Does Intake Of Ibuprofen Cause Persistent Diarrhea, Excessive Gas And Bloating?

Posted on Fri, 19 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 Answered on

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter has been suffering from diarrhea for months now. A colonoscopy showed no polyps and no tumour (cancer) She did decide to go gluten free as she was suffering gas and bloating after eating. She claimed she felt much better,but now she has diarrhea. The doctor who did the colonoscopy mentioned ibuprophen as the possible cause of the diarrhea. She has used this over the years as her drug of choice for back pain, pulled muscles, headache etc How does the ibuprophen cause this side effect? If she stops taking the drug,will the bowel straighten itself around? Is there any treatment you can recommend if this is indeed her problem? This condition is difficult to deal with as the need to go comes often and fast. Iworry because she looks tired and worn, and she was a vibrant and beautiful woman. (She also carries large dark rings under her eyes.

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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
NSAID induced colitis is known

Detailed Answer:
Ibuprofen is NSAID pain killer, it is known to cause colitis after prolonged abuse. It should be taken with meal so that it does not irritate the mucosa of the colon much. Sometime over the counter abuse can lead to it.
What happens is the drug disrupts the normal physiologic processes that regulate fluid absorption and secretion, by altering GI defense mechanisms, and by damaging the mucosa of the small and large intestine.
Generally problem recovers on stopping the pain killer within months.
Darkness around may not be related to it. It has to addressed by a Dermatologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad