Can Ibuprofen Cause Constipation? What You Need to Know

People with irritable bowel syndrome may experience recurring bouts of constipation from foods or medications. This will get more frustrating over time and could trigger uncomfortable bowel movements. Certain prescription pain relievers may cause severe constipation. 

Ibuprofen is one of those medications that can precipitate stomach pain. Not everyone will experience the symptoms, but those with a sensitive gut may have gastrointestinal side effects. Taking Ibuprofen can either relieve pain or trigger discomfort in your digestive system. 

Understanding how this common drug affects your gut may prevent you from taking certain substances. It’s better to avoid medication that puts you at a higher risk of constipation. 

In this article, you’ll learn if Ibuprofen can cause constipation. 

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain. 

This painkiller works to block your body’s production of prostaglandins – chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Upon taking the medicine, you’ll experience less uncomfortable symptoms associated with your specific health problem. 

Ibuprofen usually contains 200mg of active ingredients. This is why it’s important to follow the dosage on the packaging. Ingredients like hypromellose and maize starch may cause further inflammation if you don’t take Ibuprofen properly. 

People usually consume this painkiller to treat headaches or minor injuries. It’s a simple drug that can be taken with water throughout the day. However, you should only have 4 doses in 24 hours, as it may prevent you from vomiting or gaining digestive issues. 

Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen

There are side effects that derive from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Small side effects include stomach pain, vomiting, gas, constipation, fluid retention, diarrhea, and heartburn. You can prevent these symptoms by taking Ibuprofen before or after meals. Talk to a doctor if you’re unsure about how to treat these side effects after consuming painkillers.

More serious side effects can damage your physical health. Some of these are heart attacks, decreased kidney function, intestinal bleeding, and allergic reactions. Make sure to seek urgent care if you experience any serious symptoms. It’s better to get your body checked out quickly.

Not everyone experiences these symptoms, but it might affect those who have cardiovascular disease, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. 

A healthcare professional will always recommend treatments that are safer for your body. 

How to Relieve Ibuprofen-Caused Constipation?

You can follow some home remedies to soothe your constipation and find pain relief. 

Drinking more water can help clear things out from your gut, especially painkillers that are triggering your body. Try consuming a gallon of water a day until you feel better. This should also rehydrate your body and prevent Ibuprofen from affecting your digestive system further. 

You might not feel like it, but exercise is a great way to relieve constipation. Physical activity can decrease the time it takes for food to pass through your large intestine. This prevents your body from absorbing too much water. Try going for a walk or try a few yoga poses.

If you don’t consume enough fiber, incorporate a fiber or probiotic supplement into your diet. These healthy substances work to fight constipation and bloating while also detoxifying your body.

Takeaway 

Constipation can be frustrating to treat, especially if you get it often. Medications like Ibuprofen can trigger digestive issues that ruin your ability to function and can be the cause of constipation. You may not experience side effects at all, but it’s better to speak to a doctor before taking any form of pain relief.