Ibuprofen

Description

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available in the form of coated tablets. Each tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen, which serves as a pain reliever and fever reducer. The product is packaged in a bottle containing 100 coated tablets.

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

Adults and children aged 12 years and over 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 of this product is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to any other pain reliever or fever reducer. Additionally, it 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 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.

As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen 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 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 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 or for prolonged periods.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a physician prior to using ibuprofen if any of the following conditions apply: a history of stomach bleeding, adverse reactions to pain relievers or fever reducers, previous stomach issues such as heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or a history of stroke. Patients taking diuretics should also seek medical advice before use. Furthermore, individuals under medical supervision for serious conditions, those using aspirin for cardiovascular protection, or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist prior to initiating ibuprofen therapy.

In the event of an allergic reaction, it is crucial to stop using the product and seek emergency medical help immediately. In cases of overdose, medical assistance should be sought or the Poison Control Center contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients should discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if they experience any side effects, which can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Signs of potential stomach bleeding include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or leg swelling, warrant immediate medical attention. Additionally, 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 may experience a range of adverse reactions associated with the use of ibuprofen. Serious adverse reactions include severe allergic reactions, which may manifest as hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, or blisters, particularly in individuals with a known allergy to aspirin.

Additionally, ibuprofen, as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), carries a warning for the potential of severe stomach bleeding. The risk of this serious adverse effect 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 exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use.

The use of NSAIDs, excluding aspirin, is also 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 guidelines.

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 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 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 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 important for patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are taking diuretics or if they are under medical care for any serious condition. Additionally, patients taking aspirin for cardiovascular protection should be aware that ibuprofen may diminish the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

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 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 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. It is essential for healthcare providers to exercise caution when prescribing medications that may exacerbate this risk in this population.

Monitoring for gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding is advised in geriatric patients, especially when initiating treatment or adjusting dosages. Healthcare providers should consider the overall health status and concurrent medications of elderly patients to ensure safe and effective management.

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 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 discuss their liver function status, as compromised liver function may influence the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in this population to ensure appropriate management and to mitigate potential risks associated with the use of the 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 are advised to call the 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 as they arise.

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 develop as a result of the overdose.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, as it may lead to complications for the unborn child or during delivery. No additional non-teratogenic effects or specific nonclinical toxicology details have been identified in the available data. Furthermore, there are no specific findings related to animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

During postmarketing experience, the following adverse reactions have been reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs:

Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria, have been documented. Gastrointestinal events such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation have also been noted. Renal toxicity, characterized by acute renal failure and interstitial nephritis, has been reported. Instances of liver toxicity, including elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis, have been observed. Cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, have been recorded. Additionally, skin reactions, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients should be instructed to stop using the medication and consult a doctor if they experience any side effects. They may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. It is important to inform patients to discontinue use and seek medical attention if they notice signs of stomach bleeding, which may include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, or experiencing stomach pain that does not improve.

Additionally, patients should be made aware to stop use and consult a doctor if they exhibit symptoms indicative of heart problems or stroke, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or swelling in the legs. They should also be advised to stop use and seek medical advice 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.

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

Furthermore, patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor before use if they are taking a diuretic or if they are under a doctor's care for any serious condition. It is also important to inform patients to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before use if they are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, as ibuprofen may reduce the effectiveness of aspirin. Lastly, patients should be advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if they are taking any other drugs.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It should be stored at a controlled room temperature 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), to maintain product integrity. Proper container requirements should be adhered to, ensuring that the product is kept in suitable conditions to prevent degradation. Special handling needs should be observed to ensure the product remains within the recommended temperature range throughout its storage and handling processes.

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 during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a physician, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

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)