Type of medication:
Over-the-counter, NSAID
Ibuprofen is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause
inflammation and pain in the body. Ibuprofen is used to reduce the fever,
pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by many conditions, such as
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and abdominal cramps associated with
menstruation.
Precautions:
- Take ibuprofen with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Watch for bloody, black, or tarry stools or blood in the vomit. These symptoms could indicate damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ibuprofen may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- It is not known whether ibuprofen will harm an unborn baby. Ibuprofen should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take ibuprofen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Ibuprofen passes into breast milk in very small amounts, however it is not expected to harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you are breast-feeding.
Other medical conditions:
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- are allergic to aspirin or any other NSAIDs
- have an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
- have liver or kidney disease
- have a coagulation (bleeding or blood clotting) disorder
- have congestive heart failure
- have fluid retention
- have heart disease
- have high blood pressure
Other medications:
Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs may increase the effects of ibuprofen and cause dangerous side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin)
- aspirin or another salicylate (form of aspirin) such as salsalate (Disalcid), choline salicylate, and magnesium salicylate
- a diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril, others), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), spironolactone (Aldactone), and amiloride (Midamor)
- an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- a steroid such as prednisone (Deltasone)
- an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol) or glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta)
- lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others).
Potential side effects:
- Discontinue ibuprofen and contact your
doctor immediately if you experience:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
- muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling
- ulcers (open sores) in the mouth
- rapid weight gain (fluid retention)
- seizures
- black, bloody, or tarry stools
- blood in your urine or vomit
- decreased hearing or ringing in the ears
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- abdominal cramping, indigestion, or heartburn.
- Other, less serious side effects may
be more likely to occur. Continue to take ibuprofen and talk to your
doctor if you experience:
- dizziness or headache
- nausea, gaseousness, diarrhea, or constipation
- depression
- fatigue or weakness
- dry mouth
- irregular menstrual periods
Brand Names:
- U.S.: Advil, Bayer Select Ibuprofen Pain Relief Formula Caplets, Cramp End, Dolgesic, Excedrin IB, Genpril, Haltran, Ibifon 600 Caplets, Ibren, Ibu, Ibuprin, Ibuprohm, Medipren, Midol, Motrin, Nuprin, Q-Profen, Rufen, Trendar
- Canada: Actiprofen, Advil, Apo-Ibuprofen, Medipren, Motrin, Novo-Profen, Nu-Ibuprofen
- U.K.: Brufen, Nurofen, Apsifen, Ebufac, Fenbid, Motrin, Paxofen, Advil, Ibufem, Novaprin
- Australia: Brufen Nurofen, Actiprofen, ACT-3, Rafen
