Ibuprofen

Description

Ibuprofen tablets are available in three distinct formulations characterized by their color, shape, and debossing. The orange round-shaped tablet is debossed with "BI 02" and is packaged in bottles of 24 (NDC 58624-7008-0). The white round-shaped tablet, debossed with "BI 04," is also supplied in bottles of 24 (NDC 58624-7010-0). Additionally, the brown round-shaped tablet, marked with "BI 06," is available in bottles of 24 (NDC 58624-7012-0).

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 of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

Patients with a history of allergic reactions to ibuprofen or any other pain reliever or fever reducer should not use this product due to the risk of severe allergic reactions.

The product should not be administered immediately before or after heart surgery, as it may pose significant risks during the perioperative period.

Additionally, the use of ibuprofen is contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, as it may lead to adverse effects on the fetus or complications during delivery.

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 carries a 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 taking anticoagulants or steroid medications, consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this 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 amplified when the medication is used in excess of the recommended dosage or for prolonged periods.

Patients should refrain from using ibuprofen if they have a history of allergic reactions to ibuprofen or any other pain reliever or fever reducer. It is also contraindicated for use immediately before or after heart surgery. Prior to use, patients should consult a healthcare provider 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. Additional caution is warranted for individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke, as well as those taking diuretics.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using ibuprofen if they are taking aspirin for cardiovascular protection, as ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin. Patients under medical supervision for serious conditions or those taking other medications should also seek guidance prior to use.

In the event 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 consult a healthcare provider 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, warrant immediate medical evaluation. Furthermore, if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, redness or swelling occurs in the affected area, or any new symptoms arise, patients should seek medical advice promptly.

Side Effects

Patients using ibuprofen may experience a range of adverse reactions, which can be categorized by 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, or use other NSAIDs concurrently. Patients should be vigilant for signs of stomach bleeding, which include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain.

Additionally, NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk escalates with prolonged use or exceeding the recommended dosage. Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or leg swelling.

Other important considerations include the persistence of pain beyond 10 days, worsening fever lasting more than 3 days, the presence of redness or swelling in the affected area, or the emergence of any new symptoms. These conditions warrant medical evaluation to ensure patient safety and appropriate management.

Drug Interactions

Ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin when used for the prevention of heart attack or stroke. It is advisable to avoid concurrent use of ibuprofen with aspirin in patients who are taking aspirin for cardiovascular protection. Monitoring for efficacy of aspirin therapy is recommended in such cases.

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 caplet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for symptom relief. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 caplet, 2 caplets may be administered. It is important not to exceed 6 caplets within a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, may have an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. It is essential for healthcare providers to exercise caution when prescribing medications that may exacerbate this risk in this population.

Monitoring for gastrointestinal complications is advised, and dosage adjustments should be considered based on the individual patient's health status and concurrent medications. Careful assessment of the benefits and risks is crucial when treating geriatric patients to ensure their safety and well-being.

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 during the last trimester of pregnancy unless specifically 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 specifically 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 this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering its use 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 function and associated health conditions.

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 tests may be warranted in this population 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. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved and the individual’s health status. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential to determine the appropriate course of action.

Management procedures may include supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and, if applicable, the administration of specific antidotes. Continuous evaluation of the patient's condition is necessary to address any complications that may arise during the management of an overdose.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during the last three months of 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 current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of ibuprofen. Reports have included gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and elevations in liver enzymes. Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have also been documented. Additionally, cases of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, have been reported. Some patients experienced allergic reactions, which included anaphylaxis and angioedema. Furthermore, elevated blood pressure has been noted in certain patients using ibuprofen. Instances of gastrointestinal perforation have been observed, particularly among individuals with a history of gastrointestinal issues.

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 help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be encouraged to consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. It is particularly important to inform patients that ibuprofen should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a doctor, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in packaging that includes an NDC number for identification. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure optimal stability and efficacy.

Healthcare professionals are advised to inspect the product prior to use; it must not be utilized if the inner seal, which is imprinted with "SEALED for YOUR PROTECTION," is broken or missing. Proper handling and storage conditions are essential to maintain the integrity of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be advised to consult a healthcare professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding before using the medication. It is particularly crucial to avoid the use of 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)