Does Advil make you sweat? (+3 tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Advil can make you sweat or not, how Advil induces sweating, what factors may affect Advil-induced sweating and what to do if Advil makes you sweat.
Does Advil make you sweat?
Yes, Advil (ibuprofen) can make you sweat. Advil is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation in the body (1). This anti-inflammatory medication can sometimes cause dilation of blood vessels, which can lead to sweating.
Sweating is not commonly reported by patients using Advil for fever, pain or inflammation. You may also experience sweating as a part of your body’s response to pain or fever for which you have taken Advil. However, excessive sweating can be a cause of discomfort or inconvenience.
If you are taking Advil and experience sweating that interferes with your daily activities or hinders your routine then it is advised to contact your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the cause and treat the condition.
How does Advil make you sweat?
Advil contains ibuprofen which is an NSAID that induces, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It has a list of side effects including sweating (2). Advil may induce sweating due to inhibition of the prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are the chemicals in the body that are responsible for regulating the temperature of the body. This may be done by inducing sweating. Advil inhibits these prostaglandins thereby, disrupting the balance of the body in the regulation of its normal process. This can lead to sweating (3).
Advil also has a vasodilatory effect on the blood vessels (4). Vasodilation causes increased blood flow to certain areas in the body. This increased blood flow may also induce sweating as it helps to release heat from the body (5).
Advil is also found to activate the sympathetic response of the body due to its effect on the nervous system (6). Activation of this response can also contribute to increased sweating after taking Advil (7). Individual variations also play an important role in this.
What factors can influence Advil-induced sweating?
Taking Advil may cause the incidence of side effects such as sweating. Several factors can influence this effect of Advil. These factors may include:
Dosage
Increased doses of Advil can lead to increased sweating. Higher doses can impact the therapeutic response as well as the intensity and frequency of side effects. Increased dose of Advil causes increased action on the prostaglandins, vasodilation and the nervous system which may lead to increased sweating.
Duration
If you are taking Advil frequently or for a long term then this increased duration of use can also be a factor for the side effects to appear. Advil is an over-the-counter medication that is not required to be taken on a daily basis. It is only required as per the need. So, increased use or unnecessary use of Advil can also be a contributing factor to increased sweating.
Individual variation
The effects of Advil can differ in different individuals or patients taking Advil for fever, pain or inflammation. The reason for different responses in patients may be due to variations in individual metabolic rates, genetic disposition, age and gender of the patient.
Underlying medical condition
Patients having underlying health problems such as hyperhidrosis (increased sweating disorder) are more susceptible to Advil-induced sweating. Such patients need to be more vigilant about their healthcare condition and must inform the healthcare professional about their condition.
Concurrent use of medications
If you are taking any other medication such as any other NSAID, decongestant or antidepressant, it is essential to inform your doctor. Advil may interact with the effects of these medications and may lead to an increased list of side effects such as sweating.
Environmental factors
Some environmental factors such as increased temperatures, exertion or fever can also contribute to the increased sweating in patients taking Advil for pain, fever or inflammation.
Dehydration
Dehydration can exacerbate the Advil-induced sweating as dehydration can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature by sweating.
What to do if Advil makes you sweat?
If you are taking Advil and experience sweating after taking your medication then the first and foremost step is to inform your doctor about your condition.
Consulting healthcare provider
Consulting a healthcare provider is the crucial step in the treatment of a condition. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of sweating in the body and will make the necessary changes in your dosage regimen.
- Your doctor may lower your dose of Advil if the sweating is more as increased doses can lead to increased side effects.
- Your dosing regimen may also be modified. Your doctor may advise you to take a lesser dose of Advil to minimize the intensity of the side effects.
- In case of severe and persistent symptoms or if you are uncomfortable with the incidence of excessive sweating then your doctor may alter the medication and explore other NSAIDs to help you with your condition.
Alternative medication
Advil is an NSAID that has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, if taking Advil makes you susceptible to more side effects then you may be prescribed one of these alternative medications.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Over-the-counter topical pain relievers such as the ones containing capsaicin and menthol can be effective in treating pain and they do not cause sweating.
Tips to manage Advil-induced sweating
Sweating is not a dangerous side effect and it may subside soon. Apart from medical treatments, here are some tips that can help you manage sweating induced due to Advil.
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of natural fibres like cotton. This can help manage to sweat.
- Keep your body hydrated to maintain the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism.
- Some activities such as running, strenuous exercise and spending time in our environment can cause sweating. Avoiding these activities can work in your favour.
- Topical antiperspirants such as Drysol, Zerosweat, Carpe and Sweatblock can help reduce sweat production in the patients taking Advil.
In my opinion, the main component of Advil, ibuprofen can cause sweating in some patients taking it for faver, pain or inflammation in their body but sweating is not a commonly reported side effect of Advil. Sweating can be managed and is not a life-threatening side effect.
However, if it persists or interferes with daily activities then informing your healthcare provider is essential. They can help you manage and treat your condition and can also help you determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
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References
1.-
Ghlichloo, I. (2023, May 1). Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/
2.-
Ngo, V. T. H. (2023, May 29). Ibuprofen. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542299/
3.-
Painkillers and prostaglandins. (2003, April 1). Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. https://doi.org/10.1038/nsb0403-233
4.-
Apstein CS, Vogel WM. Coronary arterial vasodilator effect of ibuprofen. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1982 Jan;220(1):167-71. PMID: 7053413.
5.-
Kellogg DL, Jr, Pergola PE, Piest KL, Kosiba WA, Crandall CG, Grossmann M, Johnson JM. Cutaneous active vasodilation in humans is mediated by cholinergic nerve cotransmission. Circ Res 77: 1222–1228, 1995 [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
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Vanegas, H., Vazquez, E., & Tortorici, V. (2010). NSAIDs, Opioids, Cannabinoids and the Control of Pain by the Central Nervous System. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 3(5), 1335–1347. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3051335
7.-
What to do about excessive sweating? (2005, September 1). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-to-do-about-excessive-sweating#:~:text=Sweating%20is%20under%20the%20control,through%20the%20chemical%20messenger%20acetylcholine.
