Advil

ibuprofen

Advil is an anti- inflammatory and non- steroidal drug that is use to relieve inflammations and pains. In addition, Advil is used in the treatment of muscle aches, head aches, menstrual cramps, athletic injuries, arthritis and dental pain. It is also useful in reducing the minor aches and fevers caused by flu or caused by common cold. The action of Advil is basically to block the enzymes that make prostaglandins in the body. Thus it essentially reduces the level of prostaglandins in the body, and such reduction is helpful in reducing swelling, pain and fever.

The immune system of the body can sometimes cause inflammation and all of the non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs are efficient painkillers that reduce this kind of inflammation. Ibuprofen is normally used for relieving different types of pains, including period pains, headaches, rheumatic pain, backache, neuralgis and dental pain. In addition, Advil is used for the reduction of the symptoms of flu and colds.

How to use Advil

Advil should be consumed orally and washed down with a full glass of water (240 ml or 8ounces) unless you are directed to do otherwise by your doctor. For a minimum period of 30 minutes after the consumption of the drug, you should not lie down. The medication may be taken with antacids food or milk is the users of the drug experience stomach upsets while they are consuming the drug. Dosage that is to be consumed is dependent on both you response to therapy and your medical condition. Repeat doses are normally given when necessary and they should be between 6-8 hours apart unless directed otherwise by your doctor. In children, the child’s weight will determine the dosage.

The dosage of Advil should be given as follows:
For arthritis- between 300 to 800mg 3 or 4 times a day, for minor aches, menstrual cramps, mild and moderate pain and fever- adults 200-400mg taken at intervals of 4-6 hours, for juvenile arthritis- 20-4- mg per kg per day in three or four divided doses.

When Advil is used to treat continuing or severe arthritis, it must be consumed regularly for the full benefits to be achieved. The medication usually works after a period of one week but in cases of severe conditions, up to two weeks may elapse before the patients begin to feel better. Generally, it takes several weeks before the full effects are felt.

It is important to consume Advil within the boundaries of the prescribed dosage since overdose of the same may damage the intestines or the stomach. The upper limit of the dosage for ibuprofen that is recommended for adults is 3200mg every day, taken over a maximum of 4 doses. This said, you should restrict yourself to using the smallest quantities that are sufficient to relieve the problems you have.

Because the drug is usually taken on a needs basis, it is likely that you are most likely not on a dosing schedule. It is however important to avoid doubling up on dosages and in case you miss, for any reason one of your regular doses of the drug, take the dosage as soon as you remember if it happens before the next intake. Otherwise skip the intake of the missed dose.

Advil Side effects

The use of Advil, just as the use of many other forms of medication has its beneficial effects as well as unwanted side effects. These side effects should be reported to your doctor as soon as they are spotted. The common side effects of the drug are belching, sour stomach, abdominal pain, heartburns, indigestion, chest pains and discomfort, nausea, itching skin and weight gain. A few of the side effects that are less common include sore and uncomfortable stomach as well as abdominal cramps.

It is important to seek medical help whenever you suspect that you have over consumed the drug. In case of ibuprofen overdose, the following symptoms may be manifested. They include vomiting, nausea, stomach pains, bloody or black stools, drowsiness, shallow breathing, fainting or comas and coughing up of blood.

The elderly people are generally more sensitive to the side effects that result from the use of this drug and special care should be taken when administering it to them. For pregnant mothers, the medication should be used on a needs- only basis within the first 6 months of the pregnancy. For the remaining 3 months of the pregnancy, the use of the drug is highly discouraged because it is likely to interfere with the foetus as well as the normal labor/ child birth. The advice of your doctor should be sought before using the drug in this manner. Even though the effects of the drug on newborns and suckling effects have not been established, it is a fact that the drug is passed into breast milk and thus, it is important to consult widely with your doctor before you breast feed.