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Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). It works by lowering hormones in the body that promote inflammation and discomfort.
Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by a variety of illnesses, including headaches, toothaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and minor injuries.
Ibuprofen is prescribed for adults and children over the age of six months.
PRIOR TO USING THIS MEDICINE
If you are allergic to ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID, you should avoid using it.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
- a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- ulcers or bleeding in the stomach;
- a liver or kidney problem
- asthma; or
- if you are taking aspirin to avoid a heart attack or stroke
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, see your doctor before using this medication.
If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking ibuprofen unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy might cause major heart or renal problems in the unborn baby, as well as pregnancy difficulties.
Ibuprofen should not be given to a child under the age of 6 months without the guidance of a doctor.
HOW SHOULD IBUPROFEN BE TAKEN?
Ibuprofen should be taken exactly as indicated on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest effective dose to address your problem.
An ibuprofen overdose might cause stomach or intestine damage. Adults should not exceed 800 milligrams each dose or 3200 mg per day of ibuprofen (4 maximum doses).
The dose for a child is determined by the child's age and weight. Follow the dose guidelines provided with your child's ibuprofen for his or her age and weight. If you have any questions, see a doctor or a pharmacist.
To reduce stomach distress, use ibuprofen with food or milk.
Before measuring a dose, shake the oral suspension (liquid). Use the accompanying dosage syringe or a pharmaceutical dose-measuring equipment (not a kitchen spoon).
Before swallowing the chewable pill, it must be chewed.
Keep away from moisture and heat by storing at room temperature. Don't let the liquid medicine freeze.
WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE A DOSE?
You may not be on a dose plan because ibuprofen is used as required. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
WHAT IF I OVERDOSE?
Seek emergency medical treatment or dial 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Help. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, lethargy, black or bloody feces, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma are all possible overdose symptoms.
WHAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED?
Before using any other medications for pain, fever, edema, or cold/flu symptoms, see your doctor or pharmacist. They may contain ibuprofen-like compounds (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).
Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, avoid taking aspirin.
Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels if you also take aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. If you are taking both medications, take ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after taking aspirin (non-enteric coated form).
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. It may raise your chances of experiencing stomach bleeding.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN?
If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to ibuprofen (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction, seek emergency medical attention (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
If you suffer any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke: chest discomfort that spreads to your jaw or shoulder, abrupt numbness or weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, leg swelling, or feeling short of breath, get emergency medical attention.
If you have any of the following symptoms, stop using this medication and contact your doctor right away:
- alterations in your vision
- Breathing difficulties (even after light exertion)
- swollenness or fast weight gain
- a rash on the skin, no matter how minor
- symptoms of stomach bleeding: Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody or tarry stools;
- liver issues: Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored feces, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- anemia (low red blood cells): pale skin, a sense of being light-headed or short of breath, a racing heart, difficulty concentrating; or
- kidney problems: Little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, tiredness or shortness of breath
The following are some of the most common ibuprofen side effects:
- nausea, vomiting, and gas
- bleeding
- headache and dizziness
This is not an exhaustive list of possible adverse effects; more may arise. For medical advice on side effects, contact your doctor.
WHAT OTHER MEDICATIONS WILL AFFECT IBUPROFEN?
If you use an antidepressant, see your doctor before using ibuprofen. When you combine some antidepressants with an NSAID, you may bruise or bleed readily.
Before combining ibuprofen with any other medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking:
- cyclosporine
- lithium
- methotrexate
- an anticoagulant (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven)
- Medication for high blood pressure or heart disease, such as a diuretic or "water pill"
- steroid medicine (such as prednisone).
This is not an exhaustive list. Other pharmaceuticals, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, may interact with ibuprofen. He does not list all possible medication interactions.
WARNING
Ibuprofen can raise your chances of having a deadly heart attack or stroke. This medication should not be used immediately before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Ibuprofen can also induce deadly stomach or intestinal hemorrhage. These symptoms can occur suddenly when taking this medication, especially in older people.
Take no more than the suggested dose. An ibuprofen overdose might cause stomach or intestine damage. Use the minimum dosage of medication required to relieve your pain, swelling, or temperature.