For many of us, especially as we age, pain becomes an unfortunate, daily part of life. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2023, around 24% of adults reported having chronic pain. Consequently, people are relying on regular pain medication for relief. For some, this pain stems from arthritis, old injuries or chronic conditions, while for others it may be tied to repetitive strain, inflammation, or simply the wear and tear of everyday life. When pain becomes constant rather than occasional, reaching for medication can feel less like a choice and more like a necessity.But people can become overly dependent on pain meds as well. As Boston University cited in 2018, nearly one in five NSAID users exceeded the recommended dose of ibuprofen or other NSAIDs within one week. This suggests that many people may be taking more than they realize, either by increasing the dose or taking it more frequently than advised. Because NSAIDs are available over the counter, it’s easy to assume they’re completely harmless—but that isn’t always the case.It can be a delicate balance to achieve the ideal, and recommended, amount of medication in your system. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter drug that many of us have taken, with the ability to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief. But you may not be familiar with its specific guidelines. How long does it last? And when do you know it’s time for another dose? Here's everything you need to know.Related: This Everyday Pain Reliever Could Help Prevent Dementia
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There are some factors that can impact the clearance of ibuprofen in your body. For instance, Henry says that those with limited kidney function can experience an increase in the potential toxicity of the medication.
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As a result, it takes longer for a larger dose to be cleared when compared to a smaller dose.
She adds that once you take a dose of ibuprofen, you should start to feel the effects relatively quickly, usually within 30 minutes to one hour.
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How Do You Know It’s Time for Another Dose?
“Over-the-counter products instruct to start with one tablet, but state that if pain persists, then a second tablet may be taken,” Henry says. “However, it is important to not exceed the recommended dose per day. Adults should not exceed 1200 milligrams per day, unless directed by a healthcare provider.”
Is there an option to take ibuprofen around the clock? Before moving forward, you’ll need to speak with a healthcare provider, particularly if a fever gets worse or lasts more than three days, or if pain worsens and lasts more than 10 days, as Henry says.
When you’re dealing with a fever or pain, she explains that it’s important to always start with the smallest dose that’s effective in alleviating symptoms.
“If you take another dose too soon, you may begin to feel overly tired, dizzy or confused,” Sheley warns. “Your stomach may become upset, causing stomach pain, nausea or vomiting. You may also experience ringing in your ears. These are all signs that you have taken too much ibuprofen. It is best to stick to the recommended dosing schedule on the bottle or as prescribed by your doctor.”
“Using the medication as directed will greatly reduce the risk of overdose,” she says.
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Sources:
Nicole Henry, PharmD, District Leader at CVS Pharmacy.Sarah R. Sheley, PharmD, OSF HealthCare pharmacist.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain in U.S. Adults, 2023”Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine: “Nearly One out of Five NSAID Users Exceed Daily Limit”Hence then, the article about how long does ibuprofen last here s how to know when it s time for another dose was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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