Ibuprofen

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Advil, Betagesic, Brufen, Nurofen

Popular combinations:

Gen-payne, Ibumol, Ibupain, Lotem, Mybulen, Mypaid, Myprodol

Drug group:

Analgesic, antipyretic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Prescription needed?

No (but some combinations require a script)

What does it do?

Ibuprofen reduces pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

It is effective in the treatment of fever and mild to moderate pain including headache/migraine, menstrual and dental pain, soft tissue injuries, post-operative pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout.

How does it work?

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX - an enzyme needed for prostaglandin synthesis) which results in less inflammation and pain.

How should it be used?

• All oral preparations should be taken with or after food
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• SR preparations are taken 1–2 x daily; other oral and topical preparations 3–4 x daily
• Adults: 600mg–2.4g daily; Children: Dosage varies according to age and/or body weight

How quickly will it start to work?

Relief of acute pain begins in 15 minutes–2 hours, full anti-inflammatory effect in arthritic conditions may take up to 2 weeks            
          

How long will the effects last?

5–10 hours      
       

When should I stop using it?

It can be safely stopped as soon as no longer needed for acute pain, discuss with your doctor before stopping it for long-term treatment of arthritis.

Is it safe for prolonged use?  

There is a small risk of bleeding from the stomach/bowel, heart attack or stroke with long-term use.

What are the possible side effects?

Ibuprofen taken at low doses has fewer side effects than many of the other NSAIDs

The following have been reported:

• More common: gastrointestinal problems (heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting)
• Less common: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, swelling of the feet/legs, weight gain
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash or itching, wheezing, breathlessness, or black/bloodstained faeces

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: kidney/liver/heart problems, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, previous stroke, peptic ulcer, oesophagitis, acid indigestion/reflux, allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs, asthma
• Other medicines: other NSAIDs, aspirin, oral anticoagulants, corticosteroids, ciprofloxacin, antihypertensive drugs, diuretics , ciclosporin, tacrolimus
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: not safe in pregnancy, use with caution while breastfeeding
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: No problems expected
• Alcohol: Avoid, increased risk of stomach problems
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Ibuprofen may prolong bleeding, discuss with your doctor