Ibuprofen

Description

Solubilized ibuprofen is formulated to provide an equivalent of 200 mg of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The active ingredient is present in both its free acid form and as a potassium salt, facilitating enhanced solubility and bioavailability.

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

The medication should be administered orally, with capsules taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed while symptoms persist. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 capsule per administration. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 capsule, a maximum of 2 capsules may be taken. 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. The smallest effective dose should always be utilized, and patients should not exceed the recommended dosage.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to 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 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 carries 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 blood thinners (anticoagulants) or steroid medications, are taking other NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product, or exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

The use of NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This 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, having black or bloody stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, symptoms suggestive of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, slurred speech, leg swelling, difficulty breathing, or weakness on one side of the body, 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 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, particularly 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. Signs of stomach bleeding may include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having black or bloody stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain.

Additionally, there is a heightened risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke associated with NSAID use, excluding aspirin. This risk is particularly pronounced when the medication is used in excess of the recommended dosage or for prolonged periods. Symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke may include chest pain, slurred speech, leg swelling, difficulty breathing, and weakness on one side of the body.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if redness or swelling occurs in the painful area, or if any new symptoms arise.

Before using this product, patients should seek medical advice 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 consult a healthcare provider if they are under medical care for any serious condition, are taking aspirin for cardiovascular protection, or are using any other medications.

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 at least 30 minutes after or 8 hours before aspirin may help mitigate this interaction.

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 to note that the maximum dosage should not exceed 6 capsules within 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 for severe stomach bleeding. This risk is notably heightened in individuals with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems. Therefore, it is recommended that geriatric patients consult a healthcare provider prior to use if they fall within this age group and have such medical histories.

Additionally, the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, is elevated in older adults, especially when the medication is used in excess of the recommended dosage or for prolonged periods. Consequently, careful monitoring and adherence to prescribed dosages are essential for this population.

Special precautions should be exercised for elderly patients with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or asthma. These factors may necessitate further evaluation and potential dose adjustments to ensure safety and efficacy in treatment.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication, particularly if they are in the later stages of pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is crucial 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 available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering its use 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 receive appropriate evaluation and monitoring of their liver function to ensure safe use of the medication. Adjustments to dosage may be necessary based on the severity of hepatic impairment, and ongoing assessment of liver function is recommended throughout the treatment period.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance. Healthcare professionals are advised to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on managing the situation effectively.

Prompt intervention is crucial in mitigating potential adverse effects associated with overdose. Symptoms 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 to address any complications that may arise during the course of treatment.

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 non-teratogenic effects have been specified in the available data. Additionally, there are no details provided regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs. These include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria. Gastrointestinal complications have been noted, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, which may occur unexpectedly at any time during treatment. Renal toxicity has been observed, encompassing acute renal failure and interstitial nephritis. Hepatic toxicity has also been reported, characterized by elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis. Additionally, cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, have been documented. Skin reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have also been reported.

Patient Counseling

Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is crucial to inform patients that they should not use this medication if they have a history of allergic reactions to any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Additionally, patients must be cautioned against using this product immediately before or after heart surgery.

Healthcare providers should instruct patients to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, which may include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having black or bloody stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Patients should also be made aware of the symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, slurred speech, leg swelling, difficulty breathing, or weakness on one side of the body, and should be advised to stop use and seek medical attention if these occur.

Patients should be informed that if their pain worsens or persists for more than 10 days, or if their fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, they should stop using the product and consult a doctor. They should also be advised to seek medical advice if they notice any redness or swelling in the painful area or if any new symptoms arise.

When using this medication, patients should be counseled to take it with food or milk if they experience stomach upset. It is important for 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 with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke should also be advised to seek medical guidance prior to use.

Furthermore, patients should be encouraged to discuss their current medications with their healthcare provider, particularly if they are taking a diuretic, aspirin for heart attack or stroke, or any other drugs, as these may interact with the medication. It is essential for patients under a doctor's care for any serious condition to consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this product.

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 temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Care should 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. Proper handling and storage conditions are crucial to ensure the product's quality and effectiveness.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

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)