IBUPROFEN

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen (Advil) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation.

How does ibuprofen work?

Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins.

What are the brand names of Ibuprofen?

ADVIL, MOTRIN IB, BRUFEN (U.K.), ANADIN ULTRA (U.K.) Brufen.

What are the side effects of ibuprofen?

• Gastrointestinal (GI) effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and confusion.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Fluid retention can cause swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles.
• In most cases, the common side effects of ibuprofen are mild and temporary, and they go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if your symptoms persist or become severe, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

⇒ Serious side effects of ibuprofen include

• GI bleeding, ulceration, and perforation can be life-threatening in some cases.
• Cardiovascular effects include heart attack, stroke, and increased blood pressure.
• Renal impairment or failure can lead to kidney damage or even death.
• Hepatic impairment or failure can lead to liver damage or even death.
• Allergic reactions range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis.
• Blood disorders, such as anemia or decreased platelet counts, can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, are severe skin reactions that can be life-threatening.
• If serious side effects of ibuprofen occur, it is important to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services (such as 911 in the USA, 999 in the UK, and 108 in India) or going to the nearest hospital right away.

In the USA, serious side effects of ibuprofen can be reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by using the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. The program can be accessed online or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088). Healthcare providers are required to report serious adverse events to the FDA, but patients and caregivers can also report adverse events through the program.

What are the uses of Ibuprofen?

It is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, and is used to treat a variety of conditions.

Pain relief: Ibuprofen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including headaches, menstrual cramps, dental pain, muscle aches, and arthritis pain.

Fever reduction: Ibuprofen is also used to reduce fever, especially in children.

Inflammation reduction (Anti-inflammatory): Ibuprofen is effective at reducing inflammation, making it useful for treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other types of joint pain.

 Post-operative pain relief: Ibuprofen is often used to manage pain after surgery, as it can be an effective alternative to opioid painkillers.

 Painful menstrual periods (Dysmenorrhea): Ibuprofen can help reduce the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

 Migraine headache: Ibuprofen is also used as a treatment for migraine headaches.

 Rheumatoid arthritis: Ibuprofen is indicated for the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

 Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Ibuprofen is indicated for the relief of signs and symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 6 years and older.

 Patent ductus arteriosus: Ibuprofen is used to close a patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants weighing between 500 and 1500 grams.

Preparations: BRUFEN, EMFLAM, IBUSYNTH 200, 400, 600 mg tab, IBUGESIC also 100 mg/5 ml.

Suspension: Ibuprofen 10% gel: RIBUFEN GEL

Dosages: How much ibuprofen can I take?

⇒ Disclaimer!

⇒ Dosage of ibuprofen for adults with pain

Oral: The recommended dose for ibuprofen is 400mg taken orally every 4-6 hours. This medication can be obtained without a prescription. Depending on the severity of the condition or the individual’s requirements, the dose can be either 200mg (as found in Advil) or 400mg. IV, If oral administration is not possible, intravenous ibuprofen can be given at a dose of 100-800mg (with the strength determined by the severity of the condition) every 4-6 hours. This medication is administered over a period of 30 minutes.

⇒ Dosage of ibuprofen for children with pain: The recommended dose for ibuprofen is 5-10mg per kilogram of body weight taken every 6 hours. (max: 40 mg/kg/day)  [WPSM_COLORBOX id=10368]

⇒ Dosage of ibuprofen for adults with fever: Oral: The recommended dosage of ibuprofen for adults with fever is 400mg taken orally every 4-6 hours. IV, If oral administration is not possible, intravenous ibuprofen can be given at a dose of 100-800mg (with the strength determined by the individual’s requirements) over a period of 30 minutes every 4-6 hours.

⇒ Dosage of ibuprofen for children with fever: The recommended dose for ibuprofen is 5-10mg per kilogram of body weight taken every 6 hours. (max: 40 mg/kg/day) 

Rheumatoid arthritis & Osteoarthritis 

⇒ Dosage of ibuprofen for adults with arthritis : For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, ibuprofen can be taken orally at a dosage of 600-800mg, 3-4 times a day. However, lower doses may also be sufficient for some individuals. It is generally recommended to not exceed a total daily dose of 3200mg (800mg taken four times a day).

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis – The recommended oral dosage for ibuprofen is 30-70 mg/kg/day every 4-6 hrs orally.

Reduce Inflammation

⇒ Dosage of ibuprofen for adults with Inflammation: For adults with inflammation, the recommended dosage of ibuprofen is 300mg taken every 6-8 hours, or 400-800mg taken 3-4 times a day.

⇒ Dosage of ibuprofen for children with Inflammation : For children with inflammation, the recommended dosage of ibuprofen is 20-40mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into 3-4 doses.

Mild to moderate Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): The usual dose for mild to moderate pain, such as that of primary dysmenorrhea, is Ibuprofen 400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed. 

Mild migraine: For mild migraines, ibuprofen can be taken at a dosage of 400-800mg every 8 hours, either alone or in combination with other medications such as paracetamol, codeine, diazepam or other sedatives, diphenhydramine or other antihistamines, or caffeine. Some patients have found this combination to be more effective in relieving their symptoms.

Ductus closure in preterm babies : The recommended initial dose of ibuprofen is 10mg per kilogram of body weight, either administered intravenously or orally. This is followed by a maintenance dose of 5mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into two doses.

What are the interactions of ibuprofen?

• Other NSAIDs: Taking ibuprofen with other NSAIDs, such as aspirin or naproxen, can increase the risk of side effects, such as stomach ulcers or bleeding. Ibuprofen has been shown to interfere with the antiplatelet effects of aspirin and naproxen.
• Blood thinners: Ibuprofen can interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin, and increase the risk of bleeding.
• Anti-hypertensives: Ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors and diuretics.
• Corticosteroids: Taking ibuprofen with corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
• Lithium: Ibuprofen can increase the levels of lithium in the blood, which can lead to toxicity.
• Methotrexate: Ibuprofen can increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity, which can lead to serious side effects.
• Herbal supplements: Ibuprofen can interact with some herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wort and ginkgo biloba, increasing the risk of bleeding or other side effects.

Who should not take ibuprofen?

1. Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs should avoid taking ibuprofen. Hypersensitivity reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis.
2. Patients with active gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, ulceration, or perforation should not take ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, which can lead to bleeding or ulcers.
3. Patients with a history of GI bleeding, ulceration, or perforation should use ibuprofen with caution. These patients are at increased risk of developing GI complications with NSAID use.
4. Individuals with severe heart failure, severe liver disease, or severe renal impairment should avoid ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can increase the risk of fluid retention, worsening liver function, and impairing renal function.
5. Pregnant women should avoid taking ibuprofen, especially during the third trimester. Ibuprofen can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetus. This can lead to pulmonary hypertension and neonatal heart failure.
6. Nursing mothers should use caution when taking ibuprofen, as small amounts of the drug can be excreted in breast milk.

What is Motrin used for in babies?

These medicine drops are specifically designed for babies aged 6 to 23 months and can help relieve pain and reduce fever caused by the common cold, flu, sore throat, headache, and toothache. You can know more about Motrin here.

Which is better Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen for?

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers, but they work in different ways and have different risks and benefits.
• One of the main differences between acetaminophen and ibuprofen is their effect on inflammation. While ibuprofen can reduce inflammation, acetaminophen does not have this effect. 
• Additionally, ibuprofen is more effective than acetaminophen at reducing menstrual cramps and toothaches, while acetaminophen is more effective at reducing fever.
• Both medications can cause side effects, but they differ in their risks. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or combined with alcohol. In contrast, ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage, especially when taken for long periods of time or in high doses.

What happens if you take ibuprofen and naproxen together?

1. Taking ibuprofen and naproxen together can increase the risk of side effects and may lead to serious health problems.
2. Taking them together can lead to additive effects on gastrointestinal and renal toxicity, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
3. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to take ibuprofen and naproxen together, unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider. 
4. If you need to take both medications for pain relief, it is recommended to space them out and not take them at the same time. 
5. It is also important to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any new medications, especially if you have any medical conditions or take other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is it safe to take ibuprofen?

A: Ibuprofen is generally safe when taken as directed for short periods of time, typically up to 10 days. However, if you need to take it for longer periods of time, you should talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you to continue taking it.

Q: Is ibuprofen harmful if taken daily?

A: Taking ibuprofen daily for an extended period of time can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to take ibuprofen only as directed and for the shortest duration possible.

Q: What organ is affected by ibuprofen?

A: Ibuprofen can affect several organs in the body, including the stomach, kidneys, and liver. Prolonged use or overuse of ibuprofen can increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and liver problems.

Q: Is ibuprofen high-risk?

A: Ibuprofen is generally considered safe when taken as directed for short periods of time. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects, and prolonged use or overuse can increase the risk of developing serious health problems. It is important to follow the label’s dosing instructions and talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Q: Is paracetamol more powerful than ibuprofen?

A: Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are both effective pain relievers, but they work differently. Paracetamol is better for reducing fever and relieving mild to moderate pain, while ibuprofen is better for reducing inflammation and relieving moderate to severe pain. The choice between them depends on the type and severity of the pain or fever.

Q: Is Crocin an ibuprofen?

A: Crocin is not ibuprofen. It is a brand name for a type of medication containing paracetamol (acetaminophen) that is commonly used to relieve pain and fever.

Q: What is an alternative to ibuprofen?

A: There are several alternatives to ibuprofen, including other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and naproxen, and non-NSAID pain relievers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) and opioids. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before switching to a different medication.

Q: What is a better pain reliever than ibuprofen?

A: The choice of pain reliever depends on the type and severity of the pain. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is often used for mild to moderate pain, while opioids such as codeine and oxycodone are more powerful pain relievers used for moderate to severe pain. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before switching to a different medication.

Q: What is the natural form of ibuprofen?

A: There is no natural form of ibuprofen. It is a synthetic medication developed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring compounds called prostaglandins, which play a role in pain and inflammation.

Q: Is turmeric a natural ibuprofen?

A: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes compared to ibuprofen. However, there is no evidence that turmeric is as effective as ibuprofen in relieving pain and inflammation.

References

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• KANTOR TG. Ibuprofen. Annals of Internal Medicine. 1979 Dec 1;91(6):877-82.
• Busson M. Update on ibuprofen. Journal of International Medical Research. 1986 Mar;14(2):53-62.
• Bushra R, Aslam N. An overview of clinical pharmacology of Ibuprofen. Oman medical journal. 2010 Jul;25(3):155.
• Rainsford KD. Ibuprofen: pharmacology, efficacy and safety. Inflammopharmacology. 2009 Dec;17:275-342.