My patient takes ibuprofen for sinus congestion!

Nurses Medications

Updated:   Published

I have a patient that takes ibuprofen for her sinus, how do I explain to her that this is not a wise idea?

P.s. She is on a diuretic as well so I guess nasal decongestants are contraindicated...

Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.

I also frequently take Ibuprofen when my sinuses are bothering me. It decreases the swelling, which in turn decreases the pain and discomfort. I rarely ever even get antibiotics, most of the time they are not needed. Most sinus infections will clear up on their own... eventually. They are miserable though! I had sinus surgery about 5 years ago and its one of the best things I ever did!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with previous posters that ibuprofen for sinus pain and inflammation can be very reasonable.

Another recommendation you might make to her is to try saline nasal spray or saline nasal irrigation when she is experiencing sinus issues, to help relieve congestion, thin the secretions, and decrease the severity and duration of her sinus problem.

Prolonged and chronic use of ibuprofen can be a bad idea without some medical oversight. Perhaps you should assess how often she has sinus issues. If it is several times a month, you might encourage her to consult with her doctor to make sure these isn't something more effective she could be taking, and that such frequent use of ibuprofen isn't contraindicated due to health issues or medication interactions. She may have a chronic sinus infection that she needs to get rid of; she may have allergies that would be better addressed with some other medication; she may have chronic dryness related to environment (dry air or smoking comes to mind) or O2 via nasal cannula that could be treated with saline moisturizer or humidification.

If you have the opportunity, you might explore the issue with her further, to see if the ibuprofen is the most appropriate, effective and least expensive way of dealing with her issues, or if there might be something better for her.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

If it works for her and she's only taking it ocassionally what's wrong with that?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

I take it all the time for my sinuses.. it really helps... I like the sinus advil.. works great, I don't understand why you have a problem with this?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pulm/cardiology pcu, surgical onc.

It's very difficult to understand your grammar and the point of your post. As with the above responses I don't understand what the issue is.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health, TB.

Agree with PP's comment about interactions between diuretics and NSAIDS. NSAIDS can cause sodium retention, increasing BP on their own, and impairing the effect of diuretics.

Pharmacists are an excellent source of info about drug contraindications, both prescription and OTC.

And they won't flame you or criticize your grammar.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
nursej22 said:
Agree with PP's comment about interactions between diuretics and NSAIDS. NSAIDS can cause sodium retention, increasing BP on their own, and impairing the effect of diuretics.

Pharmacists are an excellent source of info about drug contraindications, both prescription and OTC.

And they won't flame you or criticize your grammar.

I believe you misread the post. OP suggested a contraindication for NASAL DECONGESTANTS due to patient's use of diruretics, NOT naproxen. Asking for clarification of grammar or conciseness of question does not = a flame. Nor does disagreeing with OP's conclusions.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health, TB.

So sorry, my abbreviations were unclear. I was referring to a previous post (PP), not the original post (OP) when commenting on the interactions between NSAIDS and diuretics.

I hope I am not being "very difficult to understand."

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Anyone else have a feeling this was a way for the OP to ask a homework question indirectly?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well guys I went to see this patient today and yay I'm happy the doctor prescribed her LORATADINE for sinus.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
rainbowbrite85 said:
Anyone else have a feeling this was a way for the OP to ask a homework question indirectly?

I'm a home health nurse this was not a homework question. I actually see a patient that takes IBUPROFEN for sinus!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
casi said:
If it works for her and she's only taking it ocassionally what's wrong with that?

She takes it every day...

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment