Is it dangerous to overdose on Ibuprofen?

Uses

Ibuprofen is a pharmaceutical drug that is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen is used to treat several conditions including[1]:

Inflammation

mild to moderate pain

severe pain (when combined with codeine)

fever

rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, and gout (in conjunction with physiotherapy).

Ibuprofen is usually swallowed and comes in different forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, soluble powders, and liquids.

Side effects of ibuprofen

Common side effects of tablets, capsules, granules, and liquid[2].

These common side effects of ibuprofen taken by mouth happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Headaches

Feeling dizzy

Feeling sick (nausea)

Being sick (vomiting)

Wind

Indigestion

Common side effects of gel, mousse, and spray

You are less likely to have side effects when you apply ibuprofen to your skin than when you use tablets, capsules, granules, or liquids because less gets into your body. However, you may still get the same side effects, mainly if you use a lot on a large skin area.

Applying ibuprofen to your skin can sometimes cause your skin to become more sensitive than usual to sunlight.

Serious side effects

include black poo or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of bleeding in your stomach.

Swollen ankles, blood in your pee, or not peeing at all can be signs of kidney problems.

Overdose

Taking too much ibuprofen can result in an overdose. This can cause dangerous side effects such as damage to your stomach or intestines. In rare cases, an overdose can be fatal. An adult may be able to take 200–400 milligrams (mg) per dose every 4–6 hours, with a maximum of 1,200 mg per day. It is taking more than this may lead to severe adverse effects[3].

If it's abused and taken in large quantities in a short period of time, it can cause water buildup in the brain or swelling of the brain. Ibuprofen is similar to Asprin or antasialic acid (ASA) 5 times the dosage at one time is medically threatening. You may experience nausea, returning headaches (yes, excessive headache medicine can bring on headaches much worse), and an increased threat of brain hemorrhage or stroke. If you or anyone else has taken too much, get medical help immediately.

References

[1] https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/ibuprofen/

[2] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/side-effects-of-ibuprofen

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-overdose-on-ibuprofen