Nurofen
Nurofen is an over the counter brand of painkillers, which contain the main active ingredient hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an everyday pain reliever classed as a Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain and is known to be relatively safe when taken correctly. If you are looking for pain relief from your joint pain then read this article to discover whether or not Nurofen works for you.
To find out if nurofen products work for your condition, it is best to seek the advice of your health professional. Your health care professional will be able to assess your condition and advise you on the best course of action. Commonly referred to as NSAIDs, these medicines can help reduce inflammation but can cause negative side effects in some people. The majority of NSAIDs available over the counter contain ibuprofen, which is a generic term for hydrocodone. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting the transport of a chemical called prostaglandin to muscle tissue.
Certain conditions are contraindicated to the use of NSAIDs and the most common include heart disease, certain types of cancer, asthma and ulcers. For women taking NSAIDs during pregnancy may lead to premature birth and low birth weight. For men, serious side effects include stomach upset and abdominal pain. If you are considering taking NSAIDs during pregnancy, you should ensure that you discuss the risks with your doctor and that you understand how nurofen will affect your unborn child. You should also discuss the alternatives to NSAIDs such as Vitamin C, Alka-Seltzer and acetaminophen, which are considered to be safer for use during pregnancy.
Nurofen And Pain Relief
Besides reducing inflammation, nurofen works by removing a chemical known as glutamate, which is found in the membranes of all cells in the body. Glutamate is produced in the nervous system and in the gut when certain stimuli trigger it to release. Some of the most common glutamate-leasing substances are amino acids, food additives, and some chemicals used in the production of medications. When nurofen reduces inflammation, it may result in less pain because it may lessen the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain. This is why patients taking NSAID therapy often report less pain, faster healing and increased functionality.
Long-term use of NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4). Long-term use of NSAIDs may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, esophageal ulcer and stomach ulcer. Studies indicate that NSAIDs reduce the effectiveness of certain treatment options, and they can also delay the effect of other drugs such as aminosalicylates (such as Riton), tricyclic antidepressants, triptans (such as Tofranil) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some studies have indicated that NSAIDs may prevent or delay the onset of the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis. If you take an NSAID for an extended period of time, the level of calcium in your blood may become increased. If this occurs, you should discuss your options with your doctor.
While there is much positive literature about the benefits of NSAIDs, there is some evidence that suggests that they have some serious side effects. If you suffer from acute or chronic pain, e.g. period pain, arthritis, migraines, muscular aches, shingles, back pain or whiplash, you should speak to your doctor before taking any medication.
