Equate Ibuprofen

Description

Ibuprofen Tablets are formulated as 200 mg coated caplets, designed for oral administration. These capsule-shaped tablets serve as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), functioning as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Each bottle contains 200 caplets, providing a convenient dosage form for therapeutic use.

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 aged 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 for appropriate dosing guidance.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to ibuprofen or any other pain reliever or fever reducer, due to the risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions. Additionally, the product should not be administered immediately before or after heart surgery, as it may interfere with postoperative recovery and increase the risk of complications.

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 experiencing such adverse effects 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.

Furthermore, NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, are linked to an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk escalates with the use of higher doses or prolonged treatment beyond the recommended guidelines.

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

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 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 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, as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), carries a significant risk of severe stomach bleeding. This risk is heightened 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.

Additionally, NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is particularly pronounced in patients who use ibuprofen in higher doses or for extended periods.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or persistent stomach pain. Symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or leg swelling, also warrant immediate medical attention. Furthermore, patients should seek medical advice if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than three days, if redness or swelling occurs in the painful area, or if any new symptoms arise.

Before using ibuprofen, patients should consult a healthcare provider if they have a history of serious side effects from pain relievers or fever reducers, if the stomach bleeding warning applies to them, or if they have conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke. It is also important to discuss the use of ibuprofen with a doctor if the patient is taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

Drug Interactions

Ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin when used for the prevention of heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid concurrent use of ibuprofen with aspirin in patients who are taking aspirin for these indications.

Patients who are on anticoagulant therapy or corticosteroids should consult a healthcare professional prior to using ibuprofen. This is to ensure that potential interactions do not compromise the efficacy of the anticoagulant or increase the risk of adverse effects associated with steroid use.

Additionally, individuals taking other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whether prescription or over-the-counter, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, should seek guidance from a healthcare provider before using ibuprofen. This is important to prevent the risk of cumulative NSAID-related side effects.

For patients on diuretics, it is recommended to monitor renal function and blood pressure, as NSAIDs like ibuprofen may potentially reduce the effectiveness of diuretics and lead to fluid retention.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Equate Ibuprofen (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 adults 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, a maximum of 2 caplets may be administered. It is crucial not to exceed 6 caplets within a 24-hour period unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Additionally, this medication should be kept out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, are at an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding when using this medication. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor these patients closely for any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to consider alternative therapies when appropriate.

Additionally, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excluding aspirin, is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. This risk is further heightened in elderly patients who exceed the recommended dosage or duration of treatment. Therefore, careful consideration of dosing and treatment duration is crucial in this population to mitigate potential adverse effects. Regular assessment and monitoring of cardiovascular health are advised for geriatric patients receiving NSAIDs.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication, particularly if they are in the later stages of pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is crucial 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 evaluate the potential benefits and risks when considering the use of this medication in pregnant patients.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a healthcare 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 ibuprofen in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering the use of this medication 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 may experience altered pharmacokinetics of the drug, necessitating careful consideration of dosage adjustments and monitoring. It is recommended that patients with liver cirrhosis be closely monitored due to the potential for increased drug exposure and the risk of adverse effects.

In patients with compromised liver function, particularly those with moderate to severe hepatic impairment, dosage modifications may be required. Regular assessment of liver function through appropriate laboratory tests is advised to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Additionally, patients with concurrent conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke should be evaluated for potential interactions and the overall impact on their treatment regimen. It is essential to tailor the therapeutic approach based on the individual patient's hepatic status and comorbidities.

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 the individual’s health status. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential.

Management procedures should be initiated as soon as an overdose is suspected. This may include supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and specific interventions based on the clinical presentation and the substance involved. It is vital for healthcare providers to remain vigilant and prepared to implement appropriate measures to ensure patient safety and recovery.

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 current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs: hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, and blisters. These events have been documented in the context of postmarketing surveillance and are included for informational purposes.

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 crucial for patients to understand the importance of prompt action in such situations.

Additionally, healthcare providers should recommend that patients take the medication with food or milk if they experience any stomach upset. This guidance can help mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort and enhance the overall tolerability of the treatment.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for reference. It is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its efficacy. Care should be taken to avoid exposure to high humidity and excessive heat, particularly temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). For proper identification, the lot number and expiration date can be found on the end panel of the packaging.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be informed that the medication is administered orally, with a recommended dosage of one caplet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for symptom relief. If symptoms persist and one caplet is insufficient, two caplets may be taken. However, the total daily intake should not exceed six caplets unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Clinicians should counsel patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use, particularly emphasizing the risks associated with ibuprofen use after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is crucial to keep the medication out of reach of children, and in the event of an overdose, patients should seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)