MOTRIN (Ibuprofen)
Why is Ibuprofen prescribed?
Ibuprofen is prescribed to lessen pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also prescribed to reduce fever and to relieve mild to moderate pain caused by painful menstrual periods, headaches, toothaches, muscle pain, back pain, and the common cold.
What does it do?
Ibuprofen is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and it works by preventing the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause pain, fever, and inflammation in the body. Ibuprofen is a widely used drug and also has several uses for other conditions.
How should I take it?
Ibuprofen is available in 600mg tablets intended for oral administration.
It should be taken with a full glass of water. It is recommended to take Ibuprofen with food or milk to prevent stomach problems. Swallow the tablet as a whole and do not crush, chew, break it in half, or tamper the tablet in any way. Take it at the same time every day if you are prescribed to take it on a regular basis.
Take Ibuprofen exactly as your doctor instructed and do not make alterations in the dosage or frequency. Your doctor will make adjustments to your dosage as necessary.
Always consult your doctor before stopping the medication and clarify any concerns you may have when taking Ibuprofen.
What if I missed a dose?
Taking the dose properly at the scheduled time is needed to attain the desired effect of the drug. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and catch the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses just to make up for your missed dose.
What are the special precautions before using Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen may increase your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. Inform your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack or if you or anyone in your family has or ever had heart disease, a heart attack, a stroke, high blood pressure, blood clots, high cholesterol levels, or diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, edema, or a connective tissue disease (Lupus, Marfan syndrome, or Sjogren’s syndrome).
Inform your doctor if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers. Ibuprofen may suddenly cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines during treatment which can be fatal.
Tell your doctor if you will undergo heart surgery such as coronary artery bypass graft. You should not take Ibuprofen just before or after the surgery.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Ibuprofen, aspirin, any other NSAIDs, or any other medications. Inform your doctor as well if you had an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction to aspirin or an NSAID before.
For the drug label information of Ibuprofen, click here.
Does it have any side effects?
It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Hearing loss
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Ringing noise in the ears
- Vomiting
- Serious side effects include:
- Bloody or tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Painful urination
- Pale skin
- Rapid weight gain
- Slurred speech
- Sore throat
- Vision changes
- Weakness in one part or side of the body
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Is it safe to use it with another drug?
Some drug interactions may cause life-threatening reactions when taken with other medications. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Ibuprofen with any of the following medications:
- Altace
- Arava
- Aspirin
- Atacand
- Avapro
- Benicar
- Captopril
- Celexa
- Cidofovir
- Corgard
- Coumadin
- Cozaar
- Cymbalta
- Dalteparin
- Desirudin
- Dexamethasone
- Edoxaban
- Effexor XR
- Eliquis
- Enalapril
- Eprosartan
- Everolimus
- Fosinopril
- Inderal
- Iohexol
- Iopamidol
- Ketoprofen
- Lisinopril
- Lithium
- Lotensin
- Lovenox
- Luvox
- Methylprednisolone
- Micardis
- Naproxen
- Omacetaxine
- Paxil
- Pradaxa
- Prednisone
- Pristiq
- Prograf
- Prozac
- Quinapril
- Rapamune
- Rheumatrex
- Tenofovir
- Tenormin
- Tinzaparin
- Toprol XL
- Vorapaxar
- Xarelto
Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Ibuprofen. Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or coffee-ground vomitus (vomit that looks like coffee grounds).
Tell your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent interactions with these medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.
How should I store it?
Store Ibuprofen at room temperature (20-25°C)in a clean environment away from light and moisture. Do not keep it in the bathroom. Always keep it in the container it came in and keep it tightly closed. Keep out of reach from children and pets. Throw away unused or expired medications. Do not flush it in the toilet or down the sink. Consult your pharmacist on the proper disposal of this medication.
What action should I take in case of overdose?
In the event of an overdose, inform your doctor and seek immediate medical attention. Some symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Shallow breathing
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
Ibuprofen should not be taken during the last trimester of pregnancy because it may cause harm to the fetus. Ibuprofen can be taken prior to 30 weeks of gestation if the benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. According to the US FDA, Ibuprofen is categorized as Pregnancy Category C.
Ibuprofen is excreted in human milk and adverse effects to the breastfeeding infant have not been reported.
The use of Ibuprofen in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
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