Dr. Jim Surrell, Journal columnist

Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil brand names) was first discovered in 1961 in England by a scientific research team led by Dr. Stewart Adams, working for a company known as the Boots Group. Its discovery was the result of research done during the 1950s and 1960s to find an alternative to aspirin. The drug was first launched as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the United Kingdom in 1969, and later introduced in the United States in 1974. Initially, Ibuprofen was available only as a prescription medication. Later, in 1983 and 1984, it became the first NSAID (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) to be available over the counter (OTC) in both England and in the USA. Dr. Adams and the Boots Group Company were later recognized for this significant accomplishment by being awarded the Queen’s Award for Technical Achievement in 1987 for the development of Ibuprofen.

The following is a brief summary of the most common uses of Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs. As noted above, ibuprofen is a NSAID and these medications are used primarily for treating pain, fever and inflammation in our body. Many people use ibuprofen to treat muscle and joint pain, painful menstrual periods, headaches, including migraine headaches, and various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. Ibuprofen is most commonly taken by mouth, and it may also be given intravenously in the hospital. It typically begins to work within an hour after it is taken.

As with any OTC or prescription medication, side effects may occur. NSAIDs are well tolerated by most people, but we always need to be aware of the possible side effects. The most common NSAID possible side effects may include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, stomach or duodenal ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, headache, dizziness, skin rash and a possible increase in blood pressure. It is also reported that drinking alcohol when taking NSAIDs may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Of course, when any of us decide to start any new medication, we need to remain aware that side effects may occur. If any side effects do occur, stop that medication right away, and consult with your health care provider without delay.

At the present time, NSAIDs continue to be used extensively throughout the world. Specifically, within the United States, more than 70 million prescriptions for NSAIDs are written each year. As you know, NSAIDs are also available as OTC medications and these OTC medications are used extensively in the United States. It is estimated that when we include both prescription and OTC use, more than 30 billion doses of NSAIDs are consumed annually in the United States alone.

Following are the standard ibuprofen dosage recommendations for the 200 mg strength tablets as provided by the drug manufacturers for adults and children age 12 years and older. “Take one 200 mg tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If the pain or fever does not respond to this dose, two 200 mg tablets may be taken. Do not exceed six tablets in 24 hours, unless directed to do so by your health care provider.” It is known that increased dosages of ibuprofen may be taken for more severe pain, such as from severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, but this should only be done after consultation with your health care provider.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books. Requests for health topics for this column are encouraged. Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.