Ibuprofen
About
Ibuprofen belongs to the group of medications called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) primarily used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever in adults and paediatrics above 6 months of age. It helps to treat the conditions such as menstrual cramps, headache, neuralgia (nerve-related pain), migraine, back pain, dental pain, swelling and stiffness in joints and muscles, cold, and flu symptoms.
Ibuprofen contains 'Ibuprofen' which works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking COX enzymes' effect, lesser prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever.
Take Ibuprofen as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Ibuprofen for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence (gas), general weakness, and dizziness. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Ibuprofen may increase the chances of stomach ulcers, bleeding and the risk of heart attack or stroke. Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol while taking Ibuprofen. Consult your doctor before taking Ibuprofen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe Ibuprofen only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Ibuprofen may cause drowsiness, so drive with caution. Do not take Ibuprofen for more than 10 days unless prescribed by your doctor. If your condition does not improve even after taking Ibuprofen for 10 days, please consult your doctor.
Uses of Ibuprofen
Medicinal Benefits
Ibuprofen belongs to the group of NSAIDs used to relieve pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen relieves period pain, headache, neuralgia (nerve-related pain), migraine, back pain, dental pain, swelling and stiffness in joints and muscles, cold, flu, and fever symptoms. Ibuprofen works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking COX enzymes' effect, lesser prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Besides this, it also minimizes fever due to pain and inflammatory conditions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ibuprofen
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Flatulence (gas)
- Nausea
- Rash
- Weakness
- Dizziness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you have had any recent heart bypass surgery (CABG), do not use Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen increases the chances of stomach ulcers and bleeding, so do not exceed the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking Ibuprofen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe you Ibuprofen only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Ibuprofen may cause drowsiness, so drive with caution. Do not take Ibuprofen for more than 10 days unless prescribed by your doctor. If your condition does not improve even after taking Ibuprofen for 10 days, please consult your doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol with Ibuprofen as it could lead to increased drowsiness and increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Stop taking Ibuprofen and consult your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or any signs of bleeding in the intestine or stomach, such as blood in stools. Do not take aspirin or any other NSAIDs for pain relief along with Ibuprofen unless prescribed by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ibuprofen may have interaction with pain killers (naproxen, aspirin), anti-depressants (duloxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine), and drugs used to treat arthritis (meloxicam).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Ibuprofen as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. It could also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have/had stomach/intestine ulcer or bleeding, heart failure, fluid retention (oedema), asthma, high blood pressure, hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium), thrombosis (formation of clots), anaemia (low red blood cells), rash, platelet aggregation inhibition, kidney and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Ibuprofen. Alcohol intake, along with Ibuprofen, may cause increased drowsiness and the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not recommended to take Ibuprofen while you are pregnant, especially in the last trimester. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe you Ibuprofen only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIbuprofen may pass into breast milk. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Ibuprofen or not.
Driving
cautionIbuprofen may cause drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, and vision disturbances in some cases. So, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Ibuprofen should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Ibuprofen should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment/kidney disease. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionIbuprofen is not recommended for children below six months of age, as the efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy. Apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20 minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: It is not a disease but a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp; it might be constant or may come and go. The tolerance level of pain might vary from person to person. Pain can be generalized (overall body aches) or localized (affecting a specific area of the body). The common causes of pain include headache, muscle strain, cramps, cuts, bone fractures, arthritis, and certain medical conditions.
FAQs
Ibuprofen works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers (prostaglandin), thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
Diarrhoea or dehydration might be a side-effect of Ibuprofen. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience excess diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Do not take Ibuprofen for more than 10 days unless prescribed by your doctor. Taking Ibuprofen for longer durations or high doses may cause a heart attack or stroke. Do not exceed the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
Ibuprofen may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking Ibuprofen if you have heart problems. Do not use Ibuprofen immediately before or after bypass surgery like CABG.
Taking Ibuprofen with or after food or milk may partially reduce stomach side effects such as indigestion.
Ibuprofen can be used for relieving period pain and cramps if prescribed by the doctor. Do not exceed the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
