Ibuprofen is a popular over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. When taken in combination with certain antihypertensive or diuretic medications, it can permanently damage the kidneys in some people, reports Mathematical Biosciences.
Ibuprofen – a popular painkiller
Ibuprofen is commonly used as a pain reliever, for example in people with back pain, menstrual pains or toothache. Millions of people take ibuprofen without any health problems. However, a new study warns against combining this popular drug with diuretics (diuretics) and inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system (RSA).
Diuretics and RSA inhibitors are commonly prescribed to people with hypertension (usually together) and available under a variety of pharmaceutical brands.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada used computer simulations to model the interaction of the three drugs and their effects on the kidneys. Computer-simulated drug testing can quickly produce results that would take much longer in human clinical trials.
Ibuprofen and diuretics – a dangerous combination
As it turned out, in people with specific medical profiles, such a combination can cause acute kidney damage, which in some cases can become permanent.
“It’s not that anyone who takes this combination of drugs will have problems,” said Anita Layton, professor of applied mathematics at Waterloo. “But research shows this is a serious enough problem to be careful.
Instead of ibuprodene, the authors recommend the analgesic (but not anti-inflammatory) acetaminophen (paracetamol).
Strong menstrual pain is not always “so beautiful” or a woman’s hypersensitivity. Endometriosis may be behind such a symptom. What is this disease and how is living with it? Listen to the podcast about endometriosis by Patrycja Furs – Endo-girl.