Ibuprofen

Description

Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is presented in a dosage form of coated caplets, each containing 200 mg of the active ingredient. The product is identified by the National Drug Code (NDC) 83324-100-50 and is marketed under the brand name QUALITY CHOICE®. The formulation is designed as a pain reliever and fever reducer, comparable to the active ingredient found in Motrin® IB. Each package contains 50 capsule-shaped tablets, with the actual size of the tablets specified.

Uses and Indications

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

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

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children 12 years and older are advised to take 1 caplet every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. In cases where pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 caplet, a dosage of 2 caplets may be administered. It is imperative that the total daily dosage does not exceed 6 caplets within a 24-hour period, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor prior to administration.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to ibuprofen or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Additionally, it should not be administered immediately before or after heart surgery due to potential complications associated with surgical recovery.

Warnings and Precautions

Ibuprofen may induce severe allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin. Symptoms indicative of an allergic response 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 concurrently using blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) or steroid drugs, are taking 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.

NSAIDs, with the exception of 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 an extended period.

In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is required. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) without delay.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding: 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 arise.

Side Effects

Patients may experience a range of adverse reactions associated with the use of this product, which contains an NSAID. Serious adverse reactions include severe allergic reactions, which may manifest as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, or blisters, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin.

Additionally, the use of this NSAID carries a warning for severe stomach bleeding, with an increased risk in patients aged 60 or older, those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, individuals taking blood thinners or steroid medications, and those consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product. Symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain.

The risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, is also heightened with NSAID use, excluding aspirin. This risk escalates when the medication is used in excess of the recommended dosage or for prolonged periods. Patients should be vigilant for symptoms of heart problems or stroke, which may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or leg swelling.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, worsening pain lasting more than 10 days, fever persisting beyond three days, redness or swelling in the affected area, or the emergence of any new symptoms.

Before initiating treatment, patients should seek medical advice if they have a history of adverse reactions to pain relievers or fever reducers, if the stomach bleeding warning is applicable, or if they have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke. It is also recommended to consult a healthcare provider if the patient is taking aspirin for cardiovascular protection, as ibuprofen may diminish the efficacy of aspirin in this context.

Drug Interactions

Ibuprofen has the potential to diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin when both medications are administered concurrently for the prevention of heart attack or stroke. It is advisable to monitor patients closely for any signs of reduced efficacy of aspirin in such scenarios. Consideration should be given to the timing of administration, as taking ibuprofen at least 30 minutes after or 8 hours before aspirin may help mitigate this interaction.

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 and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 caplet every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 caplet, 2 caplets may be administered. It is important not to exceed 6 caplets in a 24-hour period unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, may have an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing medications that may exacerbate this risk in this population. It is advisable to closely monitor these patients for any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to consider appropriate dose adjustments or alternative therapies as necessary to ensure their safety.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen after 20 weeks of gestation unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the developing fetus and lead to complications during delivery. Healthcare providers should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits when prescribing this medication to pregnant patients.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional before using this medication. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen at 20 weeks of gestation or later unless specifically directed by a physician, 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 this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering its use during lactation.

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. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Prompt intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations, as timely medical support can significantly influence outcomes. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms accordingly.

Management procedures may include supportive care, monitoring of vital signs, and symptomatic treatment as necessary. It is essential for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and act swiftly to mitigate potential complications associated with overdose.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later in 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 regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the text.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of ibuprofen. These include allergic reactions such as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, and blisters. Additionally, severe stomach bleeding has been reported, particularly in individuals over 60 years of age, those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, and those concurrently using anticoagulants or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

There is also an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke associated with NSAID use, especially when used at higher doses or for extended periods. It is important to note that reports of adverse reactions may not be complete, and the frequency of these reactions is not known. Therefore, the potential for serious adverse reactions should be carefully considered when prescribing ibuprofen, particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep the medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of an overdose, patients should be instructed to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance.

Additionally, healthcare providers should inform patients that if they experience stomach upset, the medication can 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 is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), to maintain product integrity. Proper storage conditions are crucial for ensuring the efficacy and safety 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 after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

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)