What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drug (NSAID). It reduces hormones that cause pain and inflammation within the body. Ibuprofen can be used to decrease fever and ease inflammation or pain that is due to a variety of conditions like migraines, toothaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injuries. Ibuprofen is prescribed to adults as Well as children who are six months of age or older.
Warnings
Ibuprofen may increase the risk of a fatal cardiac attack or stroke. Don't take this medication immediately prior to or after coronary bypass surgery (coronary bypass grafts for the artery, also known as CABG).
Ibuprofen can also trigger intestinal or stomach bleeding, which could be fatal. These issues can happen at any time while taking this medication, particularly among older adults.
Don't exceed your prescribed dose. A high dose of ibuprofen could cause damage to your stomach or intestines. Use no more medication than is necessary to reduce your fever, pain, or swelling.
Before Taking this Medicine.
Ibuprofen should not be used in the event that you are allergic to it or have ever experienced an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction when using aspirin or an NSAID.
Consult a pharmacist or doctor to determine if this medication is suitable for you if you have ever used:
- Cardiovascular disease, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, or smoking cigarettes;
- A stroke, heart attack, or blood clot
- Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or ulcers;
- Kidney or liver disease;
- Asthma
- If you take aspirin to avoid a heart attack or stroke,
Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
If you are expecting, then you shouldn't take Ibuprofen unless your doctor advises that you should. Taking an NSAID in the final twenty weeks of pregnancy could cause kidney or heart problems for the unborn baby and possibly complications related to the pregnancy.
Don't give Ibuprofen to a child younger than 6 months without consulting the advice of a physician.
How to Take Ibuprofen?
Take ibuprofen as directed on the label or as directed by your physician. Choose the dose that will be effective in treating your problem. A high dose of ibuprofen could cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen that adults should take is 800 milligrams for each dose, or 3200 mg daily (4 maximal doses). A child's dose is determined by the infant's weight and age. Follow the dosage instructions carefully included in the ibuprofen children's dosage for the weight and age of the child. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor about any concerns. Ibuprofen can be taken with milk or food to ease gastric upset. Shake up the oral suspension (liquid) prior to determining the dose. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or use a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon). It is important to chew the tablet before taking it.Place the container in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture. Don't let the medicine in liquid form become frozen.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Because ibuprofen is only used in cases of need and not always on a prescribed schedule, Don't miss a dose when it's time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Take immediate medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. Some symptoms of an overdose consist of nausea, vomiting, discomfort in the stomach, dizziness, bloody or black stools, sweating blood, sluggish breathing, and fainting. It could also be a sign of a coma.
What Should be Avoided?
Consult a physician or pharmacist before taking other medications for swelling, fever, pain, or other symptoms of the cold or flu. They could contain ingredients like Ibuprofen (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Take aspirin only if your doctor advises you to. If you take aspirin to avoid a stroke or heart attack, ibuprofen may cause aspirin to be less effective in protecting your blood vessels and the heart.Ibuprofen should be taken 8 to 10 hours before or 30 minutes after aspirin (non-enteric coated form), if you are taking both medications. Do not drink alcohol. It can increase the chance of bleeding from your stomach.
Side Effects of Ibuprofen
Contact emergency medical assistance when you notice symptoms of an allergic response to Ibuprofen (hives, breathing problems, and swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever, sore throat, eye burning, irritation, or an ailment that is purple or red and blisters and peels).
Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of an attack on your heart or stroke, chest pain spreading into your shoulder or jaw A sudden feeling of weakness or numbness in one part of your body; speech slurred; leg swelling; and feeling tired.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor right away. If you suffer from:
- Changes in your vision
- Breath shortness (even even);
- Weight gain or swelling that is rapid
- An itch on the skin, regardless of how minor;
- Indications that stomach blood is bleeding, tarry or bloody stool, coughing vomit, or blood that looks like coffee grounds
- Liver issues nausea, stomach discomfort, itching, fatigue sensation, and symptoms resembling flu weight loss, the dark color of urine, stools that are clay-colored, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin),
- Red blood cells are low (anemia): pale skin, feeling lightheaded or short of breath, fast heart rate, difficulty concentrating,
- Kidney issues The result is a lack of or no urine, pain or difficulty urinating, swelling of your ankles and feet, fatigue, or feeling sluggish.
Ibuprofen side effects that are common are:
- Nausea, vomiting, gas;
- Bleeding
- Dizziness, headache.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Interaction with Other Drugs
Consult your physician before taking ibuprofen when you are on any antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants along with an NSAID could cause bleeding or bruises.
Consult a physician or pharmacist prior to using Ibuprofen along with any other medication, including:
- Cyclosporine
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- A bleeding thinner (Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven)
- Heart or blood pressure medications such as diuretics or "water pills"; or
- Steroid medicine (such as prednisone)
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interfere with ibuprofen. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are listed here.
