Taking ibuprofen can worsen the symptoms of a painful illness and cause a hole in your intestines. Researchers from Semmelweis University said that using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome.
“It has long been known that overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome,” says the head of the gastrointestinal research group at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy at Semmelweis University. Dr. Zoltan Zadri explains:
“We are currently looking for the underlying mechanisms, which are only partially understood.” The NHS website says: “Ibuprofen for 10 days (or 3 days if under 18) ) If you still need it, consult your doctor before continuing.”
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NSAIDs are among the most used drugs in the world, with more than 30 million people taking them every day, according to Hungarian researchers. The NHS goes on to say: “If prescribed by a doctor, it is safe to take ibuprofen regularly for many years, as long as you do not take more than the recommended dose.” The usual dosage for adults is one or two 200mg tablets or capsules three times a day. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe higher doses of up to 600 mg to be taken four times a day if necessary.
“We found that these bacterial abnormalities were similar to those caused by NSAIDs,” explained the study authors. “This raises the possibility that drug-induced dysbiosis may exacerbate the underlying disease and limit the therapeutic efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs” in the long run. “
Dr. Zadri explained that they currently believe that NSAID-induced dysbiosis is behind “inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, changes in intestinal pH and motor activity, and changes in bile acid composition.” “The antibacterial properties of NSAIDs may also directly disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome,” he said.
“These processes are closely linked, so it’s difficult to determine which caused which. For example, reduced bile function can lead to an overgrowth of intestinal bacteria. At the same time, intestinal Abnormalities in the bacterial flora can also alter the levels of certain bile acids.”
