Analgesics, Antipyretics (cont.)
Drug interactions: Ibuprofen may increase blood levels of digoxin
(Lanoxin);
however, it is unclear whether this interaction is important enough to
recommend that patients taking digoxin not take ibuprofen.
NSAIDs reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of certain high
blood
pressure (antihypertensive) medications, including: thiazide
diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide); beta-blockers such as
propranolol or
atenolol (Inderal, Tenormin), and metoprolol (Lopressor); angiotensin
receptor
antagonists such as enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Zestril;
Prinivil), benazepril (Lotensin), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and
captopril
(Capoten); and some medications that act on the brain, such as
clonidine (Catapres).
NSAIDs can increase the levels of lithium in the blood, which can
result in
lithium-related side effects.
NSAIDs can also increase the levels of methotrexate in the blood
and have
been reported to result in methotrexate-related side effects.
What
about overdoses of pain relievers and fever reducers?
The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that
of all
overdoses of OTC products, 66% involved acetaminophen, 19% involved
ibuprofen,
and 15% involved aspirin. Aspirin overdose can occur with as little
as 150
mg/kg (10,000mg or 10 grams in the average sized male) as a single
dose, or 90
mg/kg per day for at least two consecutive days. Symptoms of toxicity
due to
aspirin may include tiredness, ringing in the ears, rapid breathing,
seizures,
vomiting, bleeding, and coma. Large doses of acetaminophen rarely
cause serious
problems in children. In adults, as little as 10 grams can damage the
liver and
the kidneys. Overdoses of ibuprofen rarely produce important
problems. Nausea,
vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, and dizziness are the most common
symptoms
of large doses of ibuprofen. Rarely, coma may occur.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 9/21/1999 8:31:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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