Advil is a drug in the class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Commonly used over the counter to treat inflammation and pain Advil has been available for 25 years. During this time it has proved to generally be a safe and reliable answer for treating everything from headaches to sprains and back pain. Like most any other drug however Advil side effects are something you should be aware of especially if you take it on a regular basis for a chronic condition.

Most Advil side effects are mild and of no concern and Advil is even safe enough to give to small children however because some side effects can cause more serious problems if you take Advil on a daily basis, you should be sure that you understand the risks of this drug. Advil is not considered safe for pregnant mothers however Advil may be taking while you are nursing as it does not pass over into breast milk. You should not take Advil while taking certain drugs such as Lithium, Gentamicin or Warfarin without checking with your doctor first.

The most common Advil side effects include a rash, ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. Many of these side effects such as gastrointestinal problems can be alleviated by eating before you take Advil. Advil can also cause you to bleed more after an injury, because NSAIDs reduce the ability of the blood to clot properly.

It is a common well known fact that Advil is hard on the stomach and can cause ulcers if you take too much of it, these ulcers may bleed and become serious. You may not even be aware of the ulcers except for the presence of blood in your stools or vomit. Advil can also put stress on the kidneys by reducing the flow of blood and eventually causing the kidneys not to function properly. Often times this occurs in patients that already have kidney or heart problems so most doctors will advise you to avoid this drug if you have any of these problems.

Allergies to Advil are possible and if you are allergic to other NSAIDs you should not use Advil. If you have asthma you should use care in taking Advil because allergies to Advil are more common in those that have asthma.

Advil has been on the market for a long time and has a pretty good safety record, Advil side effects can be severe like any other drug, but if care is used when taking it you will find that Advil is an effective and safe alternative for pain, inflammation and fever.