Ibuprofen

Description

Ibuprofen Capsules contain 200 mg of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the relief of pain and reduction of fever. Each bottle contains 80 liquid-filled capsules. The product is identified by the National Drug Code (NDC) 51013-410-26.

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 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 of this product is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to any other pain reliever or fever reducer, due to the potential for severe hypersensitivity reactions. Additionally, the product should not be administered immediately before or after heart surgery, as it may pose risks to surgical outcomes and patient safety.

Warnings and Precautions

Ibuprofen may cause 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.

This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is associated with an increased 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 blood thinners (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, excluding 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 higher doses or extend the duration of 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.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a physician if they experience any signs indicative of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, symptoms suggestive of heart problems or stroke, including 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. Regular monitoring and assessment of these parameters are essential for the safe use of ibuprofen.

Side Effects

Patients may experience a range of adverse reactions associated with the use of this product, which contains ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

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 this NSAID is also associated with an increased 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 this product, 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 NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, has been linked to an elevated 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 should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or leg swelling.

Common adverse reactions may include worsening pain that persists beyond 10 days, fever that worsens or lasts more than three days, and the presence of redness or swelling in the affected area. Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any new symptoms arise.

Before initiating treatment, 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 recommended that patients inform their healthcare provider if they are taking diuretics or if they are under medical care for any serious condition. Furthermore, patients taking aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke should be aware that 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, patients should be advised to avoid concurrent use of ibuprofen and aspirin for these indications.

The concomitant use of ibuprofen with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including both prescription and over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and naproxen, is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk is further elevated in patients who are also taking anticoagulants or corticosteroids.

Patients on diuretics should consult their healthcare provider prior to initiating ibuprofen therapy, as potential interactions may necessitate dosage adjustments or increased monitoring.

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 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 not to exceed 6 capsules 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 profile is essential in this population to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen during the last trimester of pregnancy unless explicitly 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 while breastfeeding. It is particularly important to avoid the use of ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless explicitly 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 ibuprofen in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering the use of this medication 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 and any potential risks associated with the medication. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary to ensure safety and efficacy. Adjustments to dosage or treatment regimens may be required based on the severity of hepatic impairment, and healthcare providers should evaluate the overall health status of patients with compromised liver function before initiating therapy.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt intervention is crucial to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with the overdose.

Healthcare professionals should be vigilant in monitoring for symptoms that may arise from an overdose. While specific symptoms are not detailed in the provided information, it is essential to be aware that they can vary based on the substance involved and the individual patient’s response.

Management of an overdose typically involves supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Healthcare providers are advised to follow established protocols for overdose management, which may include the administration of activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, or other interventions as deemed necessary based on the clinical presentation.

In summary, timely medical intervention and appropriate management strategies are critical in addressing overdose situations effectively.

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 detailed findings 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. Reports include gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events. Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have also been documented. Additionally, cases of liver enzyme elevations and liver failure have been reported.

Anaphylactic reactions, including angioedema and bronchospasm, have been noted in the postmarketing data. Furthermore, there have been reports of hypertension and heart failure linked to ibuprofen use. The data suggest an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke with prolonged use of the medication.

Patient Counseling

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

Additionally, healthcare providers should inform patients that if they experience stomach upset, the medication can be taken with food or milk to help alleviate this side effect.

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° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Care must be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the product.

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 trimester 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)