What does "empty stomach" really mean?

[Lorizael]

I tweaked my neck. It hurts. I need to take Ibuprofen so it doesn't bother me all day and give me a headache. But I know you're not supposed to take NSAIDs on an empty stomach.

Well, I ate a not exactly filling bowl of cereal a little over two hours ago and I don't have access to more food for another two and a half hours. But I'm not keen on waiting until then to make the pain go away.

So the question is, would taking Ibuprofen now count as doing so on an empty stomach? Will I develop an ulcer and die? Help me, Apolyton, you're my only hope.

[Kuciwalker]

It means that without any food in there, the starved enzymes in your stomach begin devouring your own body. If you toss them some Ibuprofen it should delay the end, but not for long (those are small pills).

[Guynemer]

Go ahead and take your NSAID.

[Lorizael]

Thanks, Dr. Guynemer. I'm suing you if I develop an ulcer, btw.

[Guynemer]

I've already packed my bags for a non-extradition country.

[Lorizael]

[loinburger]

It takes approximately 37 hours for cereal to pass from your stomach to your small intestine, so you're good to go

[Lorizael]

And if the cereal has bubble gum in it?

[Zoetstofzoetje]

my grandpappies always told me i'd never truly understand what an 'empty stomach' means

[Provost Harrison]

Not unless you're in the vacuum of deep space...

[loinburger]

And if the cereal has bubble gum in it?

Regular bubblegum: 4 days. Fluoridated bubblegum: 12 years

[Kitschum]

What are you, 90? NSAIDs till you drop, you *****. No really, that advice is strictly for the elderly, so don't worry.

[Lorizael]

NSAIDs till you drop, you *****.

From liver failure, iirc.

[Kitschum]

No no, that's paracetamol or whatever it is you call it in your province.

NSAIDs attack the stomach lining, but really not if you're healthy otherwise. And I repeat myself.

[Uncle Sparky]

Take some asprin to dull the Ibuprofen pain. Was it down with a glass of red wine. If you have any medicinal marijuana, spark some up! You'll feel better in no time. Repeat the wine & mj twice daily for prevention.

If you're worried about your stomach lining, eat a lot of pickled food. High rates of stomach cancer are prevalent in people who eat a lot of pickled food.

Remember: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.