pain reliever that is safe in combination with your medication regimen or health history.
Alternatives to ibuprofen
Cold packs: Applying ice packs for about 15 minutes at a time for the first 72 hours after an injury can help reduce swelling.
Warm packs: Applying heat for about 15 minutes at a time can help with the agitation of chronic conditions. Do not use heat for at least 48 hours after injury.
Acetaminophen 500mg: Acetaminophen is not an NSAID and blocks pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, a natural substance that initiates inflammation.
- Take two tablets orally every four to six hours as needed.
- Maximum daily intake is 4000mg.
- Follow the instructions provided on the over-the-counter label.
- Check with your healthcare provider to ensure this is a good option.
Naproxen 220mg: Naproxen is in the same family of medications as ibuprofen. It should not be used in combination with ibuprofen or long-term as the effects are similar.
- Take one tablet by mouth every 8 to 12 hours for pain.
- Maximum daily intake is three tablets or 600mg.
- Follow the instructions provided on the over-the-counter label.
- Check with your healthcare provider to ensure this is a good option.
Voltaren® gel 1%: Voltaren Emulgel is a medicated treatment containing a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The active ingredient is diclofenac, which penetrates the skin and provides relief of pain and inflammation. Voltaren gel can be used with other oral medications, such as acetaminophen and naproxen.
- Apply up to 4 grams to each affected area up to four times daily for joint pain.
- Maximum daily dose per individual area is 16 grams.
- Maximum daily dose per whole body is 32 grams.
- Voltaren gel will work best if you apply it at the first signs of pain rather than waiting until it has worsened.
- Do not wash the treated area for at least an hour after applying the medication.
- Do not cover the area for at least 10 minutes after applying the gel
- Do not apply heat to the area after treatment such as a heating pad.
- Wash your hands with soap and water following application unless you use it to treat your hands.
- Follow the instructions provided on the over-the-counter label.
Capsaicin: Capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, acts on the nerve cells in the skin associated with pain. This interaction decreases cell activity, leading to reduced pain perception. You can use capsaicin with other oral medications, such as acetaminophen and naproxen. This medication becomes effective with regular use and may take two weeks to show noticeable benefits.
- Apply a thin film to the affected area 3-4 times daily for muscle or joint pain.
- Massage into the skin using fingers until thoroughly absorbed into the skin.
- Wash your hands with soap and water following application.
- Follow the instructions provided on the over-the-counter label.
Lidoderm® 5% patch: Lidoderm, which contains the active ingredient lidocaine, stops the nerves from sending pain signals. It can relieve minor pain in the shoulders, arms, neck and legs. The patches can be combined with other oral medications, such as acetaminophen and naproxen.
- Apply one patch to the affected area.
- Do not use more than two patches in 24 hours.
- Before application, clean and dry the affected area.
- Follow the instructions provided on the over-the-counter label.
Icy Hot® cream: Icy Hot uses the active ingredients menthol, a topical analgesic, and methyl salicylate, which produces a warming effect, to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. This topical medication can be combined with other oral medications, such as acetaminophen and naproxen.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area as needed for pain.
- Massage into the affected area until thoroughly absorbed into the skin.
- Repeat as necessary no more than 3-4 times daily with a minimum of 2-3 hours between each use.
- Wash your hands with soap and water following application.
- Follow the instructions provided on the over-the-counter label.
When to follow up with your provider
If you have been using over-the-counter ibuprofen for more than a week, consider consulting a physician or primary care provider for further evaluation. Your provider can monitor for potential side effects, check for interactions between your other medications and ensure that ibuprofen is the best choice for safe and effective pain management.
Questions about your medications?
Parkview Outpatient Pharmacies are committed to exceptional service and work directly with your doctor to ensure medication appropriateness and safety. Contact your preferred Parkview outpatient pharmacy, and our staff will be happy to assist you with questions or prescription transfers.
