Hey Steve! Glad to hear your injury is feeling better, and although you aren't running much outdoors, it sounds as though you're doing plenty to keep yourself in shape. Good for you.

Now, onto your drug discussion. Ibuprofen (aka advil, motrin) is among a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which, as the name implies, work to reduce inflammation, as well as relieve pain. Acetominophen (aka tylenol) on the other hand, works well to relieve pain, but does little to reduce inflammation. So I guess one's choice depends on one's goal. NSAIDs can actually help speed the healing process of something like a tendinitis or sprain, but as you have discovered, there are downsides. I've never had muscle cramps as you describe, but have suffered from incapacitating abdominal cramps. Also, NSAIDs can tear up your stomach if you don't take them with food, and in my case, even if I do. So I really avoid those if I can. Tylenol is a good choice, as long as you aren't using it to mask a potentially serious problem, risking further injury. Prolonged or excessive use of both types of drugs can cause liver damage, especially if one imbibes in a fair amount of alcohol.

Sorry, you didn't ask for the pharmacology lecture, but I hope this helps!

I agree with Chris.
Non steriodals like Ibuprophen should not be used prior to exercise as they can mask injury and allow more severe damage. Also, Advil and the like have been linked to serious kidney ailments when used during exertion and in states of relative dehydration. That would describe hard training and racing situations. This could be the source of your cramping.

My advice is to use these drugs only after exercise to treat existing discomfort and to help prevent DOMS the next day(s). (delayed onset muscle soreness).

I've seen plenty of pill popping towards the end of both marathon and triathlons for those last, few painful miles. I think tylenol may be ok there but the others are not worth the risks.

Dr Dave

Chris & Dave,

Thanks for your input. I know too well about the potential of liver damage. During the 80s I used ibuprofen as a hangover cure. Later in the 90s, medical blood monitoring discovered my liver enzymes were eskew to the point of being tested for Hepititas C. The doctor said I had a fatty liver and needed to lose weight and start exercising (the old Fat Steve). However, I related it to misusing ibuprofen before the manufacturers advertised and printed warnings on their labels about alcohol use with it. I should probably not drink but fortunately my marathon training provides an opportunity where I almost abstain from drinking for up to 2 months before a race.

I do take Tylenol to mask the pain of my long term injury that won't get better or worse when running in a marathon. My doctor didn't recommend the use but stated the running shouldn't make the injury worst (but won't get better) ... self limiting. Since speed work makes the pain worst and I don't do that much of it training up to the marathon, it's unlikely I can run too fast during a marathon that would make the injury worst. Therefore, I'm masking the pain to be more comfortable during the marathon. The opposite is likely true for an injury say of a joint such as a knee injury that needs surgery. I imagine you shouldn't mask that pain and should run within the limits of the pain.

Oh, ya, my stomach was bleeding after MDI from ibuprofen. I was munching a couple down during the run ... something I wouldn't do again. It was tough swallowing those suckers down while running, too.

Any documentation that you're aware of that ibuprofen can cause cramps? It sounds like no, but ...

Dave, I'm definitely heeding your advice!

I love the editing capabilities of this new web site.

Hey man, smoke a big fatty, that should be enough to offset any pain.

Personally I use Tylenol during a run and Advil after. But Rob tells me you can get some great drugs at 1-800-Pet-Meds.

Glad your injury is getting better, Thank the good fairy mine is too.

Remember, it's better to go out swinging , then to fade away.

Hmmm, fatty, know there's an idea. Don't know about them pulmonary affects though.

Leave it Rob.

I ain't going down without kickin' and screamin' and hopefully not soon neither.

Owps, I'm laughin' so hard, I had an accident.