Ibuprofen for root inflammation

introduction

One of the most important symptoms of a tooth root inflammation is severe, pulling pain that can radiate from the tooth to the jaw or eye. Relief of pain therefore plays an important role in the treatment of such inflammation.

The pain reliever ibuprofen is often prescribed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and lower any fever that may occur.

effect

Pharmacologically, ibuprofen belongs to the class of NSAIDs, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which also include diclofenac and ASA. They all differ slightly in their mode of action.

Ibuprofen inhibits the so-called cyclooxygenases I and II. These are enzymes that are responsible for the formation of special messenger substances, the prostaglandins, in the event of inflammation. The prostaglandins, in turn, act as inflammation mediators, including the sensation of pain. So if the inflammatory mediators cannot be established, the pain cannot be transmitted either. This is called the pain relieving, i.e. analgesic effect of ibuprofen, it is one of the three main effects. The other two types of action are called anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) and anti-pyretic (lowering fever). The lowering of fever is the least developed.

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Ibuprofen also prevents the formation of inflammation mediators in the case of tooth root inflammation, which leads to the pain being relieved. Of course, the anti-inflammatory effect also benefits the affected patient, as this reduces the swelling of the tissue.

After about four to six hours, the effect subsides and the pain can return. It is broken down via the liver and excreted via the kidneys. After about 2.5 hours, half of the ingested active ingredient has left the body again.

Read more on the topic: Treatment of root inflammation

Ibuprofen doesn't help

Severe toothache should only be treated with pain relievers for a short time. Just until the dentist has found and eliminated the cause. If the ibuprofen ingested does not help, it may be because the dose was not high enough. In the case of very severe pain, however, a tablet with 800 mg of active ingredient is usually sufficient to achieve short-term freedom from pain.

If this is not the case, under no circumstances should other painkillers be taken together. Strong interactions could occur! It is then best to take another ibuprofen painkiller some time later and make an appointment with the dentist for the same day.

2400mg of the active ingredient ibuprofen are allowed per day. Symptoms of poisoning occur with even larger quantities. It should also be ensured that the tablets are taken throughout the day.

There are also some home remedies that can provide relief from toothache. Cold, chamomile flower compresses, cloves or onion juice should help. Higher doses should always be discussed with the dentist in advance.

Read more on the subject at: Home remedies for toothache

Side effects

As with most other drugs, the desired effect is very often accompanied by undesirable effects. By developing its effects in the gastrointestinal tract, ibuprofen attacks the production of the mucous layer located there. This layer protects the organ walls from the acidic hydrochloric acid that is formed in the stomach and prevents painful rubbing against each other. The consequences are abdominal pain, vomiting, inflammation of the stomach lining, stomach ulcer or diarrhea. These are the typical side effects of NSAIDs, they are also called gastrointestinal complaints.

To avoid this, the lowest possible dose for the desired effect should be taken and the duration of intake should be kept to a minimum. If there is a need for a high dose for long-term use, the attending physician usually also prescribes stomach protection to prevent the side effects. Usually a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole or pantoprazole is used here.

Less common are gastric rupture, dizziness, or loss of visual acuity. One can reduce the rate of side effects by not taking the pain relievers on an empty stomach. Due to its breakdown path, ibuprofen should never be used in self-medication if there is liver or kidney damage. Only a doctor has the expertise to assess the risk.

Read more on the subject at: Side effects of ibuprofen

Interactions

Ibuprofen can be used when taking blood thinners, e.g. for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD), lead to heavy bleeding. Because ibuprofen triggers - as described above - an inhibition of cyclooxygenase I so that the formation of a messenger substance in the blood platelets, the so-called thrombocytes, does not occur. This messenger substance is responsible for the aggregation of the platelets. This agglomeration of the platelets normally stops bleeding, e.g. with a cut. If another blood-thinning drug, such as Marcumar, is taken at the same time as this inhibition, heavy bleeding can occur quickly. The bleeding-increasing effect of ibuprofen is, however, declining and ends as soon as it is stopped.

Paradoxically, if ibuprofen is taken with aspirin, its desired blood-thinning effect can be reduced. The reason for this is that both drugs compete for the same receptor. Ibuprofen prevails here, while aspirin is broken down by the body. After about 4-6 hours, the blood-thinning effect of ibuprofen has ceased. Aspirin, on the other hand, could cause long-lasting blood thinning when bound to the receptor.

If ibuprofen and lithium are taken at the same time (for mental illness), lithium excretion may be reduced. This can cause lithium poisoning.

In addition, while taking ibuprofen, care should be taken to refrain from consuming alcohol, as otherwise there is a risk of liver damage.

Read more on the subject at: Ibuprofen and alcohol - are they compatible?

Ibuflam

The name Ibuflam is the trade name for a drug with the active ingredient ibuprofen. It is distributed by the pharmaceutical company Zentiva Pharma GmbH. Up to a dose of 400mg it can be bought over the counter in the pharmacy, as it is used here to combat pain. From a dose of 600mg it is used for anti-inflammatory therapy and is only available with a doctor's prescription.

Alternative pain relievers

The active ingredient ibuprofen has proven itself in dentistry. However, there are other pain relievers that are also used. For example, if there is an allergy or pregnancy. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), paracetamol or diclofenac are the best-known alternatives. They work similar to ibuprofen, but differ in dosage and side effects. They should only be used in an emergency. They are available in small doses from pharmacies without a prescription.

Read more about this under Painkillers for a root inflammation

Combination preparations with codeine can also be administered for very severe pain. However, these should only be taken under the guidance of a prescription, as dosage can be difficult. Care should be taken that the selected drug does not interact with an existing medication. You should discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist. The use of these drugs only treats the symptoms, not the cause of the disease. They are only suitable for short-term use in the case of toothache.

Read more on the subject at: Pain relievers for toothache