What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug which reduces pain, fever, and signs of inflammation like swelling, redness.
Uses of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen tablets relieve pain, reduce swelling and ease inflammation in conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and tendons including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Acute Gout
- Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis affecting the spine and large joints)
- A backache
- Sprains and strains
- Soft tissue sports injuries
- Frozen shoulder, Dislocations
- Tendonitis (inflammation of tendon for example tennis elbow)
- Bursitis (inflammation of sacs filled with lubricating fluid in joints)
- Dental pain
- Muscle pain
- Painful periods
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How does Ibuprofen work?
- Ibuprofen is a painkiller that works by obstructing the production of an enzyme called as Cyclo-oxygenase which helps in Prostaglandin synthesis.
- Synthesis of Prostaglandins in the body is associated with symptoms like pain, fever, swelling etc.
- Therefore by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, Ibuprofen helps in relieving all associated symptoms (pain, swelling etc).
Ibuprofen Price in India
|Strip of 12 Tablets||Rs 31.95|
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How to take Ibuprofen?
- Ibuprofen is available in 2 forms – 200 mg tablets and suspensions.
- Ibuprofen suspensions – Shake the bottle well before use. Measure the required dose using a measuring cup.
- Ibuprofen tablets should be swallowed as a whole and not broken, crushed or chewed.
- They should be taken after food and with plenty of fluids.
Common dosage of Ibuprofen
The drug dosage is decided by the physician based upon:
- Health status/medical condition of the patient
- Severity of symptoms
- Reaction to the first dose
- History of allergy/drug reactions
- Ibuprofen and suspensions are usually taken two or three times a day or as directed by your doctor.
- Consult your doctor before administering in children below 12 years of age.
- Never use more than the recommended dose or for longer periods of time without doctor’s consent.
When to avoid Ibuprofen?
- Allergy-Ibuprofen is not recommended if you have a known allergy of medicines belonging to NSAIDs. Severe allergic conditions like Asthma and itching can be triggered in such cases.
- Peptic Ulcer-in patients suffering from peptic ulcer, Ibuprofen can cause severe swelling and bleeding in the stomach, colon, and anus.
- Ibuprofen should not be used in neonates suffering from Congenital Heart Disease.
- Patients suffering from asthma
- Patients suffering from a severe liver disease
- Patients suffering from severe kidney disease
Side Effects of Ibuprofen
All medicines have some side effects. Side effects are possible but do not always occur. Consult your doctor if you feel that you have any of them-
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash
- Dry skin
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Are There Any Reported Allergic Reactions?
Possible allergic reactions reported are-
- Rashes on skin
- Discoloration of the skin on the face or neck
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling of face, neck
- Loss of consciousness
What Are The Effects of Ibuprofen on Organs?
- Patients with pre-existing liver disease should use this drug with caution and under the supervision of their doctor.
- In the stomach, it can cause ulcers which lead to serious bleeding from the stomach or intestine.
Drug interactions to be careful about
Drug interaction refers to the effect of drugs on each other and on the human body after ingestion. Large numbers of medicines have shown to interact with each other. It is always advised that the patient must inform the physician about all the drugs/over the counter products/vitamin supplements used.
You must also inform about the herbal products that you are consuming. Do not modify the drug regimen without your doctor’s approval. All the possible drug interactions might not be listed here. Few common drugs which interact with Ibuprofen include-
- ACE Inhibitors
- Aldosterone antagonists
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Loop diuretics
- Prostaglandin analogues
- Thiazide diuretics
Show effects/Results In
- It depends on the dosage and age of the patient and the severity of the problem.
- It shows its full effect in 30 – 60 minutes. Slowly leads to relief in pain.
Is Ibuprofen addictive?
No habit-forming tendencies have been reported with Ibuprofen.
Can I have Ibuprofen with alcohol?
Daily use of alcohol while using Ibuprofen may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
Any particular food item to be avoided?
No interaction with any food product observed.
Can I have Ibuprofen when pregnant?
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.
- During pregnancy avoid taking Ibuprofen unless entirely necessary.
- It is not recommended for use during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy as it can harm the foetus or interference with normal delivery.
Can I have Ibuprofen when feeding a baby?
It is not known whether Ibuprofen is secreted in breast milk. Use with caution or only when advised in lactating mothers.
Can I drive after taking Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and light-headedness in few patients. In such patients, driving should be avoided.
What happens if I overdose on Ibuprofen?
Taking more than prescribed dosage can be harmful and can increase the incidence of side effects. Symptoms of overdosage include:
- Stomach discomfort
- In the case of over-dosage, consult your doctor immediately.
What happens if I eat expired Ibuprofen?
- Avoid taking expired medicine. If you have taken accidentally and you are feeling any discomfort rush to the doctor immediately for medical assistance.
- An expired drug might not be as potent in treating your condition. It is advisable to refrain from using an expired drug.
What happens if I miss a dose of Ibuprofen?
- The medicine may not work well if you miss a dose because, for effective working of the drug, a certain amount of drug must be present in your body at all times.
- Always consume the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But, if it is already time to take the second dose after that – do not take a double dose.
Storage Requirements for Ibuprofen
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze.
Pro Tips When Taking Ibuprofen
- Consult your doctor if you have systemic lupus erythematosus
- Ibuprofen should be cautiously used in patients with pre-existing peptic ulcer as it can cause bleeding in the stomach or intestine
- NSAIDs should only be prescribed at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time.
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