Ibuprofen

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

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

The medication should be administered orally, with capsules taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 capsule per administration. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 capsule, a maximum of 2 capsules may be taken. It is imperative that the total dosage does 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 before administration. The smallest effective dose should always be utilized, and patients should not exceed the recommended dosage.

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 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 is associated with a risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of 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 anticoagulants or steroid medications, 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 known to elevate the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is particularly pronounced in patients who use the medication in excess of the recommended dosage or for extended periods.

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

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a physician if they experience any of the following symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, passing bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, symptoms suggestive of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, leg swelling, or weakness on one side of the body, 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 using ibuprofen may experience a range of adverse reactions, which can be categorized by seriousness and frequency.

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 is associated with an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding, particularly 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, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, has been linked to an elevated 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 should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, leg swelling, or weakness on one side of the body.

Common adverse reactions may include gastrointestinal discomfort, and patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if pain persists for more than 10 days, fever worsens or lasts more than three days, redness or swelling occurs in the painful area, or any new symptoms arise.

Patients are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional before using ibuprofen if they have a history of stomach problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or if they are taking diuretics. It is also advisable to seek medical advice if the stomach bleeding warning applies or if there are concerns regarding the use of pain relievers or fever reducers. Furthermore, patients under a doctor's care for serious conditions or those taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke should consult their healthcare provider, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

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 for symptom relief. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 capsule, 2 capsules may be administered. It is important not to exceed 6 capsules within a 24-hour period unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, are at an increased risk for severe stomach bleeding. This risk is further heightened in individuals with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems. Therefore, it is imperative that healthcare providers advise patients in this age group to consult with a physician prior to use if they fall under the stomach bleeding warning.

Additionally, the risk of heart attack and stroke is elevated in geriatric patients aged 60 and older who exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use. Careful monitoring and adherence to prescribed dosages are essential to mitigate these risks in elderly patients.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and women of childbearing potential should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the developing fetus and lead to complications during delivery. The potential fetal impacts and associated risks necessitate careful consideration and professional guidance in these circumstances.

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 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, healthcare providers should weigh the potential benefits against the risks when considering this medication for lactating mothers.

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 evaluation and monitoring of their liver function to ensure safe use of the medication. Adjustments to dosage may be necessary based on the severity of hepatic impairment, and ongoing assessment of liver function is recommended throughout the treatment period.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance. Healthcare professionals are advised to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on managing the situation effectively.

Prompt intervention is crucial, as the symptoms of an overdose can vary significantly depending on the substance involved. Therefore, a thorough assessment and appropriate management strategies should be implemented as soon as possible to mitigate potential risks to the patient’s health.

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 non-teratogenic effects have been specified in the available data. Additionally, there are no details provided regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has indicated that several adverse reactions have been reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs. These include gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events. Additionally, skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been documented. Reports of liver enzyme elevations and instances of liver failure have also emerged in the postmarketing context.

Other noted adverse reactions encompass hypersensitivity reactions, which include anaphylaxis and angioedema. Furthermore, there have been cases of hypertension and exacerbation of heart failure associated with ibuprofen use in the postmarketing setting.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is important for patients to understand the seriousness of an overdose and the necessity of prompt action to ensure their safety.

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 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF). Care must be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40ºC (104ºF). Additionally, the product must be protected from light to maintain its integrity and efficacy.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

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)