A member asked:

I have fractured ribs and its extremely painful! i'm 17 years ago, 6ft 3inc and weigh 190 pounds. would it be okay if i take 800mg of ibuprofen?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Susan Rhoads answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Depends: When did you break them? What are you taking now for them? How did you break them, and are there any other injuries? Can't give you a good answer without more details. Whoever diagnosed your rib fractures could give you prescription 800 mg motrin (cheaper and safer than 4 200 mg motrin) if it is an okay choice. If your pain is not responding to whatver the doc told you to take, get checked now

Answered 10/8/2015

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Dr. Louise Andrew answered

Specializes in Emergency Medicine

With a full stomach: probably OK. However, rib fractures ARE extremely painful! Ibuprofen may not do it. You should see your physician and ask whether you could have a muscle relaxant, Tramadol, a mild narcotic, a lidocaine (anesthetic) patch, or a rib block. You could add Tylenol (acetaminophen) also. Use heat pad. Whenever you need to move with rib fractures, be sure to hold the area on your chest to keep the muscles still.

Answered 10/8/2015

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