Your Guide to Ibuprofen: Uses, Precautions and Side Effects

Ibuprofen is a pain reliever, fever reducer, and inflammation reducer that belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class. Menstrual cramps, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with this. It may also be used to close a premature baby's patent ductus arteriosus.

Uses of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a pain reliever that is used to treat a variety of ailments like

• Pain Relief:
  • Headaches
  • Dental pain
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Muscle aches
• Inflammation Reduction:
  • Arthritis
  • Fever
  • Common cold or flu symptoms

Dosage of Iburofen

Dosage Instructions:

• Adults: 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 1200 mg/day OTC; up to 2400 mg/day under medical supervision)
• Children: Dosed based on weight (5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours; max 40 mg/kg/day)

Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not double up

What Happens in Case of Overdose?

Symptoms include:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Breathing difficulty
• Seizures (in severe cases)

Seek medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected. You may visit our Medicover Hospitals for urgent care.

Note:

• Do not share ibuprofen with others without the doctor's approval.
• Regularly monitor progress and side effects with medical tests.
• Keep all doctor's and lab appointments.

Side Effects of Ibuprofen

• Diarrhea
• Metallic taste
• Nausea
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Joint pain or muscles
• Skin rash or itching
• Trouble in sleeping
• Unusual tiredness or sleepiness
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Confusion

If these side effects do not improve or become severe, please consult our General Medicine doctors for guidance.

Precautions To Follow

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
• Inform about medical conditions like asthma, blood disorders, heart disease, and liver disease.
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen can cause kidney problems, especially in dehydrated individuals or those with Dehydration, heart, or kidney disease.
• Ibuprofen can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, especially when combined with alcohol or tobacco.
• Older individuals are more susceptible to kidney issues, heart attack, and stroke when taking ibuprofen.
• Pregnant women should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor before taking ibuprofen. Avoid use from 20 weeks to delivery unless advised by a doctor.
• Ibuprofen passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How to Use Ibuprofen?

• Read all instructions on the box or drug Guide before using ibuprofen.
• Take orally every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water.
• Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking.
• Take with food, milk, or antacid if experiencing stomach upset.
• The dosage depends on the medical condition and treatment response.
• Take at the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration to reduce side effects.
• Follow the prescribed dosage for ongoing conditions like arthritis.
• Children's dosage is based on weight; follow product instructions.
• The full benefit may take up to two weeks of daily use for certain conditions like arthritis.

Interactions

Medications that may interfere with ibuprofen include:

• Aliskiren
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril)
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., losartan, valsartan)
• Cidofovir
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
• Lithium
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)

Ibuprofen combined with drugs causing bleeding can increase bruising risk, including:

• Antiplatelet medications (e.g., clopidogrel)
• Blood thinners (e.g., dabigatran, enoxaparin, warfarin)

How to Store?

• Store ibuprofen at room temperature, away from heat, sunlight, and moisture.
• Keep away from children.

Ibuprofen vs Ketoprofen

References