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Ibuprofen - Usage, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

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Ibuprofen - Usage, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

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Ibuprofen belongs to the NSAIDs group which acts on the substances in the body that are responsible for causing inflammation and its signs and symptoms.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vedprakash Verma

Published At February 20, 2019
Reviewed AtJanuary 4, 2024

Overview:

When the pain gets unbearable, it is the medicine that we turn to. One of the most commonly available or prescribed painkillers is Ibuprofen, which is available in the brand names of Brufen, Nurofen, Motrin, and Advil.

Ibuprofen belongs to the NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) group, which acts on the substances in the body that are responsible for inflammation and its signs and symptoms. Thus, it prevents swelling, pain, and fever. It was introduced in 1969. It is derived from propionic acid and is a nonselective COX inhibitor.

It is available in tablets, capsules, gels, spray, creams, and liquids. Sometimes, it is also available as a combination drug in which it is combined with another drug to prevent a specific action. It is advisable to get it based on a doctor's prescription.

Drug Group:

Ibuprofen belongs to the group of NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. They are used to relieve the symptoms of headaches, painful periods, sprains, arthritis, and other causes of long-term pain. The other drugs that belong to the group of NSAIDs are:

  • Diclofenac.

  • Naproxen.

  • Celecoxib.

  • Mefenamic acid.

  • Etoricoxib.

  • Indomethacin.

  • High-dose Aspirin (But low-dose Aspirin is not considered in the group of NSAIDs).

What Is Ibuprofen Used For?

As this drug reduces the inflammatory signs and symptoms (mainly pain), the following are the conditions it is usually used for:

  • Low to moderate pain: As in cases of toothache, menstrual pain, migraines, pain relief after surgery, etc.

  • Fever: Like after vaccination, flu, etc.

  • Pain due to sprain and strains due to sports injuries.

  • Inflammatory conditions of bone and muscles like rheumatoid or osteoarthritis (in rheumatoid arthritis, it is equally effective with Diclofenac, Aspirin).

  • Delayed progression of Alzheimer's disease.

  • Chronic degenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

  • It is equally effective in patent ductus arteriosus compared to Indomethacin.

  • Orthostatic hypotension due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Cystic fibrosis to reduce the swelling.

How Does Ibuprofen Work?

Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body. Ibuprofen stops our body from producing excessive amounts of prostaglandins when we get injured or get any illness. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are naturally produced in the body when you fall sick or get injured. Prostaglandins can also make your tissues swollen or inflamed.

When Ibuprofen is taken, it blocks the production of prostaglandins and works at the site of pain, and helps to relieve the pain, and helps to reduce the inflammation.

Onset of Action

For Ibuprofen to work, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes when taken by mouth. It can also take about 1 to 2 days if applied to the skin.

What Is the Dosage of Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen Dosage for Fever and Pain

Adult Dosage

Adult Dosage of Ibuprofen

What Happens When Ibuprofen Is Taken In Overdose?

As Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter, too, people are exposed to an overdose of it due to consumption without medical advice. Though life-threatening complications are rare, they can range from mild to fatal complications. The commonly seen symptoms are nausea, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ear, and nystagmus (involuntary eyeball movement).

The rare severe symptoms include GI bleeding, cardiac arrest, seizures, respiratory depression, decreased heart rate, liver problems, etc. High doses of 400 mg/kg can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, renal toxicity, and cardiovascular complications. The therapy for this includes decontamination of the stomach using activated charcoal, gastric lavage. Voluntary vomiting is not recommended, though.

Can Ibuprofen Cause Addiction?

Yes, you can get addicted to medications like Ibuprofen if it is consumed regularly for more than three weeks every day. Older people are known to be more dependent and addicted to these medications when compared to others.

How To Take Ibuprofen?

The dosage varies according to the severity and your health condition. The usual dosage for adults is about one or two 200 mg tablets to be taken three times a day. In certain cases, doctors may prescribe or recommend a higher dosage of up to 600 mg to be taken four times a day. But it should be done only under the consultation of the doctor.

  • If you are taking Ibuprofen three times a day, there should be at least 6 hours between the doses. In case you are taking Ibuprofen four times a day, then there should be a minimum of 4 hours between the doses.

  • Always take Ibuprofen tablets with food or after having a glass of milk to reduce the chances of stomach upset. Try to avoid taking on an empty stomach.

  • You need to swallow the tablets with a glass of water.

  • Do not chew or break or crush the tablets as they can irritate the throat or mouth.

  • If you find it difficult to swallow, then Ibuprofen is also available in the form of tablets that melts in the mouth, or it is also available as granules that can be mixed with water and can be taken as a syrup.

Can I Take Ibuprofen Before Bed?

You can take Ibuprofen before going to bed. Please make sure you give a minimum time interval of 10-20 minutes after taking these medications. Some people might experience discomfort while taking these medications. In such situations, you can consume Ibuprofen along with milk.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions for Ibuprofen?

  • Pregnancy - Taking it during the first trimester can affect the baby and hence, should be avoided totally. Even later, it is best to avoid it and, if at all required, should be taken with the doctor’s consent.

  • Lactation - As it is found to be passed through breast milk, it is better to avoid it during breastfeeding also.

  • Allergic to any other NSAIDs like Aspirin.

  • Consult your doctor if you have a history of stomach problems like heartburns, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or any kidney disease.

  • If you have asthma.

  • If you are taking any diuretic.

Is Ibuprofen Safe for Babies?

Before advising it for the babies, the weight and age of the babies are estimated. The baby has to be a minimum of three months old for consuming these medications. Also, the weight of the baby should be at least 5 to 6 kg for taking Ibuprofen.

What Are the Side Effects of Ibuprofen?

Like every other drug, this also has some side effects, and the most commonly noticed are as follows:

  • Dizziness and Nausea.

  • Stomach bleeding or ulceration.

  • Dyspepsia (indigestion).

  • Diarrhea or constipation.

  • A headache.

  • Rashes.

  • Salt and fluid retention.

  • Increased blood pressure.

Some serious and rare complications include:

  • Heart problems.

  • Ulcer in the esophagus.

  • Constriction of bronchial muscles.

  • Confusion.

  • Activating asthma.

  • Allergic reaction.

In case of any unwanted reactions or symptoms, it is better to consult your physician immediately to get treated.

Can Ibuprofen Help You Sleep?

Ibuprofen can help you sleep if it is consumed at night time. Even after waking up in the morning, some patients might feel sleepy. This happens as a side effect of the drug. You should consult with your doctor and ask for the appropriate dosage.

What Are the Advantage of Ibuprofen?

  • Worldwide availability.

  • Better gastrointestinal tolerance.

  • Easy measurable toxicity.

  • Less interaction with other drugs.

  • A broad range of uses.

  • The dose of oral anticoagulants and oral hypoglycemic drugs need not be altered.

What Are the Drug Interactions for Ibuprofen?

A drug can interact with another drug to give either a beneficial effect or increase the side effects or provide unwanted reaction. Some of the interactions are as mentioned below:

  • Alcohol - Consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine can exacerbate or increase the bleeding in the stomach.

  • Paracetamol - A usual combination of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen is proven to be beneficial in children but advisable to be taken based on the doctor’s advice.

  • It is also known to react with antidepressants, beta-blockers, and diuretics.

  • Aspirin - It has been found that Ibuprofen can affect the antiplatelet action of Aspirin (low dose).

  • Ibuprofen is most effective in decreasing body temperature by combining with Paracetamol in the initial hours.

  • It increases the potential of antiepileptic drugs like Valproate and Phenytoin.

What Are the Available Brand Names for Ibuprofen?

The available brand names for Ibuprofen are:

  • Advil.

  • Pediatric Advil.

  • Medipren.

  • Motrin.

  • Nuprin.

  • Brufen.

  • Nurofen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Is the Strongest Natural Anti-Inflammatory?

The natural anti-inflammatory agents are:
- Tomatoes.
- Olive oil.
- Green leafy vegetables.
- Nuts like walnuts and almonds.
- Fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, tuna, and sardines.
- Fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and cherries.

2.

What Are the Side Effects of Ibuprofen?

The various side effects of Ibuprofen are:
- Gas.
- Heartburn.
- Stomach pain.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.

3.

What Happens to the Body When Ibuprofen Is Taken?

The production of prostaglandins is stopped by Ibuprofen. The swelling and pain caused by prostaglandins are reduced by these medications. The effect of Ibuprofen can start immediately after taking these medications.

4.

How Many 400 mg Ibuprofen Can You Take?

For adults, Ibuprofen 400 mg should be taken only in two tablets dosage (total 800 mg in a day). The children should be given a lower dosage than this. Increasing the dosage to more than 800 mg per day will cause damage to the intestine and stomach in the long run.

5.

Can Ibuprofen Cause Addiction?

Yes, you can get addicted to medications like Ibuprofen if it is consumed regularly for more than three weeks every day. Older people are known to be more dependent and addicted to these medications when compared to others.

6.

How Long Does It Take for Ibuprofen to Leave Your System?

The medication of Ibuprofen can stay in the body for about four to six hours. The half-life period of Ibuprofen is only 2 hours. However, it might take 24 hours completely for the drug to be eliminated from the body.

7.

What Happens if You Take Ibuprofen for a Long Time?

Taking Ibuprofen for a long time can result in the following complications:
- Stroke.
- Heart attack.
- Heartburn
- Increased functioning of the kidney.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Damage to the intestine and stomach.

8.

Can I Take Ibuprofen Before Bed?

You can take Ibuprofen before going to bed. Please make sure you give a minimum time interval of 10-20 minutes after taking these medications. Some people might experience discomfort while taking these medications. In such situations, you can consume Ibuprofen along with milk.

9.

Does Ibuprofen Help Inflammation?

Ibuprofen can be used to reduce inflammation. The effect of Ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory agent can begin after three weeks in some patients. Therefore, you can choose any other drug if inflammation is your main problem.

10.

How Much Ibuprofen Has to Be Taken for Anti-Inflammatory Effect?

A dosage of 200-400 mg of Ibuprofen is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. The Ibuprofen medication is available as a tablet and capsule. Ibuprofen serves as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent.

11.

Can Ibuprofen Help in Arthritis?

Yes, Ibuprofen can help in arthritis conditions. The adults can take a dosage of about 1200 mg. The dosage can be split up equally. In young patients, the dosage is adjusted according to the weight of the patient. You can also get help from doctors at icliniq.com.

12.

Can Ibuprofen Help You Sleep?

Ibuprofen can help you sleep if it is consumed at night time. Even after waking up in the morning, some patients might feel sleepy. This happens as a side effect of the drug. You should consult with your doctor and ask for the appropriate dosage.

13.

Is Ibuprofen Safe for Babies?

Before advising for the babies, the weight and age of the babies are estimated. The baby has to be a minimum of three months old for consuming these medications. Also, the weight of the baby should be at least five to six kg for taking Ibuprofen.

14.

What Are the Contraindications of Ibuprofen?

The contraindications of Ibuprofen are:
- High blood pressure.
- Kidney or liver problems.
- Asthma.
- Lupus.
- Crohn's disease.
Dr. Vedprakash Verma
Dr. Vedprakash Verma

General Practitioner

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