Harvard doctor warns against taking painkillers on an empty stomach

We all pop painkillers occasionally. From the over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to prescription medications like opioids, most of us keep a stash at home to combat everyday aches and pains. But did you know that there are certain dos and don’ts when it comes to taking painkillers? One among them is - never take painkillers on an empty stomach. Why? Because they can do more harm than you can imagine, and that could land you in an emergency room.

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, with a million Instagram followers, has warned against taking painkillers on an empty stomach. In a video shared on Instagram, Dr. Sethi recounted treating a patient who took painkillers on an empty stomach.

“Last night, took care of a patient with bleeding stomach ulcer…” the doctor recalled. He revealed that the patient was taking painkillers for headaches, but didn’t consume food ahead of it. “Patient was consuming Motrin for headaches empty stomach!”

He warned, “Always take Motrin, Advil, or Ibuprofen along with a snack! NEVER empty stomach!”

What is Motrin?

Motrin is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that contains ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Motrin is generally taken to relieve minor aches and pains. It can temporarily reduce fever, relieve minor aches and pains caused by headaches, common cold, back ache, toothache, muscular aches, menstrual cramps, and minor arthritis pain.

NSAIDs like ibuprofen are widely used to relieve pain and inflammation. However, taking them without food can irritate the stomach lining, potentially leading to serious complications such as ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Even acetaminophen, often considered gentler, isn’t risk-free. Taking it on an empty stomach, especially in high doses or over a long period, can increase the risk of liver damage.

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Side effects of NSAIDs
Similar to other medicines, NSAIDs also have side effects. The side effects arise if you take high doses for a long time, or have poor general health, or are elderly. According to the NHS, the side effects include:

• Indigestion, including stomach aches, feeling sick, and diarrhoea
• Stomach ulcers, which can cause internal bleeding and anaemia; extra medicine to protect your stomach may be prescribed to help reduce this risk
• headaches
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• allergic reactions
• in rare cases, problems with your liver, kidneys, or heart and circulation, such as heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes

Some of the NSAIDs can also interact with other medications and increase the risk of side effects. Overdosing on these medications can also be dangerous. Before grabbing painkillers, consult your healthcare provider. This can avoid the possibility of adverse effects.