Drug Name: Ibuprofen
Brand Names: Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, Pediacare Fever, IBU, Haltran, Genpril, Ibu-Tab, Midol
Generic Name: Ibuprofen
Uses: Ibuprofen is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation. These are caused by chemicals in the body called prostaglandins. The drug works by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. The decrease in the number of prostaglandins will also lead to a decrease in pain, fever and inflammation. Arthritis is one of these inflammation that ibuprofen is used to treat. It is not just one disease but involves more than 100 various conditions.
How to use: Ibuprofen should be taken with meals. The dosage though is dependent on the type of condition to be treated. For mild to moderate pain including menstrual cramps and fever, the usual adult dose is 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours. For children six moths to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 5 to 10 mg/kg every 6 to 8 hours. In the treatment of arthritis, the usual dose is at 300 to 800 mg 3 to 4 times daily for adults and 20 to 40 mg/kg 3 to 4 times daily for juvenile arthritis.
Side Effects: Rashes, ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn are among the common side effects individuals may experience in taking ibuprofen. Other side effects are ulcerations of the stomach and intestines which may occur with or without abdominal pain.
Precautions: If you have other medical conditions like congestive heart failure and asthma, notify your doctor about this before starting your treatment with ibuprofen. Kidney impairment is at high risk with those having congestive heart failure and allergic reactions to those with asthma if ibuprofen like all NSAIDs is taken. Ibuprofen treatment is not also advisable for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Drug Interaction: Lithium, aminoglycosides and oral blood thinners or anticoagulants should be avoided while under ibuprofen medication. Interaction with these drugs may lead to further complications. Ibuprofen when taken alongside lithium may increase the level of lithium in the kidneys which may result to lithium toxicity. Lithium is used for the treatment of manic depression. Ibuprofen also has the effect of thinning the blood, so if you also take anticoagulants this will lead to excessive blood thinning which will result to bleeding. Aminoglycerides are used to treat certain bacterial infections.
Overdose: Immediate medical attention should be consulted in case of an overdose.
Notes: Ibuprofen may cause an upset stomach if taken without meals. You should take it with food or milk.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next one, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Important Note: Laboratory tests may be necessary to check on your response to the medicine. It is important to keep all doctor’s appointments and laboratory schedules.
Storage: Ibuprofen should be stored at room temperature. (59 to 86 degrees F or 15 to 30 degrees C)
External resources about Ibuprofen:
Lithium interaction with Ibuprofen
Health Related Informations on Ibuprofen
Aminoglycerides association with Ibuprofen
