Ibuprofen

Generic Name

Ibuprofen.

Brand Names

Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, Pediacare Fever etc.

General Information

Ibuprofen is a anti inflammatory drug. It is used for relief of symptoms of arthritis, primary dysmenorrhoea, fever, and as an analgesic, especially where there is an inflammatory component. It is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain (pain that happens before or during a menstrual period). Nonprescription ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation. Prescription ibuprofen comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three or four times a day for arthritis or every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. Ibuprofen is also sometimes used to treat ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine), gouty arthritis (joint pain caused by a build-up of certain substances in the joints), and psoriatic arthritis (arthritis that occurs with a long-lasting skin disease that causes scaling and swelling). This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen Dosage

For minor aches, mild to moderate pain, menstrual cramps and fever the usual adult dose is 200 or 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
Arthritis is treated with 300 to 800 mg 3 or 4 times daily.
When under the care of a physician, the maximum dose of ibuprofen is 3.2 g daily. Otherwise, the maximum dose is 1.2 g daily.

Side Effects of Ibuprofen

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

Constipation and dizziness.
Fast heartbeat.
Unexplained weight gain.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Excessive tiredness.
Loss of appetite.
Difficult or painful urination.
Blurred vision.

Warnings and precautions before taking Ibuprofen

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ketoprofen and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn),any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in the type of ibuprofen you plan to take.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ibuprofen.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, you plan to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ibuprofen, call your doctor.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed by the package label or prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen.

Overdosage

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdosage may include: dizziness, fast eye movements that you cannot control slow breathing or short periods of time without breathing, blue color around the lips, mouth, and nose.
US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

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