Is Ibuprofen A Blood Thinner?

Ibuprofen, commonly available under the brand names Advil and Motrin, is a pain killer used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It belonged to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs class. The question that pops up in the minds of most consumers is "does Ibuprofen thin your blood". The answer is simple but confusing. Ibuprofen is not a blood thinner but has a minor effect on the usual clotting process. Read on to find out more details.

What are the uses of Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen can be taken orally as a syrup or pill. It can also be applied topically on the skin as a gel or spray. It is used to treat:

• Fever
• Inflammation
• Headache
• Menstrual pain
• Common cold
• Toothache
• Back Pain
• Arthritis
• Sprains

Also Read: Understanding Sprains Vs Strains

Does ibuprofen thin your blood?

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, not a blood thinner. It doesn't exactly thin your blood; rather, it slows the clotting process. Ibuprofen delays the process of blood clot formation, making blood clotting more difficult. It inhibits COX enzymes in the body and stops the creation of chemicals known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a role in inflammation and the production of blood clots. Ibuprofen relieves pain and inflammation by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins, but it can also impede the normal process of blood coagulation.

Are painkillers blood thinners also?

Pain relievers do not thin the blood. However, pain relievers such as Ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (brand names: Naprosyn, Aleve) thin the blood. 

Should you take painkillers to keep your blood from clotting?

No, even though NSAIDs like Ibuprofen thin the blood, you should not use Ibuprofen or any other painkiller to avoid blood clotting. It is critical to understand that Ibuprofen should not be taken instead of prescription blood thinners such as warfarin, clopidogrel, Eliquis, or Xarelto. 

Can you use painkillers and blood thinners together?

Ibuprofen is regarded as a relatively safe medicine for the vast majority of healthy people. If you are already on antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and blood thinners or anticoagulants such as warfarin, clopidogrel, Eliquis, or Xarelto, taking Ibuprofen will increase your risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers. Long-term ibuprofen use can potentially harm the kidneys and raise the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Other painkillers, such as acetaminophen (brand names: Crocin, Dolo, Tylenol), may be prescribed by your doctor.

However, consuming excessive amounts of acetaminophen for an extended period can induce liver damage, resulting in liver disease or even liver failure. If you have other medical issues and need to manage pain that does not go away quickly, such as pain from osteoarthritis (OA), get medical assistance from the doctor for the best pain reliever and the proper dosage and length of therapy.

What are the options for pain relief if you are on blood thinners?

If you are using blood thinners and have a medical condition that necessitates the long-term use of pain medicines, you should see a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Doctors usually recommend using pain relievers like Ibuprofen at the lowest dose for the shortest time until your symptoms disappear. If interactions between ibuprofen and blood thinners cause issues, you may need to discontinue ibuprofen entirely. Suppose you have arthritis or another medical condition that necessitates long-term pain relief.

In that case, your doctor may offer other medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), that do not interact with blood thinners. If Tylenol does not control your symptoms, you can seek other pain relief options with your healthcare professional. Non-pharmacological techniques like water therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic therapy can also be highly effective in the long run. 

Also, Read Zincovit Tablet - Benefits, Uses, Side effects, and Precautions.

When should you stop using Ibuprofen?

People should stop using Ibuprofen and consult a doctor if they suffer any of the following symptoms:

• Fainting 
• Blood in the vomit or stool 
• Pain that worsens or lasts more than 10-days 
• Fever that persists or worsens for longer than 3-days
• Edema 
• Changes in skin tone in affected pain

Ibuprofen side effects

Ibuprofen's most prevalent side effects are gastrointestinal. They include:

• Pain
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia
• Bloating

Other side effects of ibuprofen  are:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Skin rash
• Tinnitus
• Edema, or fluid retention

Who should not use Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is not recommended for those who have previously experienced an adverse reaction to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or who have recently undergone or will undergo heart surgery. It may also be inappropriate for people who:

• have recurring stomach issues such as heartburn or abdominal pain 
• have stomach ulcers
• have bleeding issues
• have high blood pressure 
• have heart problems
• suffer from renal problems
• have used diuretics
• are consuming pain killers
• are taking anticoagulants 
• suffer from chickenpox or shingles
• have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• suffer from liver problems

Also read: Azithromycin Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, Doses, Price, and Warning

Conclusion

Ibuprofen is a safe and effective painkiller but not a blood thinner. Unlike other painkillers, Ibuprofen can slow down the clotting process, but it should not be used for blood thinning. Moreover, it should not be used in combination with blood thinners. This drug-drug interaction increases the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers.

Also Read: How Much Ibuprofen Can I Take?