Ibuprofen

Description

No description information is available for the 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 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 cause severe allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction 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 carries a risk of severe stomach bleeding. The likelihood of experiencing this adverse effect is increased in patients who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders, are taking anticoagulants or steroid medications, are using 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 associated with an elevated risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is heightened when the medication is used in excess of the recommended dosage or for an extended period.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a physician prior to using ibuprofen if they have experienced serious side effects from pain relievers or fever reducers, if the stomach bleeding warning is applicable, or if they have a history of gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn. Additionally, patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke, as well as those taking diuretics, should seek medical advice before use.

Patients should also be cautioned to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are taking aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin. Furthermore, individuals under medical supervision for serious conditions or those taking other medications should seek guidance before using ibuprofen.

In the case of an overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, symptoms indicative 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.

Side Effects

Patients using ibuprofen may experience a range of adverse reactions, which can vary in 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 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 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, 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 experienced serious side effects from pain relievers or fever reducers, if the stomach bleeding warning applies to them, or if they have a history of stomach issues such as heartburn. Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke should also seek medical advice prior to use. Additionally, patients taking diuretics or aspirin for heart attack or stroke should consult a healthcare professional, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

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 aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 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 dose of 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 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 use of the medication.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication, especially if they are in the later stages of pregnancy or breastfeeding. The use of ibuprofen is particularly cautioned against after 20 weeks of gestation unless explicitly directed by a physician. Administration during this period may pose risks to the developing fetus and could lead to complications during delivery. Therefore, careful consideration and professional guidance are essential for pregnant patients considering the use of this medication.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional before using this medication while breastfeeding. There is a particular concern regarding the use of ibuprofen during pregnancy, especially at 20 weeks or later, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. Therefore, healthcare providers should carefully evaluate the necessity and safety of this medication for lactating mothers and their breastfed infants.

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 due to compromised liver function. It is essential to assess liver function prior to initiating treatment and to monitor liver parameters throughout the course of therapy.

In patients with liver cirrhosis, dosage adjustments may be necessary to mitigate the risk of adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function tests, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels, is recommended to ensure patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.

Additionally, patients with a history of liver disease, such as cirrhosis, should be evaluated for potential contraindications and the need for alternative therapeutic options. It is crucial to consider the overall health status of patients, including any comorbid conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke, as these may further complicate treatment decisions in the context of 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 and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the specific clinical presentation of the patient. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure patient safety and effective 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 specific details regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the text.

Postmarketing Experience

No specific postmarketing experience details have been reported in the available data. As such, there are no additional adverse events or rare case reports to summarize at this time.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical help or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Patients should be informed that this medication should not be used if they have a history of allergic reactions to ibuprofen or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Additionally, it is important to instruct patients not to use this medication right before or after heart surgery.

Patients should be made aware of the signs of stomach bleeding and instructed to stop use and consult a doctor if they experience any of the following: feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing stomach pain that does not improve. Furthermore, patients should be advised to stop use and seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms of heart problems or stroke, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or leg swelling.

Healthcare providers should counsel patients to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, if their fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if there is redness or swelling in the painful area, or if any new symptoms arise. It is recommended that patients take this product with food or milk if they experience stomach upset.

Patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor before using this medication if they have experienced problems or serious side effects from pain relievers or fever reducers in the past. They should also be advised to seek medical advice if the warning regarding stomach bleeding applies to them, or if they have a history of stomach problems such as heartburn.

Additionally, healthcare providers should recommend that patients consult a doctor before use if they have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke. Patients taking diuretics should also be advised to seek medical advice prior to use. It is important to inform patients that they should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if they are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, as ibuprofen may reduce the effectiveness of aspirin. Lastly, patients should be encouraged to discuss their use of this medication with a doctor or pharmacist if they are under care for any serious condition or if they are taking any other drugs.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for reference. It should be stored at a controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Care must 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

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a healthcare 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)