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Counteract

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This product has been discontinued

Active ingredient
Ibuprofen 200 mg
Other brand names
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2010
Label revision date
April 19, 2011
Active ingredient
Ibuprofen 200 mg
Other brand names
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2010
Label revision date
April 19, 2011
Manufacturer
Melaleuca, Inc.
Registration number
part343
NDC root
54473-134

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Drug Overview

You may be looking for a medication that temporarily relieves minor aches and pains caused by various conditions, such as headaches, toothaches, muscular aches, backaches, and menstrual cramps. This medication can also help alleviate minor pain associated with arthritis and provide temporary relief from fever.

By targeting the discomfort from these common ailments, this drug aims to improve your overall comfort and well-being. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, this medication may be a helpful option for you.

Uses

You can use this medication to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains caused by various conditions, including headaches, toothaches, muscular aches, backaches, and menstrual cramps. It is also effective for easing the discomfort associated with the common cold and minor arthritis pain. Additionally, this medication can help reduce fever.

Rest assured, there are no known teratogenic effects (which means it does not cause birth defects) associated with this medication, making it a safer option for those concerned about such risks.

Dosage and Administration

When using this medication, it's important to follow the directions carefully. You should never take more than the recommended amount, and it's best to use the smallest dose that effectively relieves your symptoms.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the typical dosage is one tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms last. If you find that one tablet isn't enough to relieve your pain or fever, you can take two tablets. However, make sure not to exceed six tablets in a 24-hour period unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you're considering giving this medication to a child under 12 years old, it's essential to consult a doctor first. Additionally, you should not use this medication for more than 10 days unless directed by a healthcare professional.

What to Avoid

It's important to be cautious when using this medication. You should not take it right before or after heart surgery, as this can pose serious risks. Additionally, if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever or fever reducer, you should avoid using this medication.

Be aware that using more than the recommended dose or for a longer period than directed can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Always follow the instructions provided to ensure your safety and well-being.

Side Effects

You should be aware that ibuprofen can cause serious allergic reactions, particularly if you are allergic to aspirin. Symptoms of such reactions may include hives, facial swelling, wheezing (asthma), skin reddening, shock, rash, and blisters. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the product immediately and seek medical help.

Additionally, ibuprofen carries a risk of severe stomach bleeding, especially if you have a history of stomach ulcers, are over 60 years old, or are taking certain medications like blood thinners or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Signs of stomach bleeding include feeling faint, having bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using ibuprofen and consult a doctor. Always talk to your healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications before using ibuprofen.

Warnings and Precautions

You should be aware that ibuprofen can cause severe allergic reactions, especially if you are allergic to aspirin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, facial swelling, wheezing, skin reddening, shock, rash, or blisters. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using ibuprofen immediately and seek emergency medical help.

Additionally, ibuprofen can increase the risk of serious stomach bleeding, particularly if you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, are taking blood thinners or steroids, are over 60 years old, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product. If you notice signs of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, having bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or experiencing persistent stomach pain, stop using ibuprofen and contact your doctor right away. You should also consult your doctor if your pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days, if your fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if you see redness or swelling in the painful area, or if any new symptoms appear.

Overdose

Taking too much ibuprofen can be very harmful. If you or someone you know has taken an overdose, you might notice symptoms such as nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness (feeling unusually sleepy), headache, and confusion. In more serious situations, an overdose can lead to kidney failure, liver damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding in the stomach or intestines).

If you suspect an overdose, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical attention right away. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen; getting help quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome. Always remember to use medications as directed to avoid these risks.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication, including ibuprofen. During the last three months of pregnancy, you should avoid using ibuprofen unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so, as it can potentially harm your unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. Always prioritize your health and the health of your baby by seeking professional guidance.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication, including ibuprofen. This is particularly crucial during the last three months of pregnancy, as using ibuprofen at this stage can lead to potential issues for your unborn child or complications during delivery. Always prioritize your health and your baby's well-being by seeking guidance from your doctor.

Pediatric Use

If your child is under 12 years old, it's important to consult a doctor before giving them this medication. For those aged 12 and older, you can administer 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for symptoms. If one tablet isn't effective for pain or fever, you may give 2 tablets, but be sure not to exceed 6 tablets in a 24-hour period unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Always aim to use the smallest effective dose and avoid using the medication for more than 10 days without a doctor's guidance. Keep the medication out of reach of children, and if an overdose occurs, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Geriatric Use

As you age, it's important to be aware of certain health risks when taking medications. If you are 60 or older, you may have a higher chance of experiencing severe stomach bleeding. This risk is something to consider when discussing your medication options with your healthcare provider.

Additionally, if you have any existing health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis (a serious liver condition), kidney disease, or asthma, it's crucial to consult your doctor before starting any new medication. Your doctor can help ensure that your treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that your medication dosage may need to be adjusted. Your healthcare provider will monitor your renal function tests, which help assess how well your kidneys are working. If your creatinine clearance (a measure of kidney function) falls below a certain level, a reduced dose of your medication may be necessary. Additionally, if you have significant renal impairment, special monitoring will be required to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment. Always discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure the best care for your condition.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that there are no specific guidelines or dosage adjustments mentioned for your condition in the available information. This means that the standard recommendations apply, but you should always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can help monitor your liver function and determine the best approach for your treatment.

Make sure to keep your doctor informed about your liver health, as they may need to conduct regular tests to ensure your safety while using any medication. Your well-being is a priority, so don't hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns you may have.

Drug Interactions

It's important to be aware that taking ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of aspirin, especially if you're using aspirin to prevent heart attacks or strokes. This means that if you are prescribed aspirin for these serious health issues, you should discuss any use of ibuprofen with your healthcare provider.

Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, to ensure they work well together and to avoid any potential risks. Your health and safety are the top priority, so open communication with your healthcare team is essential.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance and safety of your product, store it at a controlled room temperature. It's important to keep it away from excessive heat, specifically temperatures above 40°C (104°F), as this can affect its effectiveness.

When handling the product, always do so with clean hands and in a clean environment to maintain its integrity. If you have any specific disposal instructions, be sure to follow them carefully to ensure safety.

Additional Information

You should take this medication orally. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using it. Specifically, avoid using ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so, as it may lead to issues for the unborn child or complications during delivery.

FAQ

What is the general use of this drug?

This drug temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to various conditions, including headaches, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.

What are the indications for using this drug?

It is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains from headaches, the common cold, toothaches, muscular aches, backaches, minor arthritis pain, and menstrual cramps, as well as for temporarily relieving fever.

What is the recommended dosage for adults and children over 12?

Adults and children 12 years and over should take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist, not exceeding 6 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.

Are there any contraindications for this drug?

Do not use this drug right before or after heart surgery, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever or fever reducer.

What should I do if I experience signs of stomach bleeding?

Stop use and ask a doctor if you feel faint, have bloody or black stools, vomit blood, or have stomach pain that does not improve.

Can I use this drug if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a health professional before use, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

What should I do if I have a history of stomach problems?

Ask a doctor before use if you have a history of stomach problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or asthma.

What are the risks of using this drug improperly?

Using more than directed or for longer than directed may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Packaging Info

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

Packaging configurations for Counteract.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)

Description

The provided data does not specify the chemical name, physical characteristics, or inactive ingredients of the drug. Therefore, a detailed description cannot be formulated based on the available information. Further details are required to create a comprehensive description.

Uses and Indications

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

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines. The smallest effective dose should be utilized, and the medication should not be taken for longer than 10 days unless directed by a healthcare professional.

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

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

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in the following situations:

Patients should not use this product immediately before or after heart surgery due to potential complications associated with surgical recovery. Additionally, individuals with a history of allergic reactions to any other pain reliever or fever reducer should avoid this product to prevent severe allergic responses.

Warnings and Precautions

Ibuprofen is associated with several significant warnings and precautions that healthcare professionals must consider to ensure patient safety.

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

Stomach Bleeding Warning As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen carries a risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of this adverse effect is heightened in patients who meet any of the following criteria:

  • Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders.

  • Are concurrently using anticoagulants or steroid medications.

  • Are aged 60 years or older.

  • Are taking other medications that contain NSAIDs, whether prescription or over-the-counter (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).

  • Exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

  • Consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product.

Monitoring and Consultation Healthcare providers should advise patients to discontinue ibuprofen and seek medical attention if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, which may manifest as feeling faint, having bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, patients should consult a physician 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.

Emergency Medical Help In cases of an allergic reaction, it is crucial to stop the use of ibuprofen and obtain emergency medical help immediately.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including severe allergic reactions and gastrointestinal complications.

Severe allergic reactions may occur, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin. Symptoms of such reactions can include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), skin reddening, shock, rash, and blisters. In the event of an allergic reaction, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

This product contains an NSAID, which is associated with an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of experiencing this adverse reaction is heightened in patients who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, are taking anticoagulants or steroid medications, are aged 60 years or older, are using other NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use, or consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using the product.

Patients should stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, which may include feeling faint, having bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, if pain worsens or lasts longer than 10 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, if redness or swelling occurs in the painful area, or if any new symptoms arise, medical advice should be sought.

Before using this product, patients should consult a doctor if they have a history of stomach problems (such as heartburn), high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or asthma. It is also recommended to seek medical advice if they are taking a diuretic or if the stomach bleeding warning applies to them.

Furthermore, patients under a doctor's care for any serious condition or those taking aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

It is crucial for patients to adhere to the tamper evident warning: do not use if the imprinted safety seal under the cap is broken or missing.

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 Counteract (ibuprofen). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Counteract.
Details

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 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for symptom relief. If symptoms persist and pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be administered. However, the total dosage must not exceed 6 tablets within a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.

It is advised to use the smallest effective dose and not to exceed a duration of 10 days of treatment without medical guidance. Care should be taken to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact a Poison Control Center.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, may have an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. Therefore, caution is advised when prescribing this medication to this population.

It is essential for healthcare providers to assess the overall health status of geriatric patients prior to initiating treatment. Patients in this age group should be advised to consult with their healthcare provider before use if they have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or asthma. This precaution is particularly important for those aged 60 and older, as these conditions may exacerbate potential risks associated with the medication.

Close monitoring and appropriate dose adjustments may be necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatment in elderly patients.

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 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. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a doctor, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. There is no specific data available 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 while breastfeeding.

Renal Impairment

Renal impairment may necessitate dosage adjustments for patients with reduced kidney function. It is essential to monitor renal function tests in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy. A reduced dose should be considered for patients with a creatinine clearance below a specified threshold. Additionally, special monitoring is required for patients with significant renal impairment to manage potential risks effectively.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

Overdosage of ibuprofen can result in significant health risks and serious harm to the patient. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant in recognizing the symptoms associated with an overdose, which may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, headache, and confusion.

In more severe instances, an ibuprofen overdose can lead to critical complications such as kidney failure, liver damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. These conditions necessitate immediate medical intervention.

If an overdose is suspected, it is imperative to seek emergency medical attention without delay. Prompt assessment and management are crucial to mitigate the potential adverse effects associated with ibuprofen overdosage.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, as it may lead to complications for the unborn child or 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 current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of ibuprofen. These include gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and hypersensitivity reactions, which encompass anaphylaxis and angioedema. Additionally, skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported.

Cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, have also been documented in association with ibuprofen use. Furthermore, liver enzyme elevations have been observed in some patients during postmarketing surveillance. Reports of hypertension have been noted, particularly in patients with pre-existing hypertension.

Patient Counseling

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

Patients should be informed not to use this medication right before or after heart surgery. Additionally, it is crucial to advise patients against using this product if they have a history of allergic reactions to any other pain reliever or fever reducer.

Healthcare providers should counsel patients to stop using the medication and consult a doctor if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, which may include feeling faint, having bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if their pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days, if their fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if there is redness or swelling in the painful area, or if any new symptoms appear.

When using this product, patients should be encouraged to take it with food or milk if they experience stomach upset. It is important to inform patients that the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if they use more than the directed dose or for a longer duration than recommended.

Patients should be prompted to consult a doctor before use if the warning regarding stomach bleeding applies to them, or if they have experienced problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers in the past. Additionally, patients with a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or asthma should also seek medical advice prior to use.

Patients taking a diuretic or those under a doctor's care for any serious condition should be advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication. Furthermore, patients should be informed that if they are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, ibuprofen may diminish the benefits of aspirin, and they should seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Lastly, patients should be encouraged to discuss any other medications they are taking with their doctor or pharmacist before use.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It should be stored at controlled room temperature, ensuring that the temperature does not exceed 40°C (104°F) to maintain product integrity. Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat during storage and handling.

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.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Counteract, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.