Long-distance runners should resist the temptation to take pain relievers before a race. Although they may not want their performance to be hampered by pain, taking OTC anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can have negative consequences.
Investigators surveyed 4,000 participants in the Bonn Marathon of 2010 and discovered that those who took painkillers were more likely to have to drop out because of stomach cramps or muscle cramps. Those who dosed up prior to starting the race were five times more likely to experience symptoms such as digestive distress, blood in the urine and cardiovascular problems.
A few runners who had taken ibuprofen preventively landed in the hospital with temporary kidney failure. None of the runners responding to the survey said they were aware of any risks associated with pain relievers and endurance sports.
[BMJ Open, online April 19, 2013]
8/17/17 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/marathon-runners-should-watch-out-for-nsaids/
