Ibuprofen – package insert, what it is for and how to use it!
Ibuprofen is an anti – inflammatory widely used against fever or various pains, such as headache , back pain and menstrual cramps . In this article we are going to talk about the characteristics of ibuprofen in a simpler way for those who are using it with medical indication, and it does not replace the package insert and medical guidelines, this article is also not an incentive to self-medication.
When to take ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is an everyday pain reliever for a range of aches and pains including back pain, menstrual pain, toothache. It also treats inflammation, such as strains and sprains, and arthritis pain.
It is available as tablets and capsules and as a syrup that you swallow. It also comes as a gel, mousse, and spray that you rub into your skin. It is combined with other pain relievers in some products.
It is an ingredient in some cold and flu remedies, such as Nurofen Cold and Flu. You can buy most types of ibuprofen at pharmacies and supermarkets.
What is ibuprofen indicated for?
This remedy has analgesic action and acts against mild and moderate pain. As it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, its action is due to the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins, substances involved in the inflammatory processes of the body, and its effectiveness is around 60%.
Ibuprofen is indicated for the treatment of pain and inflammation, and can be used for:
- Tonsillitis;
- Gouty arthritis (Gout);
- Rheumatoid arthritis ;
- Kidney stone;
- Menstrual cramping ( Dysmenorrhea )
- Headache (Headache);
- Dor muscular;
- Post-surgical pain;
- migraine ;
- fever ;
- Toothache ;
- Dental inflammations;
- Low back pain;
- Arthritis ;
- Osteoarthritis;
- tendinitis.
How long does it take for ibuprofen to work?
Ibuprofen takes 20 to 30 minutes to work if you take it by mouth. It takes 1-2 days to work if you put it on your skin. It works by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body.
For strains and sprains, some doctors and pharmacists recommend waiting 48 hours before taking, as this can delay healing. If you’re not sure, talk to a pharmacist.
Ibuprofen is typically used for menstrual pain or a toothache . Some people find ibuprofen better than acetaminophen for back pain.
Always take tablets and capsules with food or a glass of milk to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
Dosage:
There is a version of oral ibuprofen , in tablets (200 mg, 400 mg and 600 mg) and drops for pediatric treatment, and an intravenous version. The 600 mg version is more suitable for serious conditions, to relieve pain and inflammation in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, joint rheumatism, osteoarthritis, relief of pain after surgery and to reduce high fever.
- Children from 6 months: Generally, the recommended dose varies from 1 to 2 drops for every 1 kg of the child’s weight, given 3 to 4 times a day, at 6 to 8 hour intervals. For children over 30 kg, the maximum recommended dose is 200 mg, which is equivalent to 40 drops of Ibuprofen 50 mg/ml or 20 drops of Ibuprofen 100 mg/ml.
- Adults: Generally, the recommended dose ranges from 200 mg to 800 mg per dose, which is equivalent to 20 to 80 drops of Ibuprofen 100 mg/ml given 3 to 4 times a day. They should not exceed the maximum recommended dose of 3,200 mg per day.
After oral administration, ibuprofen starts to act in about 15 to 30 minutes, reducing fever and relieving pain and its action lasts for 4 to 6 hours. The tablets should be swallowed whole, without chewing, preferably with water or another non-alcoholic beverage.
Ibuprofen side effects:
Some of the side effects of ibuprofen can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain , gas, poor digestion, fluid retention, bloating, dizziness, insomnia, headache , irritability, or ringing in the ear. .
Who can’t take ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is contraindicated in patients with a history of bleeding or perforation in the stomach or intestine, patients with active ulcerative colitis , Crohn’s disease , peptic ulcer disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding , patients with a history of allergy to other anti-inflammatory or antipyretics, and for patients with an allergy. this medicine or any of the components of the formula.
Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should talk to your doctor before starting treatment with the drug.