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 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. Additionally, the product should not be administered 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 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 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.

Furthermore, NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, are linked to an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. The risk is amplified when the medication is used 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 at 1-800-222-1222 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, passing 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 may experience a range of adverse reactions, which can vary in severity.

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 warning for the potential 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 their 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 heartburn, 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.

Patients taking aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke should seek advice from a healthcare professional, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin. Additionally, individuals under a doctor's care for any serious condition or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist prior to use.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there are no known 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 and children 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, 2 caplets may be administered. It is important not to exceed 6 caplets in 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 medications that may exacerbate this risk in this population. It is advisable to closely monitor these patients for any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to consider appropriate dose adjustments or alternative therapies as necessary to ensure their safety.

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 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 health 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 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 warranted in patients with hepatic impairment to ensure appropriate management and to mitigate potential risks associated with the use of this medication.

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

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

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

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, it is crucial for patients to seek medical assistance immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Additionally, healthcare providers should inform patients that if they experience stomach upset, the medication can be taken with food or milk to help alleviate discomfort. This guidance is important for ensuring patient safety and comfort during treatment.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), to maintain product integrity. Proper storage conditions are crucial for ensuring the efficacy and safety 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 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)