Ibuprofen

Description

Ibuprofen Capsules contain 200 mg of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the relief of pain and reduction of fever. Each bottle contains 20 liquid-filled capsules. The product is identified by the National Drug Code (NDC) 63868-239-20.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including headache, toothache, backache, menstrual cramps, the common cold, muscular aches, and minor pain of arthritis. Additionally, it is indicated for the temporary reduction of fever.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount. The smallest effective dose should be utilized to manage symptoms effectively.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 capsule every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 capsule, a maximum of 2 capsules may be administered. However, the total daily dosage must not exceed 6 capsules within a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

For children under 12 years of age, it is advised to consult a doctor for appropriate dosing recommendations.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Additionally, administration is contraindicated immediately before or after heart surgery due to potential complications associated with surgical recovery.

Warnings and Precautions

Ibuprofen may cause severe allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin. Symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, and blisters. In the event of an allergic reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which carries a risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of experiencing this adverse effect is heightened in patients who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders, are taking anticoagulants or steroid medications, are using other NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is amplified when the medication is used in excess of the recommended dosage or for prolonged periods.

In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is required. Healthcare providers should advise patients to contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help without delay.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a physician if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, which may include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, symptoms suggestive of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or leg swelling, warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Patients should also seek medical advice if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, if redness or swelling occurs in the affected area, or if any new symptoms develop. Regular monitoring and assessment of these parameters are essential for the safe use of ibuprofen.

Side Effects

Patients may experience a range of adverse reactions associated with the use of ibuprofen, which is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Severe allergic reactions have been reported, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin. Symptoms of such reactions may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, and blisters.

The use of ibuprofen carries a significant risk of severe stomach bleeding, especially in patients who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, are taking anticoagulants or steroid medications, consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use. Patients should be vigilant for signs of stomach bleeding, which may manifest as feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain.

Additionally, NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is heightened when the medication is used in excess of the recommended dosage or for prolonged periods.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding or heart problems, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or leg swelling. Furthermore, if pain persists for more than 10 days or if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, medical advice should be sought. Redness or swelling in the painful area or the emergence of any new symptoms should also prompt a consultation.

Before using ibuprofen, patients should seek medical advice if they have a history of stomach problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke. It is also important for patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are taking diuretics or if they are under medical care for any serious condition. Caution is advised for those taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

Drug Interactions

The use of ibuprofen is associated with several important drug interactions that may impact patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Interactions with Aspirin Ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin when both medications are taken concurrently for the prevention of heart attack or stroke. It is advisable to consider alternative analgesics that do not interfere with aspirin's efficacy in these contexts.

Interactions with Anticoagulants and Steroids Co-administration of ibuprofen with anticoagulants or steroid medications significantly elevates the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinicians should exercise caution and consider monitoring for signs of bleeding in patients receiving these combinations. Dose adjustments may be necessary based on the individual patient's risk factors.

Cardiovascular Risks with NSAIDs The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. This risk is particularly pronounced when NSAIDs are used in higher doses or for extended periods. It is recommended that healthcare providers evaluate the necessity of NSAID therapy and consider alternative treatments, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Regular monitoring of cardiovascular status may be warranted in these cases.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Ibuprofen. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 capsule every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. In cases where pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 capsule, a dose of 2 capsules may be administered. It is important to note that the maximum dosage should not exceed 6 capsules within a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 years and older, may have an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients, considering the potential for heightened adverse effects.

It is advisable to closely monitor elderly patients for any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to evaluate the necessity of dosage adjustments based on individual patient factors. Careful assessment of the risk-benefit ratio is essential when treating this population to ensure optimal safety and efficacy.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen during the last trimester of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the developing fetus and lead to complications during delivery.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional before using this medication while breastfeeding. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. There is no specific data provided regarding the excretion of ibuprofen in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering the use of this medication in lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have a history of kidney disease. It is essential to assess the patient's overall health status, including any comorbid conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, asthma, or a history of stroke, as these factors may influence the management of their renal function and the appropriateness of treatment. Monitoring and potential dosing adjustments may be necessary based on the patient's renal status to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have a history of liver cirrhosis. It is essential for these patients to receive appropriate medical guidance to assess the potential risks associated with their liver function. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary to ensure safety and efficacy during treatment. Adjustments to dosage or treatment regimens may be required based on the severity of hepatic impairment, and healthcare providers should evaluate the individual patient's condition to determine the most suitable approach.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt intervention is crucial to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with the overdose.

Healthcare professionals should be vigilant in monitoring for symptoms that may arise from an overdose. While specific symptoms are not detailed in the provided information, it is essential to assess the patient thoroughly and consider the pharmacological profile of the substance involved.

Management of an overdose may involve supportive care and symptomatic treatment as necessary. The healthcare provider should follow established protocols for overdose management, which may include monitoring vital signs, providing respiratory support, and administering specific antidotes if applicable.

In summary, timely medical intervention and appropriate management strategies are vital in addressing overdose situations effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor, as it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no details provided regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs.

Allergic reactions have been noted, including cases of anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria. Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke have also been reported. Gastrointestinal events include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Hepatic events have been documented, with reports of liver failure and hepatitis.

Renal events, including acute renal failure and interstitial nephritis, have been observed. Skin reactions reported include exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Additionally, hematologic events such as thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia have been recorded.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, patients should be instructed to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Additionally, healthcare providers should inform patients that if they experience stomach upset, the medication should be taken with food or milk to help alleviate this side effect.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Care must be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The route of administration for the medication is oral. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. It is particularly crucial to avoid ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Ibuprofen, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)