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Ibuprofen

1. Generic Name & Brand Names

  • Generic Name: Ibuprofen

  • Common Brand Names (Examples - Varies by Country):

    • Advil (USA, Canada, others)

    • Motrin (USA, Canada, others)

    • Nurofen (UK, Australia, Europe)

    • Brufen (India, Asia, others)

    • Numerous store/generic brands (e.g., Ibuprofen-XXX, IBU, etc.)

2. Dosage Forms

  • Tablets & Caplets

  • Capsules & Softgels

  • Liquid Suspension/Solution (for adults/children)

  • Chewable Tablets

  • Topical Gel/Cream

  • Effervescent Tablets

  • Intravenous (Hospital use, e.g., Caldolor®)

3. Drug Class

  • NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)

  • Analgesic (Pain Reliever)

  • Antipyretic (Fever Reducer)

  • Anti-inflammatory

4. Uses

  • Mild to Moderate Pain: Headaches, dental pain, backaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps.

  • Inflammation: Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), tendonitis, bursitis.

  • Fever Reduction.

  • Other: Post-surgical pain, migraines (some formulations).

5. Side Effects

  • Common:

    • Upset stomach, heartburn, nausea

    • Dizziness, headache

    • Mild rash

  • Serious (Require Immediate Medical Attention):

    • Gastrointestinal Bleeding/Ulcers: Stomach pain, black/tarry stools, vomiting blood.

    • Kidney Problems: Reduced urine output, swelling (feet/ankles), fatigue.

    • Heart Attack/Stroke: Chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech, weakness (especially with long-term/high-dose use).

    • Severe Skin Reactions: SJS, TEN (blistering, peeling rash).

    • Allergic Reactions: Swelling (face/throat), wheezing, hives.

    • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).

6. Warnings Before Taking

  • Allergy: Avoid if allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.

  • Asthma: NSAIDs may trigger severe asthma attacks.

  • Stomach/Intestinal Issues: History of ulcers, bleeding, or IBD (e.g., Crohn’s).

  • Heart/Kidney/Liver Disease: Use only under strict medical supervision.

  • Pregnancy (3rd Trimester): Contraindicated – may harm fetus or delay labor.

  • Bleeding Disorders: Increased bleeding risk (e.g., hemophilia).

  • Other Medications: Inform your doctor about:

    • Anticoagulants (warfarin)

    • Other NSAIDs (aspirin, naproxen)

    • SSRIs (citalopram, fluoxetine)

    • Diuretics ("water pills")

    • Blood pressure medications

  • Alcohol: Avoid – increases stomach bleeding risk.

7. How Should I Take It?

  • Oral Forms: Swallow whole with water/food.

  • Topical Gel: Apply only to intact skin (not wounds).

  • With Food: Always take with food/milk to reduce stomach irritation.

  • Dosing:

    • Adults (Pain/Fever): 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours. Max: 1,200 mg/day (OTC); 3,200 mg/day (Rx).

    • Adults (Inflammation): 400–800 mg 3–4x daily. Max: 3,200 mg/day.

  • Minimum Effective Dose: Use lowest dose for shortest duration.

8. Uses in Adults

  • Short-term pain/fever relief (≤10 days).

  • Chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis) under doctor’s guidance.

9. What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

  • As-Needed Use: Take when symptoms recur (wait ≥4–6 hours).

  • Scheduled Use (e.g., arthritis): Skip missed dose if close to next dose. Never double dose.

10. What Happens in Overdose?

  • Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, blurred vision, seizures.

  • Risks: Kidney failure, coma, respiratory depression.

  • Action: Call emergency services/poison control immediately. Do not induce vomiting.

11. Avoid While Taking

  • Other NSAIDs: Aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac.

  • Alcohol: ↑ Bleeding/stomach ulcer risk.

  • Before Surgery: Stop ≥7 days prior (unless directed otherwise).

  • 3rd Trimester Pregnancy: Strictly contraindicated.

12. Storage

  • Temperature: Room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F).

  • Location: Dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

  • Disposal: Use drug take-back programs or mix with coffee grounds/seal in bag before trashing.

Critical Safety Notes:

⚠️ GI Bleeding Risk: Higher in adults >60 years, those with prior ulcers, or on corticosteroids/anticoagulants.
⚠️ Cardiovascular Risk: Avoid long-term/high-dose use if you have heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
⚠️ Kidney Risk: Dehydration, heart failure, or pre-existing kidney disease increases risk.
⚠️ "Hidden" NSAIDs: Check labels of cold/flu/allergy multisymptom products.

Always consult your doctor/pharmacist before use, especially for chronic conditions or if taking other medications

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