Ibuprofen: what should you know?

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. It's an effective painkiller and is prescribed in higher doses to relieve inflammation, swelling and stiffness.

It's used to provide pain relief in a wide range of conditions ranging from menstrual and dental pain to post-operative pain. It's effective in reducing fever and is also prescribed for the treatment of arthritic conditions such rheumatoid- and osteoarthritis, muscle injury, and acute attacks of gout.

Ibuprofen doesn't cure the underlying condition responsible for pain, fever or inflammation, but keeps the symptoms under control.

At moderate doses - not exceeding 1.2g a day - ibuprofen appear to have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than aspirin and many other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It may, however, still cause gastrointestinal irritation, and should be used with caution if you have a stomach ulcer or related disease.

This risk increases the longer you take this medication, or if you're also taking corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication) such as warfarin, or if you smoke or consume alcohol while being treated with ibuprofen. To reduce this, it's advised to take this medication with food.

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in, for example, Brufen.

How does ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen blocks the production of chemicals in the body that are responsible for pain, fever, swelling and inflammation.

Overdose risk: Low

Dependence risk: Low

Available as a generic ? Yes

Available on prescription only? No (some do need a script)

User information

Onset of effect: Within 30 minutes.

Duration of action: Up to 8 hours.

Dietary advice: Ibuprofen should be taken with a meal to minimise gastrointestinal irritation.

Stopping this medicine: Unless your doctor has prescribed ibuprofen for long-term use, it can be safely stopped when no longer needed.

Prolonged use: The likelihood of adverse effects increase with prolonged use. Your doctor may perform period liver and kidney-function tests, while also examining you for possible gastrointestinal damage.

Special precautions
Alert your doctor before using this drug if:

• You have asthma,
• You have a stomach ulcer,
• You have a bleeding disorder,
• You're taking blood-thinning medication,
• You're allergic to aspirin or any other medication, or
• You're taking other medication.

Pregnancy: Avoid. Potential risk to the foetus has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you're planning to fall pregnant

Breastfeeding: This medication is safe to use. You should, however, first discuss its use with your doctor.

Porphyria: This medication is safe to use.

Infants and children: Safety and efficacy hasn't been established for children under the age of 2.

Elderly: Caution is advised as side effects may be more likely. The dose may need to be adjusted.

Driving and hazardous work: Caution is advised as use of this medication may lead to dizziness, light-headedness and/or sedation. Avoid such activities until you know how it affects you.

Alcohol: Avoid concomitant use of alcohol as it may worsen stomach irritation.

Possible side effects

 Drug interactions

Disease interactions:
Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have asthma, a stomach ulcer, bleeding disorder, if you're taking blood-thinning medication, or if you're allergic to aspirin or any other medication.

Overdose action:
A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case of an intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical attention.

Recommended dosage:
Adults: 600-1200mg/day in divided doses. Maximum daily dose is 2400mg.

Children: 20mg/kg/day in divided doses (maximum 40mg/kg/day)

Interesting fact:
Ibuprofen has shown promising results in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, when given in low doses over a long time.