Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen

(eye byoo PROE fen)

U.S. Brand Names

Addaprin [OTC]; Advil® Children's [OTC]; Advil® Infants' [OTC]; Advil® Migraine [OTC]; Advil® [OTC]; Caldolor™; Genpril® [OTC] [DSC]; I-Prin [OTC]; Ibu-200 [OTC]; Ibu®; Midol® Cramp and Body Aches [OTC]; Motrin® Children's [OTC]; Motrin® IB [OTC]; Motrin® Infants' [OTC]; Motrin® Junior [OTC]; NeoProfen®; Proprinal [OTC]; Ultraprin [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

Advil®; Apo-Ibuprofen®; Motrin® (Children's); Motrin® IB; Novo-Profen; Nu-Ibuprofen

Mexican Brand Names

Advil; Bestafen; Febratic; Ibuflam; Motrin; Quadrax; Tabalon 400

Pharmacologic Category

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Oral; Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Parenteral

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. This has been observed with long-term use or at critical times (right after heart surgery). Use caution if you have risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, diabetes, cigarette smoking, male older than 40 years of age, other family members with early heart disease, postmenopausal female).

Do not use this medicine right before or after heart bypass surgery.

This medicine may increase the risk of ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or intestines. Talk with healthcare provider.

This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Please read the medication guide.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to ibuprofen, aspirin, NSAIDS, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever.

• This medicine is used to relieve painful menstrual cycles.

• This medicine is used to treat arthritis.

• This medicine is used to treat gout attacks.

• This medicine is used to treat migraine headaches.

• This medicine is used to stop early labor.

How does it work?

• Ibuprofen blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.

• It reduces fever by adjusting the body's thermostat in the brain.

• It works to decrease uterine contractions.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with food to prevent stomach upset.

• Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.

• A liquid (drops, suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake suspension well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• If you have asthma, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have had an ulcer or bleeding from your stomach or intestines, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.

• Do not take colestipol or cholestyramine within 2 hours of this medicine.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you are taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.

• Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines (naproxen, ketoprofen), blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Change in strength on one side greater than the other, difficulty speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred vision.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe belly pain.

• Swelling of feet or hands.

• Significant weight gain.

• Sudden change in vision, eye pain, or irritation.

• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.

• Blood in the urine.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect caplets, drops, and tablets from light.

• Protect caplets and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 13:09:49.0

Modified: 2009-09-23 13:49:44.0

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