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 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 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.

The use of ibuprofen, an NSAID, carries a significant risk of severe stomach bleeding. This risk is notably elevated in patients who are 60 years of age or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders, are concurrently 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.

Additionally, 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 heightened when the medication is used in excess of the recommended dosage or for prolonged 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 (1-800-222-1222).

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. 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 should be aware of potential adverse reactions, which can range from serious to common.

Severe allergic reactions may occur, 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.

The use of ibuprofen, as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), carries a 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, have been 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 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, if pain worsens or persists beyond 10 days, fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, redness or swelling occurs in the painful area, or any new symptoms arise, patients should seek medical advice.

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 discuss the use of ibuprofen with a doctor if the patient is taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention, as ibuprofen may diminish the effectiveness of aspirin. Additionally, patients under a doctor's care for any serious condition or those taking other medications should seek guidance prior to use.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with the use of this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding 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. If pain or fever does not adequately respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be administered. It is important not to exceed 6 tablets in a 24-hour period unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 years and older, are at an increased risk for severe stomach bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients.

To minimize the risk of adverse effects, it is recommended that elderly patients take the smallest effective dose and adhere strictly to the directed dosage. Monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding should be considered in this population, given their heightened vulnerability.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and women of childbearing potential should consult a healthcare 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 developing fetus and lead to complications during delivery. The potential fetal impacts and associated risks necessitate careful consideration and professional guidance in these circumstances.

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 pregnancy or later 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 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 therapy in individuals with reduced kidney function. Monitoring and potential dosing adjustments may be necessary based on the patient's renal status and associated health conditions.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment may experience altered pharmacokinetics of the medication. It is essential to assess liver function prior to initiating treatment. In patients with significant liver cirrhosis, dosage adjustments may be necessary to avoid potential toxicity.

Monitoring of liver function tests is recommended throughout the treatment period to ensure safety and efficacy. Special caution should be exercised in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment, as they may be at increased risk for adverse effects.

Patients with concurrent conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke should be closely monitored, as these factors may further complicate the management of their hepatic condition and overall treatment plan.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. The national Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that timely 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.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the specific symptoms presented. It is recommended that healthcare providers remain vigilant and prepared to implement appropriate interventions based on the clinical presentation of the patient.

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 current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has indicated that ibuprofen may lead to severe allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin. Reported symptoms include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, and blisters.

Additionally, there have been reports of stomach bleeding associated with ibuprofen use, especially in patients aged 60 years or older, those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, individuals taking blood thinners or steroids, those consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily, and patients using other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Postmarketing data also suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, particularly when NSAIDs are used at higher doses or for prolonged periods. Adverse reactions related to heart problems or stroke have been reported, including symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, and leg swelling.

Furthermore, there have been instances of pain worsening or persisting for more than 10 days, as well as fever worsening or lasting beyond 3 days during ibuprofen use. New symptoms emerging during treatment with ibuprofen have also been documented in postmarketing reports.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients 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 for patients to understand the importance of prompt action in such situations.

Additionally, healthcare providers should recommend that patients take the medication with food or milk if they experience any stomach upset. This guidance can help mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort and enhance the overall tolerability of the treatment.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for reference. It is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its efficacy. Care should 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 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)