Ibuprofen

Description

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in this formulation, presented in the form of liquid-filled capsules. Each capsule contains a strength of 200 mg of ibuprofen, which is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) utilized for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties. The product is packaged in a container containing 20 softgels.

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 daily 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 is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Additionally, administration is contraindicated 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 is associated with an increased 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.

Additionally, NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, are 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 the medication in excess of the recommended dosage or for extended periods.

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 of the following symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, passing bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Furthermore, patients should seek medical advice if they exhibit symptoms suggestive of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or leg swelling. Additional reasons to stop use and consult a healthcare provider include worsening pain lasting more than 10 days, fever persisting for more than 3 days, the presence of redness or swelling in the affected area, or the emergence of any new symptoms.

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 is 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 use other NSAIDs concurrently. 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, ibuprofen carries warnings regarding cardiovascular risks, including an increased likelihood 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 prolonged periods.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any symptoms indicative of stomach bleeding or cardiovascular issues, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or leg swelling. Furthermore, if pain persists beyond 10 days, fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if new symptoms arise, medical advice should be sought.

Before initiating treatment with ibuprofen, 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 under a doctor's care for serious conditions or those taking aspirin for cardiovascular protection discuss their use of ibuprofen, as it may diminish the effectiveness of aspirin.

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of ibuprofen with aspirin may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin when utilized 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.

When ibuprofen is taken alongside other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including both prescription and nonprescription medications such as aspirin and naproxen, there is an elevated risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Caution is recommended, and healthcare providers should consider alternative pain management strategies to mitigate this risk.

Additionally, the co-administration of ibuprofen with anticoagulants or corticosteroids may further heighten the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. It is prudent to assess the necessity of dosage adjustments and to implement regular monitoring for signs of bleeding in patients receiving these combinations.

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, including overall health status and concurrent medications. Careful assessment and ongoing evaluation are essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatment in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and women 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 explicitly directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the developing fetus and lead to complications during delivery. Healthcare providers should weigh the potential benefits against the 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 while breastfeeding. 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 this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, healthcare providers should weigh the potential benefits against the risks when considering this medication for lactating mothers.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the available data regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with reduced kidney function, as the lack of information necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

In the absence of specific information regarding overdosage, healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution and adhere to general principles of management in cases of suspected overdose.

It is essential to monitor the patient closely for any potential symptoms that may arise from an overdose. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance involved and the individual patient's response.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought. Healthcare providers should implement supportive care measures, which may include maintaining airway patency, providing supplemental oxygen, and monitoring vital signs.

Additionally, it is recommended to consult local poison control centers or relevant toxicology resources for guidance on specific management protocols and antidotes, if applicable.

Documentation of the incident, including the substance involved, estimated dose, and time of exposure, is crucial for effective management and follow-up care.

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 details regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the text.

Postmarketing Experience

No specific postmarketing experience details have been reported. As such, there are currently no additional adverse events or rare case reports available for review.

Patient Counseling

Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center in the event of an overdose. It is recommended that patients take the medication with food or milk if they experience stomach upset.

Healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before using this medication if they have a history of stomach bleeding or if they have experienced problems or serious side effects from pain relievers or fever reducers. Additionally, patients with a history of stomach issues, such as heartburn, should also be advised to speak with their doctor prior to use.

Patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or those who have had a stroke should be instructed to consult their healthcare provider before using this medication. Furthermore, patients taking a diuretic should also seek medical advice before use.

It is important for patients to discuss their current medications with their healthcare provider or pharmacist, especially if they are under care for any serious condition or if they are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, as ibuprofen may reduce the effectiveness of aspirin. Patients should be reminded to inform their healthcare provider or pharmacist about any other drugs they are currently taking.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It should be stored at a temperature range 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). Additionally, the product must be protected from light to maintain its integrity and efficacy.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. 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)