Ibuprofen – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Ibuprofen is a non –  steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body .

Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions, such as headaches, toothaches, backaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps or minor injuries. It is used in adults and children at least 6 months of age.

It can increase your risk of  fatal heart attack or stroke , especially if you use it long-term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Do not use this medication before or after cardiac surgery (CABG or CABG surgery).

Precautions Before Taking This Medicine:

Ibuprofen may increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke , especially if you use it long-term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors can have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medication.

Do not use this medication before or after cardiac surgery (CABG or CABG surgery). Ibuprofen can also cause bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using ibuprofen , especially in older adults.

You should not use ibuprofen if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to take this medicine if you have:

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or if you smoke
  • History of heart attack , stroke or blood clot;
  • History of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
  • Asma;

How to take Ibuprofen:

Use Ibuprofen exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Do not take more than your recommended dose. An overdose of Ibuprofen can damage your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of Ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever .

A child’s Ibuprofen dose is based on the child’s age and weight. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with your child’s medication for your child’s age and weight. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if in doubt. Take Ibuprofen with food or milk to lessen an upset stomach.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

As Ibuprofen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What Should I Avoid When Taking Ibuprofen?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin while taking Ibuprofen . Avoid taking Ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack .

Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective at protecting the   heart and blood vessels. If you must use both drugs, take  ibuprofen  at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after taking aspirin (non-enteric-coated form).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy or pain medication. Many over-the-counter medications contain aspirin or other  ibuprofen -like medications . Taking certain products together can cause you to get a lot from this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medication contains aspirin,  ibuprofen , ketoprofen, or naproxen.

Ibuprofen side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ibuprofen : sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or difficulty breathing; urticaria; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke : chest pain spreading into your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, swelling in your legs, shortness of breath. Stop using Ibuprofen and call your doctor right away if you have:

  • Changes in your vision;
  • Shortness of breath (even with light exertion);
  • Swelling or rapid weight gain;
  • The first sign of any rash, no matter how mild;
  • Signs of stomach bleeding – bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that resembles coffee beans;
  • Liver problems – nausea , stomach pain , itching, feeling tired, flu -like symptoms , loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Usual adult dose for dor:

  • Oral: Mild to Moderate Pain: 200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Doses greater than 400 mg have not been shown to be more effective.
  • IV: (Patients should be well hydrated before IV Ibuprofen administration ):
  • Pain: 400 to 800 mg intravenously over 30 minutes every 6 hours as needed.

Usual adult dose for a fever:

  • Oral:  200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
  • IV: (Patients should be well hydrated prior to intravenous administration of Ibuprofen ):
  • Fever: Initial: 400 mg intravenously over 30 minutes.
  • Maintenance: 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 100 to 200 mg every 4 hours as needed.

Usual pediatric dose for fever:

Over 6 months to 12 years: 

  • 5 mg/kg/dose for temperatures below 102.5 degrees F (39.2 degrees C) orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
  • 10 mg/kg/dose for temperature greater than or equal to 102.5 degrees F (39.2 degrees C) orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
  • The maximum recommended daily dose is 40 mg/kg.

Pediatric OTC (Analgesic, Antipyretic) Labeling: 6 months to 11 years: 7.5 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 hours; Maximum daily dose: 30 mg/kg

Usual pediatric dose for pain:

  • Infants and Children: 4 to 10 mg/kg orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
  • The maximum recommended daily dose is 40 mg/kg.

Pediatric OTC (Analgesic, Antipyretic) Labeling: 6 months to 11 years: 7.5 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 hours; Maximum daily dose: 30 mg / kg.

What Other Medications Will Affect Ibuprofen?

Ask your doctor before using ibuprofen if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these drugs with an NSAID can cause injury or bleeding.

Useful links: 

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use ibuprofen if you are also using any of the following medications:

  • lithium ;
  • Methotrexate ;
  • A blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
  • Medication for blood pressure or heart rate, including a diuretic or “water pill”
  • Steroid medication (such as prednisone).

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