What happens if you take too many anti-inflammatory drugs?
Sep 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, taking too many anti-inflammatory drugs can have adverse effects on multiple body systems, mainly including gastrointestinal damage, impaired liver and kidney function, intestinal flora imbalance, increased bacterial resistance, and a higher risk of allergies. If any discomfort occurs during medication use, it is important to communicate with a doctor promptly to avoid unnecessary harm caused by blindly continuing the medication.
Under normal circumstances, excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs can have adverse effects on multiple body systems, mainly including gastrointestinal damage, liver and kidney function impairment, intestinal flora imbalance, increased bacterial resistance, and elevated risk of allergies. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal Damage: Most anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the gastric mucosa. Overuse may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. Long-term or excessive use can also damage the gastric mucosal barrier, leading to gastritis and gastric ulcers. In severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation may occur.
2. Liver and Kidney Function Impairment: Anti-inflammatory drugs are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Excessive use can increase the burden on these organs. Prolonged high-load metabolism in the liver may lead to abnormal liver function, such as elevated transaminase levels.
3. Intestinal Flora Imbalance: While eliminating harmful bacteria, anti-inflammatory drugs can also disrupt the normal balance of intestinal flora, reducing the number of beneficial bacteria. Dysbiosis may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion and may also lower intestinal resistance, increasing the risk of infections by other pathogens.
4. Increased Bacterial Resistance: Long-term or excessive use of antibacterial anti-inflammatory drugs can cause bacteria to gradually adapt to the drug environment and develop resistance. When encountering similar bacterial infections later, the original anti-inflammatory drugs may become ineffective, making the infection difficult to control.
5. Elevated Risk of Allergic Reactions: Excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs increases the likelihood of allergic reactions, which may manifest as skin symptoms like rash, itching, and urticaria. In severe cases, life-threatening conditions such as anaphylactic shock and laryngeal edema may occur.
When taking anti-inflammatory drugs, it is essential to strictly follow medical instructions and use them according to the prescribed dosage and duration. Do not increase the dose or prolong the medication period on your own. If discomfort occurs during medication, promptly consult your doctor to avoid unnecessary harm caused by self-medication. Additionally, it is important to distinguish between types of anti-inflammatory drugs in daily life to avoid risks caused by confusion and incorrect use.
