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Is Urinary Retention A Side Effect Of Ibuprofen?

Posted on Mon, 22 May 2017

Question: It has been my experience that Ibuprofen causes bladder retention which in one instance led to an infection. Right now I am suffering greatly from sciatica and need to take an anti inflammatory.. I don't know what to do or to take for this. I am afraid to take the ibuprofen at this time for fear of getting another bladder infection

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tylenol

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I am Dr. Barani and I am pleased to assist you.

Ibuprofen is known to cause urinary retention.
Since you want pain pain relief from sciatica you can do the following -
1. Tylenol
2. Hot compress
3. Physical therapy
4. Acupuncture therapy

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (14 minutes later)

But I have been taking Tylenol and it hasn't helped. Is there any other anti inflamatory that can help besides ibuprofen which I can't take?

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tylenol + Tramadol

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
All anti-inflammatory including Ibuprofen belong to a group of medications called NSAID.
NSAID group of medications cause urinary retention.

If Tylenol alone is not providing relief, you can take it along with tramadol.
In addition, you can use the other options I have mentioned in my previous post.

Regards,
Dr.Barani

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj