Warnings
- The FDA has required a warning label regarding alcohol use on all over-the-counter analgesic/antipyretic products since 1999. Concurrent use of aspirin with alcohol significantly increases the risk of liver and GI problems. For prolonged use of NSAIDs, it may increase the risk for life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, heart attack or stroke. Do not use ibuprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery. Ibuprofen has been associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular risk, whereas naproxen has not. Thus, naproxen was identified to be the preferred drug over ibuprofen as it appears to be safer. Ibuprofen may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation. Moreover, people with risk factors for upper GI bleeding should avoid taking aspirin without consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black and bloody stools, or coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech, and vision problems while taking these over-counter-medications. NSAIDs may be taken with food, milk, or antacids if they upset the stomach. Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or breast-feeding during treatment. Taking NSAIDs and salicylates during pregnancy or nursing may pose potential harm to the baby.
References
1. Debra Wood, Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, Aurora Health Care, http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?URLhealthgate=11556.html, Sept 2010
2. Fiscella, Richard and Michael Kirk Jensen. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 5 Headache. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009.
3. http://collectionarea.com/2011/04/13/migraine-headache-2/, April 2011
4. http://www.pharmacy-and-drugs.com/Pain_relief/Cluster_headache.html, 2010
5. Mayo Clinic Staffs, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/headache/MY00407 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010
6. NINDS Headache Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/headache.htm. Accessed April 15,2011
7. WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraines-headaches-symptoms
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