Brand Name:
Advil, Motrin
Drug Name:
Ibuprofen
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DESCRIPTION
Ibuprofen is used to relieve
the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness
caused by arthritis and gout. It is also used to reduce fever
and to relieve headaches, muscle aches, menstrual pain, aches
and pains from the common cold, backache, and pain after surgery
or dental work.
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On April 7, 2005, the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they are asking
manufacturers of all prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) to revise the drug labeling (package insert) to
include a ''boxed'' or serious warning about the potential for
increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack
and stroke) and serious and potentially life-threatening
gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with their use. This
information will also state that patients who have just had
heart surgery should not take these medications. The FDA is also
asking manufacturers of nonprescription (OTC) NSAIDs to include
information on the product label about the potential for
cardiovascular events and GI bleeding, as well as skin reactions
in patients taking these drugs. You should talk to your doctor
if you are taking one of these drugs and have any questions or
concerns about this new information. |
Cautions
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are
allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other medications for pain
or arthritis, or any other drugs
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what
prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin
(Coumadin), aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol),
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin),
diuretics ('water pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate),
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for arthritis or
diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard),
phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. Do
not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using ibuprofen unless
directed to do so by your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever
had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; any
stomach problems; or any other gastrointestinal disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan
to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking ibuprofen, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking
ibuprofen.
- you should know that this drug may make you
drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know
how this drug affects you.
- if you drink 3 or more alcohol drinks every
day, ask your doctor if you should take ibuprofen. You should
not drink alcoholic beverages while taking ibuprofen.
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Ibuprofen
Side Effects
Although side effects from
ibuprofen are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any
of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- nervousness
- upset stomach
- stomach pain or cramps
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- gas
If you experience any of the
following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- bloody vomit
- bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
- ringing in the ears
- blurred vision
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower
legs
- skin rash
- itching
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Ibuprofen comes as a tablet and
liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a
day for arthritis or every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. Follow
the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take ibuprofen exactly as directed. Do not take more
or less of it or take it more often than directed by the package
label or prescribed by your doctor. If you think that you need
more medication to relieve your symptoms, call your doctor.
If you obtained ibuprofen
without a prescription, do not take it for more than 3 days for
fever or 10 days for pain without talking to a doctor.
If you are taking ibuprofen for
pain and the painful area becomes red or swollen, call your
doctor.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not
in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper
disposal of your medication.
| Information
on this site is for informational purposes and is not
meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician
or other medical professional. You should not use this information
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or
disease, or prescribing any medication. |
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