Who can and cannot take ibuprofen as winter illnesses continue to circulate - what NHS says

The NHS has advice about who should and shouldn't take ibuprofen
-Credit:PA


It's that time of year when winter ailments are doing the rounds - and many people may choose to take ibuprofen to help feel better.

Ibuprofen is an everyday painkiller for a range of aches and pains, including back pain, period pain, toothache as well as symptoms of colds, flu or Covid. It also treats inflammation such as sprains and strains, and pain from arthritis.

It's available as tablets, capsules, granules and as a liquid that you swallow. It also comes as a gel, mousse and spray that you rub into your skin.

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However, ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone and there are circumstances where it should not be taken, according to the NHS. More advice from the health experts is outlined below. You can also find information on the NHS website here.

Who can take ibuprofen

Most adults and young people aged 17 and over can take ibuprofen. It can also be given to children and it's often used to treat symptoms of colds, flu, Covid, teething, toothache, headaches, sore throat and pain from ear infections.

Ibuprofen comes in different strengths. The strength and dosage for your child depends on their age (and sometimes weight), so always read the instructions carefully. For under-17s, there is more information here.

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Who may not be able to take ibuprofen

The NHS says do not take ibuprofen by mouth or apply it to your skin if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction or symptoms like wheezing, runny nose or skin reactions after taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen

  • are pregnant

To make sure ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • have ever had bleeding in your stomach or a hole (perforation) in your stomach caused by an NSAID

  • have had a hole (perforation) in your stomach, bleeding in your stomach or a stomach ulcer more than once

  • have a health problem that means you have an increased chance of bleeding

  • have severe heart failure, severe kidney failure or severe liver failure

  • are pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • have high blood pressure that's not under control

  • have heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure, or have ever had a stroke

  • have kidney or liver problems

  • have asthma, hay fever or allergies

  • have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

  • have chickenpox – taking ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions

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If you're over 65, ibuprofen can make you more likely to get stomach ulcers, the NHS warns. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to protect your stomach if you're taking ibuprofen for a long-term health condition. To make sure ibuprofen applied to the skin is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

  • kidney problems

  • asthma, hay fever or allergies

  • a stomach ulcer