This medication is best used on a limited basis

You have a headache, so you take ibuprofen. Your muscles are sore from a workout, so you take ibuprofen. Your menstrual cramps are bad this week, so you take ibuprofen.

Here’s the concern with all that: It’s really not safe to consistently take ibuprofen.

“People don’t think of ‘over-the-counter medicine’ as being medicine at all,” says internist Janet Morgan, MD. “But it absolutely is medicine — and like any medication, it’s potentially very dangerous.”

Let’s look at the risks and how to take ibuprofen correctly, sparingly and responsibly.

Potential side effects of ibuprofen

It’s estimated that NSAIDs — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat pain and inflammation — contribute to more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths a year in the U.S.

One review connected 1 out of 9 preventable drug-related hospital admissions to NSAIDs like ibuprofen.

When used incorrectly or chronically (long-term), the negative effects of ibuprofen can range from relatively minor issues — like diarrhea, nausea or upset stomach — to more serious health concerns.

Your kidneys are your most likely organ to be damaged by excessive ibuprofen use. Other potential issues include:

Can other medications interact with ibuprofen?

You’re more prone to negative effects from ibuprofen if you take it alongside certain medications.

“Ibuprofen can interact with the meds you’re on, especially high blood pressure medications, which can lead to some serious adverse effects,” emphasizes Dr. Morgan. “That could be deadly.”

Ibuprofen doesn’t mix well with:

  • Blood thinners
  • Heart medication (like clopidogrel)
  • Immunosuppressive medication (like cyclosporine)
  • Seizure medication (like phenytoin)
  • Other NSAIDs

Should you avoid ibuprofen with certain conditions?

Dr. Morgan recommends talking with your healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen if you’re pregnant or have any of the following conditions:

  • Gastrointestinal problems, including heartburn
  • Heart issues
  • Kidney problems

Is it OK to take ibuprofen every day?

It’s important to always think of ibuprofen as a medication — which means not taking it daily as if it’s a vitamin.

As a general rule, most people can take ibuprofen on a limited basis to address minor aches.

“It’s not without risk, but you can feel pretty safe taking it for about three days,” clarifies Dr. Morgan. “Take no more than 400 to 600 milligrams, three times a day, with food. Otherwise, it can ruin your stomach.”

As with any drug, talk with your doctor about how much ibuprofen (if any) is safe for you based on your specific health issues and concerns. Because overall, what you can take hinges on … well, you.

“There’s not really a one-size-fits-all answer,” she adds. “It depends on your general state of health.”

How to take ibuprofen responsibly

Before heading to the medicine cabinet and opening that bottle of ibuprofen, keep these suggestions in mind.

  • Follow directions.Always follow product dosage instructions or specific guidelines from your healthcare provider. Don’t just pop an extra pill thinking it will give you extra benefits.
  • Only take it when you truly need it.Don’t view ibuprofen as a cure-all for anything that ails you — or what might ail you. “It shouldn’t be used to try to ward off problems in advance,” stresses Dr. Morgan.
  • Consider alternatives for pain relief.Ibuprofen isn’t your only option to tackle pain. Topical NSAID creams and gels, warm packs or even a massage can soothe sore muscles, says Dr. Morgan. Cold packs can bring down minor swelling, too.

Ask yourself WHY you’re taking ibuprofen. It shouldn’t just be part of your maintenance routine. If you’re always reaching for a bottle of pills for a recurring issue, it’s best to address the underlying cause.

“Taking ibuprofen once in a while is one thing,” says Dr. Morgan, “but it should never get to the point of everyday use.”