Any RNs or pharmacists on right now?

tomatoey
tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hypothetically, how dangerous would it be for someone to take more than the max daily dose of ibuprofen for an extremely short period of time?

Just for 1-2 days - e.g. 400 mg every 3-4 hours, with food. (Say the person weighs 138 lbs.)

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    There's a maximum dose for a reason....
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited May 2015
    i know. But it's not unheard of for patients in hospitals to take more if it's very bad pain. The safety standards are still significantly under the real (or more likely) limits.
  • ew_david
    ew_david Posts: 3,473 Member
    I take 800mg in one shot. Another 8 hours later if I need it.
  • MonsoonStorm
    MonsoonStorm Posts: 371 Member
    edited May 2015
    if you (they?) are in enough pain to warrant this then perhaps a trip to the doctor would help?

    That way you could receive more effective painkillers without potentially giving yourself stomach issues etc.

    Beyond that, people can't really advise on here as no one knows your (their?) medical history. Whilst it's an over-the-counter med, it still has interactions.


  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited May 2015
    Wow, ok. (re @_dracarys_ )

    Here, it's saying 3200 mg daily taken orally is not going to kill a person with RA or OA, for example.

  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    if you (they?) are in enough pain to warrant this then perhaps a trip to the doctor would help?

    That way you could receive more effective painkillers without potentially giving yourself stomach issues etc.

    I'm sure you're right, but hypothetically, it's silly o'clock in the morning and an ER trip is not ideal for this hypothetical situation.
    Beyond that, people can't really advise on her as no one knows your (their?) medical history. Whilst it's and over-the-counter med, it still has interactions
    True, good point.

    Thanks all
  • MonsoonStorm
    MonsoonStorm Posts: 371 Member
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

  • isulo_kura
    isulo_kura Posts: 818 Member
    tomatoey wrote: »
    i know. But it's not unheard of for patients in hospitals to take more if it's very bad pain. The safety standards are still significantly under the real (or more likely) limits.
    That's because they are in hospital monitored by Doctors who know their medical history. Taking medical advice from random people you don't know on the internet is not advisable speak to a proper health professional
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    isulo_kura wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    i know. But it's not unheard of for patients in hospitals to take more if it's very bad pain. The safety standards are still significantly under the real (or more likely) limits.
    That's because they are in hospital monitored by Doctors who know their medical history. Taking medical advice from random people you don't know on the internet is not advisable speak to a proper health professional

    cheers
  • MonsoonStorm
    MonsoonStorm Posts: 371 Member
    If it is that bad it may be worth talking to your doctor and seeing if they will give you something stronger, perhaps codeine based, to have on hand. They shouldn't have a problem with that if it's only for one day a month.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,543 Member
    edited May 2015
    Hypothetically, I have taken far more than the recommended dose on more than one occasion where I have the start of a migraine. If I don't knock it on the head during the 'losing vision and control of the right side of my body' phase, I'm stuck with a dark, silent room and vomiting for 2-3 days. However, as monsoon said, I know my tolerances etc. and wouldn't presume to advise.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    If it is that bad it may be worth talking to your doctor and seeing if they will give you something stronger, perhaps codeine based, to have on hand. They shouldn't have a problem with that if it's only for one day a month.

    A different med may be worth pursuing... A previous doctor once gave me ketorolac (still an nsaid i believe), which worked like magic, but my current doc will only give me naproxen, which for whatever reason doesn't seem to work at all. She's not so much a listener. Reason #248347500 I need a new doctor :/

    Thanks for your patience and thoughts :)

    Pu_239 wrote: »
    Ibprofein is a chemical obviously, all chemicals have a safety data sheet.

    Ibuprofen: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 636 mg/kg [Rat]. 740 mg/kg [Mouse]. 495 mg/kg
    [Guinea pig]
    http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924344

    LD50 means it kills 50% of the population with that dosage.

    Thank you! So, I'm a 62.6 kg human. I should be fine :)
  • louise3uk
    louise3uk Posts: 24 Member
    Here is an image from the British national formulary which we use to calculate patients dosages. Although I would not advise taking more than the recommended dose on the box without seeking professional help

    7zrhkw8qb1va.jpg
  • atypicalsmith
    atypicalsmith Posts: 2,742 Member
    What does this have to do with "General Diet and Weight Loss and Help"?
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited May 2015
    louise3uk wrote: »
    Here is an image from the British national formulary which we use to calculate patients dosages. Although I would not advise taking more than the recommended dose on the box without seeking professional help

    7zrhkw8qb1va.jpg

    Thank you very much :) I appreciate you taking the time to share that.
    What does this have to do with "General Diet and Weight Loss and Help"?

    affects motivation
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    Hypothetically, I have taken far more than the recommended dose on more than one occasion where I have the start of a migraine. If I don't knock it on the head during the 'losing vision and control of the right side of my body' phase, I'm stuck with a dark, silent room and vomiting for 2-3 days. However, as monsoon said, I know my tolerances etc. and wouldn't presume to advise.

    Ach, sorry. Thank you for sharing :) It's similar here, got to get it before a momentum starts :/
  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    tomatoey wrote: »
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.

    Try hot packs or a hot bath (with Epsom salts, if you have them) and a smaller dose of Advil. The moist heat of a rice pack can offer a lot of relief. If you don't have one, take a long, clean tube sock, fill it with rice, tie the end and microwave it for about 4 minutes.

    The dose of ibuprofen that you list is certainly safer than taking a large dose of acetaminophen would be. Don't do it if you have had any alcohol today--that can increase the risk a lot.

    When I was in excruciating pain with a tumor growing through my uterus, heat was the only thing that made the pain manageable at all.

    Someone mentioned getting a script to have on hand for when this happens again. You probably want something like Percocet. Not matter how much Advil you take, it only does so much.

    I'm not an RN or a PhamD, but I hope that you feel better soon. If not...the ER is open all night. In some ways, the middle of the night is the best time to go, if you must.
  • Nony_Mouse
    Nony_Mouse Posts: 5,646 Member
    tomatoey wrote: »
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.

    Talk to your doc about a stronger anti-inflam for those times. Sonaflam is my go-to for cysts that are making their presence felt. But if it's really bad (as in burst) I go straight for the codeine. Then curl up in a ball and cry till it knocks me out.

    If I was in this hypothetical situation, I would take the extra ibuprofen. I'd also have a hot bath if I had a tub, and then curl up with a hot water bottle or wheat bag (if you don't have a wheat bag, I highly recommend making yourself one!).

    And (((hugs))), cos I know how bloody awful it is.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    NSAIDs carry the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers. Those with kidney problems and/or cardiac conditions need to be careful taking them. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the bottle unless directed by a physician.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    tomatoey wrote: »
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.

    Try hot packs or a hot bath (with Epsom salts, if you have them) and a smaller dose of Advil. The moist heat of a rice pack can offer a lot of relief. If you don't have one, take a long, clean tube sock, fill it with rice, tie the end and microwave it for about 4 minutes.

    The dose of ibuprofen that you list is certainly safer than taking a large dose of acetaminophen would be. Don't do it if you have had any alcohol today--that can increase the risk a lot.

    When I was in excruciating pain with a tumor growing through my uterus, heat was the only thing that made the pain manageable at all.

    Someone mentioned getting a script to have on hand for when this happens again. You probably want something like Percocet. Not matter how much Advil you take, it only does so much.

    I'm not an RN or a PhamD, but I hope that you feel better soon. If not...the ER is open all night. In some ways, the middle of the night is the best time to go, if you must.
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.

    Talk to your doc about a stronger anti-inflam for those times. Sonaflam is my go-to for cysts that are making their presence felt. But if it's really bad (as in burst) I go straight for the codeine. Then curl up in a ball and cry till it knocks me out.

    If I was in this hypothetical situation, I would take the extra ibuprofen. I'd also have a hot bath if I had a tub, and then curl up with a hot water bottle or wheat bag (if you don't have a wheat bag, I highly recommend making yourself one!).

    And (((hugs))), cos I know how bloody awful it is.

    Thanks very much for your kind thoughts and advice, ladies, and I'm sorry you have the background to offer it :(

    I took the ibuprofen, it helped. Feeling better today.
  • evileen99
    evileen99 Posts: 1,564 Member
    Prescription strength ibuprofen is 800 mg, and scripts were written to take 4 times a day.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    I drive down to TJ for 800 mg ibuprofen and take several per day when my back acts up. Not good, but I totally overdosed myself on it for a couple of years after 'the accident' because I had to work so narcotics were out but the pain was too much to function on. But just saying that to overdue it it takes either a concerted effort to OD or a long period of overusage to damage your organs.
  • pollypocket1021
    pollypocket1021 Posts: 533 Member
    800mg three times a day or 600mg four times a day is standard conservative management for many orthopedic conditions. It's recommended to take 2400 mg over a 24 hour period for 6 weeks.

    And if anyone is going to argue that that somehow constitutes "medically managed," these are orthopods. They only know of 3 medications total.

    And this:
    https://youtu.be/q0S5EN7-RtI
  • Magenta529
    Magenta529 Posts: 100 Member
    I had a dr. Recently recommend this combo to me and it works almost every time! 1000 mg acetaminophen and 750 mg ibprofin. Taken at the same time, within 30-45 min I see a big difference in pain level or headache or whatever is ailing me. He said there's some kind of science chemical reaction with that combo that he wouldn't bore me with. All I care about is that it works!
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    800mg three times a day or 600mg four times a day is standard conservative management for many orthopedic conditions. It's recommended to take 2400 mg over a 24 hour period for 6 weeks.

    And if anyone is going to argue that that somehow constitutes "medically managed," these are orthopods. They only know of 3 medications total.

    And this:
    https://youtu.be/q0S5EN7-RtI

    Ok THAT is hilarious!
  • Nony_Mouse
    Nony_Mouse Posts: 5,646 Member
    tomatoey wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.

    Try hot packs or a hot bath (with Epsom salts, if you have them) and a smaller dose of Advil. The moist heat of a rice pack can offer a lot of relief. If you don't have one, take a long, clean tube sock, fill it with rice, tie the end and microwave it for about 4 minutes.

    The dose of ibuprofen that you list is certainly safer than taking a large dose of acetaminophen would be. Don't do it if you have had any alcohol today--that can increase the risk a lot.

    When I was in excruciating pain with a tumor growing through my uterus, heat was the only thing that made the pain manageable at all.

    Someone mentioned getting a script to have on hand for when this happens again. You probably want something like Percocet. Not matter how much Advil you take, it only does so much.

    I'm not an RN or a PhamD, but I hope that you feel better soon. If not...the ER is open all night. In some ways, the middle of the night is the best time to go, if you must.
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.

    Talk to your doc about a stronger anti-inflam for those times. Sonaflam is my go-to for cysts that are making their presence felt. But if it's really bad (as in burst) I go straight for the codeine. Then curl up in a ball and cry till it knocks me out.

    If I was in this hypothetical situation, I would take the extra ibuprofen. I'd also have a hot bath if I had a tub, and then curl up with a hot water bottle or wheat bag (if you don't have a wheat bag, I highly recommend making yourself one!).

    And (((hugs))), cos I know how bloody awful it is.

    Thanks very much for your kind thoughts and advice, ladies, and I'm sorry you have the background to offer it :(

    I took the ibuprofen, it helped. Feeling better today.

    Glad you are feeling better :). I definitely recommend being well prepared for these events. I rarely have cysts really flare/pop (though almost always have some pain at ovulation), but you can bet I have the stuff on hand for when they do! If you have access to a sewing machine do make yourself a wheat/rice bag. The store bought ones tend to be too small, you want one that stretches right across your lower belly, including hip bones.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.

    Try hot packs or a hot bath (with Epsom salts, if you have them) and a smaller dose of Advil. The moist heat of a rice pack can offer a lot of relief. If you don't have one, take a long, clean tube sock, fill it with rice, tie the end and microwave it for about 4 minutes.

    The dose of ibuprofen that you list is certainly safer than taking a large dose of acetaminophen would be. Don't do it if you have had any alcohol today--that can increase the risk a lot.

    When I was in excruciating pain with a tumor growing through my uterus, heat was the only thing that made the pain manageable at all.

    Someone mentioned getting a script to have on hand for when this happens again. You probably want something like Percocet. Not matter how much Advil you take, it only does so much.

    I'm not an RN or a PhamD, but I hope that you feel better soon. If not...the ER is open all night. In some ways, the middle of the night is the best time to go, if you must.
    Nony_Mouse wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    well, when I've been in migraine territory with nothing stronger available and no alternative, I've taken 800-1000 within an hour or two. But then when I'm in the middle of a full blown migraine the long term (or even short-term) implications to my health are completely irrelevant to me.

    But then I know from experience my tolerance and how I react to it. I know my medical history, I know my current meds. Thankfully my migraines are also infrequent.

    Sorry to hear you've had to deal with that, sounds miserable :(

    In this case it's obnoxious dysmenorrhea with PCOS. Last time I let the pain (and contractions, probably, or rupturing cyst or whatever the hell it was) get bad (because i was waiting out times) I did actually have to go to the ER, which took me an hour because i couldn't walk down the stairs and was vomiting from pain etc. it's not that bad right now but i can feel it going in that direction.

    Talk to your doc about a stronger anti-inflam for those times. Sonaflam is my go-to for cysts that are making their presence felt. But if it's really bad (as in burst) I go straight for the codeine. Then curl up in a ball and cry till it knocks me out.

    If I was in this hypothetical situation, I would take the extra ibuprofen. I'd also have a hot bath if I had a tub, and then curl up with a hot water bottle or wheat bag (if you don't have a wheat bag, I highly recommend making yourself one!).

    And (((hugs))), cos I know how bloody awful it is.

    Thanks very much for your kind thoughts and advice, ladies, and I'm sorry you have the background to offer it :(

    I took the ibuprofen, it helped. Feeling better today.

    Glad you are feeling better :). I definitely recommend being well prepared for these events. I rarely have cysts really flare/pop (though almost always have some pain at ovulation), but you can bet I have the stuff on hand for when they do! If you have access to a sewing machine do make yourself a wheat/rice bag. The store bought ones tend to be too small, you want one that stretches right across your lower belly, including hip bones.

    Aw :) Wanted also to say, thanks for the hugs, sending them back to you.

    That wheat bag is such a good idea! :) Usually I use two hot water bottles, but yeah, it's kind of floppy. Then again, it's not like I'm doing a lot :/ But yours sounds neater :)
    evileen99 wrote: »
    Prescription strength ibuprofen is 800 mg, and scripts were written to take 4 times a day.
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    I drive down to TJ for 800 mg ibuprofen and take several per day when my back acts up. Not good, but I totally overdosed myself on it for a couple of years after 'the accident' because I had to work so narcotics were out but the pain was too much to function on. But just saying that to overdue it it takes either a concerted effort to OD or a long period of overusage to damage your organs.
    800mg three times a day or 600mg four times a day is standard conservative management for many orthopedic conditions. It's recommended to take 2400 mg over a 24 hour period for 6 weeks.

    And if anyone is going to argue that that somehow constitutes "medically managed," these are orthopods. They only know of 3 medications total.


    Ahaaaaa. So yes, it's maybe not ideal, but not the worst thing in the world.
    Magenta529 wrote: »
    I had a dr. Recently recommend this combo to me and it works almost every time! 1000 mg acetaminophen and 750 mg ibprofin. Taken at the same time, within 30-45 min I see a big difference in pain level or headache or whatever is ailing me. He said there's some kind of science chemical reaction with that combo that he wouldn't bore me with. All I care about is that it works!

    Hunh, interesting! Thanks for sharing. Acetaminophen tends not to help that much, but it's worth looking into, for sure :)

    Thanks, everyone, for being so kind.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    800mg three times a day or 600mg four times a day is standard conservative management for many orthopedic conditions. It's recommended to take 2400 mg over a 24 hour period for 6 weeks.

    And if anyone is going to argue that that somehow constitutes "medically managed," these are orthopods. They only know of 3 medications total.

    And this:
    https://youtu.be/q0S5EN7-RtI

    Ok THAT is hilarious!

    Hahaha yeah it cracked me up! Lol
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