What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug. It is a powerful painkiller in the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to reduce pain in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, shoulder pain, neck pain, back pain, migraine, post cataract surgery and various other inflammatory conditions.

💡 Uses

Ibuprofen is commonly used to treat:

• Pain relief in the short term
• Patent Ductus arteriosus (PDA) in paediatric age group
• Reduces swelling of joints and muscles

Dosage

✅ Recommended Dosage:

• The commonly used oral dose is 400 mg taken 4 to 6 hourly
• In patent Ductus arteriosus (PDA), injectable form is available. Dose in such condition is decided under the supervision of paediatrician

⚠️ Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Stomach upset or heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gas or bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache

🆘 Serious side effects (seek immediate medical attention):

• Signs of stomach bleeding (black, bloody, or tarry stools)
• Severe stomach pain
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe skin reactions or rash
• Changes in urination

🛡️ Safety Precautions

Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you have:

• 🍷 Alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver injury. Dosage in such people should be guided by a physician
• 🤰 Pregnancy: It is advised to consult a physician before taking ibuprofen
• 🍼 Breastfeeding: Ibuprofen is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it is always best to consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen
• 🚗 Driving: Ibuprofen can affect your ability to drive, as it may cause drowsiness or headaches in some patients
• Liver: Ibuprofen tablet should be used with caution in liver disease. Certainly, dose adjustment is needed. Please consult your doctor. In active liver disease it is not advisable to consume ibuprofen.
• Kidney: ibuprofen tablet should be used with caution in kidney disease. Dose adjustment will be beneficial. Please consult your doctor. However, ibuprofen is considered safest painkiller for patients with kidney disease

⚡ Important Drug Interactions

Ibuprofen may interact with:

• Alcohol: Increases risk of stomach bleeding
• Methotrexate: Increases methotrexate toxicity by reducing renal elimination
• Digoxin: Increases blood digoxin levels causing toxicity
• Lithium: Increases blood levels causing lithium toxicity
• Antihypertensive Drugs: Reduces efficacy of blood pressure medications

Storage

• Store at room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C)
• Keep in original container, tightly closed
• Protect from light and moisture

💡 Quick Tips from Experts

• 🍽️ Take with food or milk to reduce gastric upset
• 👨‍⚕️ Follow doctor's prescription - don't increase dose/duration
• 🚫🍷 Avoid alcohol while taking ibuprofen
• ⚠️ May cause drowsiness - use caution when driving/operating machinery
• 🩺 Regular liver/kidney monitoring needed for long-term use

📚 Resources

• 1] Brunton LL, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2023.
• 2] Katzung BG, Vanderah TW. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2024.