How should flurbiprofen be taken to reduce gastrointestinal side effects?

Taking flurbiprofen with food is essential for minimizing gastrointestinal side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like flurbiprofen can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, including ulcers and bleeding. When flurbiprofen is taken with food, the presence of food in the stomach can help buffer the drug's effects on the gastrointestinal tract, reducing irritation and enhancing tolerance.

This strategy is beneficial because food can slow down the absorption of the medication, allowing it to be processed more gradually and providing a protective barrier against the stomach lining. Consequently, patients often experience fewer adverse gastrointestinal effects when NSAIDs are taken with meals.