Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats pain and inflammation.
Pronunciation: EYE-bue-PROE-fen
What are ibuprofen’s uses?
Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions from headaches to back pain to minor injuries and even arthritis.
What dosage should you take?
Ibuprofen comes in tablet form. Administer the following doses:
- For mild to moderate pain and dysmenorrhoea: 600 to 1200mg per day in divided doses.
- For dental or post-episiotomy pain: An initial dose of 800mg may be given.
For children, administer the following dose for pain and fever: for children older than six months or weighing more than 7kg, use 5mg per kilogram four to six hourly. The maximum total daily dosage should only be 20mg per kilogram in divided doses.
For juvenile chronic arthritis, use 20mg (up to 40mg) per kilogram per day in divided doses.
However, always check the correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist first.
What special precautions should you take?
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, first consult with your doctor or Clicks pharmacist about whether you can use ibuprofen.
- In the elderly, a reduced dosage and careful monitoring is recommended as it can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances and other problems.
- Never take ibuprofen on an empty stomach, so take it with or after meals.
- Don’t drink alcohol when you’re taking ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen should be avoided if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Hypersensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Active peptic ulcers
- If you have proctitis (inflammation of the anus and lining of the rectum) or haemorrhoids, don’t use ibuprofen suppositories.
Ibuprofen should be used with caution if you suffer from the following conditions (first consult with your doctor or Clicks pharmacist):
- A history of dyspepsia (indigestion) or peptic ulcers
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Compromised heart function
- Angina (chest pain due to a heart problem)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Bleeding disorders
- Asthma
- Nasal polyps (growths in the nose)
- Hives
- Porphyria (a group of rare genetic disorders that affect mainly the skin or nervous system)
What drug interactions could you experience?
To avoid adverse drug interactions, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
What are ibuprofen’s side effects?
Its side effects could include:
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.
What are the overdose symptoms?
Call your doctor or an ambulance immediately if you notice the following overdose symptoms, or any other severe or odd symptoms:
- Severe stomach pain
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme drowsiness