Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen

     * Generic Name: ibuprofen
     * Brand Name: Motrin


     * What is ibuprofen?
     * What are the possible side effects of ibuprofen?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       ibuprofen?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       ibuprofen?
     * How should I take ibuprofen?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking ibuprofen?
     * What other drugs will affect ibuprofen?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is ibuprofen?

   Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
   Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain
   in the body.

   Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused
   by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain,
   arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury. This medicine is
   used in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

   Ibuprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of ibuprofen?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble
   breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or
   stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden
   numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech,
   leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

   Stop using ibuprofen and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * changes in your vision;
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
     * swelling or rapid weight gain;
     * the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
     * signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up
       blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine,
       clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult
       urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short
       of breath;
     * low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed
       or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea, vomiting;
     * bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation;
     * dizziness, headache, nervousness;
     * mild itching or rash; or
     * ringing in your ears.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ibuprofen?

   Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart
   bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be
   fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using
   ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

   Ibuprofen Patient Information including How Should I Take
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen?

   Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could
   have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

   Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery
   (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be
   fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using
   ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

   You should not use ibuprofen if you are allergic to it, or if you have
   ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking
   aspirin or an NSAID.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine
   if you have:
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
       diabetes, or if you smoke;
     * a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
     * a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
     * asthma;
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * fluid retention; or
     * a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome,
       Sjogren's syndrome, or lupus.

   Taking ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the
   unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you
   are pregnant.

   It is not known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk or if it
   could affect a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if
   you are breast-feeding.

   Do not give ibuprofen to a child younger than 2 years old without the
   advice of a doctor.

How should I take ibuprofen?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
   Do not use in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the
   lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

   Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can
   damage your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for
   adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses).
   Use only the smallest amount of ibuprofen needed to get relief from
   your pain, swelling, or fever.

   A child's dose of ibuprofen is based on the age and weight of the
   child. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with
   children's ibuprofen for the age and weight of your child. Ask a doctor
   or pharmacist if you have questions.

   Take ibuprofen with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   The ibuprofen chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

   If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical
   tests.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the
   liquid medicine to freeze.

   Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
   provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   Ibuprofen Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
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   RxList

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What happens if I miss a dose?

   Since ibuprofen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing
   schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you
   remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next
   scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach
   pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow
   breathing, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking ibuprofen?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

   Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking ibuprofen.

   Avoid taking ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or
   heart attack. Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting
   your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take
   the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the
   aspirin (non-enteric coated form).

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain
   medicine. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or
   other medicines similar to ibuprofen. Taking certain products together
   can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the
   label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen,
   or naproxen.

What other drugs will affect ibuprofen?

   Ask your doctor before using ibuprofen if you take an antidepressant
   such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac),
   fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft),
   trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an
   NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use ibuprofen if
   you are also using any of the following drugs:
     * lithium;
     * methotrexate;
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or
       "water pill"; or
     * steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ibuprofen,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about ibuprofen.
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