Ibuprofen is one of the most common medicines that many people use. However, there is a mistake when taking this drug that may pose risks. The warning is left by some pharmacists. Look what this is all about.
© Shutterstock
17/09/2026
by
Awhat are you doing when you take ibuprofen? It's one of the most common medications and certainly has it at home when you need it. However, there is a way to take it that can bring risks. Some pharmacists leave the warning.
Parade magazine has spoken to some experts in the field to see what is at stake and what can happen when it makes this mistake. They reveal that the big problem is taking this medicine on an empty stomach.
Error taking ibuprofen
“Knowing the correct way to take a medicine for free sale is essential to protect the patient from unnecessary risks or adverse side effects and also to ensure that the medicine works as effectively as possible” starts with pharmacist Danielle Oncer.
“ Patients taking several medicines should consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medicine, whether for free sale or prescribed, to avoid adverse interactions”, continues.
Read Also: You've been taking bad pills for a lifetime. Pharmaceutical reveals tip
Taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach may present various types of reactions in the stomach. Although it is nothing serious, it is risks that can be avoided.
“Ibuprofen can be taken without food, but taking it on an empty stomach increases the chances of stomach discomfort such as stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn and nausea” warns pharmacist Christine Cadiz of Parade magazine.
“ Theoretically, taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach may accelerate or trigger direct irritation in the stomach, as there is no food to dampen the action of the medicine. Most pharmacists prefer to sin for excessive caution and always take any anti-inflammatory with a light meal or a glass of milk or water”, continues.
Although it is considered a mistake, some consider that the effect of the medicine is faster if taken on an empty stomach. However, is something worth doing? “Taking ibuprofen with food slows absorption, as food acts as a buffer and slows the effect, but this does not decrease the amount absorbed” explains the expert.
“The delay in pain relief is only 30 to 60 minutes at most. You can take it with a glass of water to help move it quickly through digestion and without other unwanted effects.”
When to use ibuprofen and paracetamol?
Marta Jonet, from the CUF health network, began to reveal to the website of this health facility the differences between the two medicines.
The expert points out that the “ibuprofen is part of the family of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain, reduce inflammation and decrease temperature (fever)”. The paracetamol “has analgesic action (relieves pain), antipyretics (reduces fever) and can be given in combination with other medicines and your dose should always be adjusted to the patient’s body weight.”.
One of the main differences it points out is related to the fact that paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties, as is something verified in ibuprofen.
Since they are different medicines, they also have different uses. So, ibuprofen it is best suited to relieve pain associated with conditions such as muscle pain, joints, headache, migraine or menstrual pain.
“ It is used to reduce inflammation in cases of acute infections (otitis, tonsillitis) and in some inflammatory conditions such as arthritis”, says the doctor. As regards the paracetamol, is used to relieve moderate pain, such as headache, muscle or teeth, but also to reduce fever.