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GENERIC
NAME: ibuprofen
BRAND NAME:
Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren,
Motrin, Nuprin, Pediacare Fever etc.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Other members of this class include naproxen
(Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone
(Relafen) and several others. These drugs are
used for the management of mild to moderate
pain, fever, and inflammation. Prostaglandins
are chemicals that are made by the body and are
responsible for causing pain, fever and
inflammation. Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that
makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting
in lower levels of prostaglandins. As a
consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are
reduced. The FDA approved ibuprofen in 1974.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes and
no
GENERIC AVAILABLE:
Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets of
200, 400, 600, and 800 mg; Chewable tablets of
50 and 100 mg; Capsules of 200 mg; Suspension of
100 mg/2.5 ml and 100 mg/5 ml; Oral drops of 40
mg/ml.
STORAGE: Ibuprofen should
be stored at room temperature, between 15-30°C
(59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ibuprofen
is used for the treatment of mild to moderate
pain, inflammation and fever.
DOSING: 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. Individuals should not use
ibuprofen for more than 10 days for the
treatment of pain or more than 3 days for the
treatment of a fever unless directed by a
physician.
Children 6
months to 12 years of age usually are given 5-10
mg/kg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours for the
treatment of fever and pain. The maximum dose is
40 mg/kg daily. Juvenile arthritis is treated
with 20 to 40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses.
Ibuprofen
should be taken with meals.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Ibuprofen is associated with several suspected
or probable interactions that can affect the
action of other drugs. Ibuprofen may increase
the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith) by
reducing the excretion of lithium by the
kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to
lithium toxicity. Ibuprofen may reduce the blood
pressure-lowering effects of drugs that are
given to reduce blood pressure. This may occur
because prostaglandins play a role in the
regulation of blood pressure. When ibuprofen is
used in combination with aminoglycosides (e.g.,
gentamicin) the blood levels of the
aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because
the elimination of aminoglycosides from the body
is reduced. This may lead to
aminoglycoside-related side effects. Individuals
taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants
(e.g., warfarin) should avoid ibuprofen because
ibuprofen also thins the blood, and excessive
blood thinning may lead to bleeding.
PREGNANCY: There are no
adequate studies of ibuprofen in pregnant women.
Therefore, ibuprofen is not recommended during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Most
NSAIDs are excreted in breast milk. In general,
mothers who breast feed should avoid the use of
NSAIDs because of possible effects on the fetus.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most
common side effects from ibuprofen are rash,
ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness,
drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea,
constipation and heartburn. Ibuprofen may cause
ulceration of the stomach or intestine, and the
ulcers may bleed. Sometimes, ulceration and
bleeding can occur without abdominal pain, and
black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon
standing (orthostatic hypotension) may be the
only signs of a problem. NSAIDs reduce the flow
of blood to the kidneys and impair function of
the kidneys. The impairment is most likely to
occur in patients with preexisting impairment of
kidney function or congestive heart failure, and
use of NSAIDs in these patients should be done
cautiously. People who are allergic to other
NSAIDs, including aspirin, should not use
ibuprofen. Individuals with asthma are more
likely to experience allergic reactions to
ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.
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