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

Adults and children aged 12 years and older are advised to take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. In cases where pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 tablet, a dosage of 2 tablets may be administered. It is imperative that the total daily dosage does not exceed 6 tablets 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 is contraindicated in individuals with a history of allergic reactions to ibuprofen or 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 of such reactions can 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.

As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen carries a risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk 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. Additionally, NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is amplified with prolonged or excessive use.

Patients should refrain from using ibuprofen if they have previously experienced an allergic reaction to ibuprofen or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. It is also contraindicated for use immediately before or after heart surgery. Prior to administration, healthcare professionals should be consulted if the patient has a history of adverse reactions to pain relievers or fever reducers, if the warning regarding stomach bleeding is applicable, or if there are pre-existing conditions such as heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke. Additionally, patients taking diuretics should seek medical advice before use.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients taking aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke to consult with a doctor, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin. Patients under medical supervision for serious conditions or those taking other medications should also seek guidance before using ibuprofen.

In the event of an allergic reaction, it is crucial to stop using ibuprofen and seek emergency medical help immediately. In cases of overdose, medical assistance should be sought or the Poison Control Center contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a physician if they experience any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or leg swelling, warrant immediate medical attention. Additionally, if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, redness or swelling occurs in the affected area, or any new symptoms arise, patients should seek medical advice.

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 while using the product, 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 the medication 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 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 3 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 inform the healthcare provider if they are taking a diuretic or if they are under a doctor's care for any serious condition.

Patients taking aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke should be aware that ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin, and should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with the use of 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 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be administered. It is important not to exceed 6 tablets within a 24-hour period unless 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 in this population to ensure safe and effective treatment.

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 pregnancy 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 while breastfeeding. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen at 20 weeks of gestation or later 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 this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering its use 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 discuss their liver function status, as compromised liver function may influence the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary to ensure appropriate management and to mitigate potential risks associated with the use of this medication in individuals with hepatic impairment.

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 help 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 specific 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 the product. Notable gastrointestinal events, including gastrointestinal bleeding, have been reported. Additionally, renal impairment and elevations in liver enzymes have been observed.

Serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, along with severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have also been documented. Cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, have been noted in patients using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen.

Further reports indicate occurrences of hypertension and fluid retention. There have also been instances of asthma exacerbation in patients with a prior history of asthma.

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 immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients should be informed to take the medication with food or milk if they experience stomach upset. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider before using this medication if they have experienced problems or serious side effects from pain relievers or fever reducers in the past.

Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of discussing any history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, as well as the relevance of the stomach bleeding warning. Patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke should also be encouraged to seek medical advice prior to use.

Additionally, patients taking diuretics should consult their healthcare provider before using this medication. It is crucial for patients who are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke to discuss this with their doctor or pharmacist, as ibuprofen may diminish the protective effects of aspirin.

Finally, patients under a doctor's care for any serious condition or those taking any other medications should be advised to consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this medication to ensure safety and efficacy.

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 20-25°C (68-77°F). Care must be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), to maintain product integrity. Proper container requirements should be adhered to, ensuring that the product is kept in suitable conditions to prevent degradation. Special handling needs should be observed to ensure the product remains within the recommended temperature range throughout its storage and handling processes.

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.

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)