Pain Relief

Description

Ibuprofen capsules are formulated as liquid-filled softgels, each containing 200 mg of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) recognized for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. The product is available in a package containing 240 softgels, designed to provide effective pain relief and fever reduction. The capsules are smaller in size while maintaining the same strength, facilitating easier ingestion.

Uses and Indications

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

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount. The smallest effective dose should be utilized to manage symptoms effectively.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 capsule every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 capsule, a maximum of 2 capsules may be administered. However, it is imperative that the total daily 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.

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 cause severe allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin. Symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction 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 an increased 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 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 also linked to an elevated risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is particularly pronounced in individuals who use the medication 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 or seek emergency medical help 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 using ibuprofen should be aware of potential adverse reactions, which can range from serious to common.

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), shock, skin reddening, rash, and blisters.

The use of ibuprofen, as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), carries a 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 the medication beyond the directed dosage or duration.

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 experiencing 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, 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 should seek medical advice.

Before using ibuprofen, patients should consult a healthcare provider if they have a history of stomach problems, 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 diuretics or if the stomach bleeding warning applies to them. Patients under a doctor's care for serious conditions or those taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke should seek guidance, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

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 shortly before or after aspirin may further exacerbate this interaction.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Pain Relief (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 while symptoms persist. In cases where pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 capsule, a dose of 2 capsules may be administered. It is important to note that the maximum dosage should not exceed 6 capsules in a 24-hour period, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, are at an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. This risk is further heightened in individuals who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, those who are concurrently using blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) or steroid drugs, and patients taking other medications that contain either prescription or nonprescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Additionally, the risk of stomach bleeding is amplified in geriatric patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product, or who exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this product to elderly patients, ensuring appropriate monitoring and consideration of potential dose modifications based on individual risk factors.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and women 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. The use of ibuprofen during this period may lead to delivery complications or adverse fetal outcomes. Therefore, healthcare providers should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits before prescribing this medication to pregnant patients, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

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 lead to delivery complications for the unborn child. There is no specific data provided regarding the excretion of ibuprofen in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, healthcare providers should weigh the potential risks and benefits when considering this medication for lactating mothers.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the available data regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider individual patient factors when prescribing to patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of specific guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment.

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 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 assistance without delay. Prompt evaluation and management are essential to mitigate the potential adverse effects associated with ibuprofen overdosage.

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 delivery 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 reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs.

Cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, have been noted. Gastrointestinal complications, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, have also been reported. Instances of renal toxicity, specifically acute kidney injury, have been observed. Hepatic toxicity has been documented, characterized by elevated liver enzymes and cases of liver failure.

Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been recorded. Additionally, skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center in the event of an overdose. Patients should be informed to take the medication with food or milk if they experience stomach upset.

Patients must be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they notice any signs of stomach bleeding, which include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing stomach pain that does not improve. Additionally, they should stop use and seek medical advice if they exhibit symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or swelling in the legs.

Patients should also be counseled to stop use and consult a doctor if their pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, if their fever intensifies or lasts longer than 3 days, if there is redness or swelling in the painful area, or if any new symptoms arise.

It is important for healthcare providers to remind patients to consult a doctor before use if they have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, or if the stomach bleeding warning applies to them. Patients should also be advised to seek medical guidance if they have experienced serious side effects from pain relievers or fever reducers, or if they have conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke.

Furthermore, patients should be encouraged to discuss their use of diuretics with their doctor prior to taking this medication. Healthcare providers should also recommend that patients consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are under medical care for any serious condition, or if they are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, as ibuprofen may diminish the effectiveness of aspirin. Lastly, patients should be advised to inform their healthcare provider or pharmacist about any other medications they are currently taking.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Care must be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Additionally, the product must be protected from light to maintain its integrity and efficacy.

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 lead to delivery complications for the unborn child or during delivery.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

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