Ibuprofen is a medication primarily used for mild to moderate pain or inflammation. For women, this drug can help alleviate menstrual cramps and reduce menstrual flow during their period.
1. What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. It is used to treat conditions like fever or pain caused by inflammation, ranging from mild to moderate. Ibuprofen works by blocking the production of inflammatory substances in the body known as prostaglandins.
In general, Ibuprofen is commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation related to conditions such as menstrual cramps, arthritis, sprains, back pain, muscle strains, headaches, migraines, sore throat, muscle aches, flu, colds, and toothaches.
For children under 12, this medication is used to reduce fever and alleviate pain from conditions such as colds, earaches, sore throats, and vaccinations.
Before using the medication, you should consult a healthcare professional to determine if it is suitable for your medical condition. Additionally, if you are already using the medication, it is best not to stop it abruptly without consulting your doctor. Stopping the medication suddenly may reduce its effectiveness and impact its therapeutic results. Furthermore, do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms to yours.
2. What forms does Ibuprofen come in?
- Tablet form: Ibuprofen 200 mg and 400 mg
- Extra Strength tablets 400 mg
- Ibuprofen capsules 200 mg
3. How is Ibuprofen used?
3.1 For Adults
The recommended dosage of Ibuprofen for adults is typically 200 mg – 400 mg every 6-8 hours as directed by a doctor. For extended-release Ibuprofen tablets, one 600 mg tablet is taken every 12 hours. The maximum daily dosage is 1,200 mg.
3.2 For Children
The dosage for children will depend on their body weight and age. Children should not exceed 400 mg of Ibuprofen per kilogram of body weight per day.
Additionally, if using liquid Ibuprofen, you should use an oral syringe to measure each dose accurately, as it is more precise than using a regular household teaspoon. When taking Ibuprofen, you can take it with food or milk to reduce side effects like heartburn or stomach discomfort. For Ibuprofen suspension, shake well before use.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions when taking the medication. If you miss a dose, try to take it as soon as possible and continue with your normal schedule. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as instructed by your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure about what to do if you miss a dose, contact your doctor for advice.
Ibuprofen should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and humidity, and kept out of reach of children.
4. Who should not use Ibuprofen?
Do not use this medication if you:
- Are allergic to Ibuprofen or any of its ingredients
- Are allergic to other NSAIDs
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are currently using other NSAIDs
- Are dehydrated due to vomiting, diarrhea, or fluid loss
- Have nasal polyps or a history of asthma, allergic reactions, or allergic-like reactions
- Have an active stomach ulcer or a history of recurrent ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease
- Have severe liver or kidney dysfunction
- Have systemic lupus erythematosus
- Have high blood potassium levels
- Have inflammatory bowel disease
- Have severe heart failure
- Are preparing for or have recently undergone heart surgery
- Should not use this drug in children with kidney disease or significant dehydration.
5. Side effects of Ibuprofen
Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
Mild effects:
- Diarrhea, constipation
- Stomach or abdominal cramps
- Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
- Heartburn
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Some less common but potentially serious side effects include:
- Blurred vision, visual changes
- Symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
- Hearing issues, like tinnitus
- Sensitivity to sunlight, such as blistering, sunburn, rash, itching, or skin discoloration
- Signs of bleeding, such as unusual nosebleeds, blood in urine, bruising, coughing up blood, cuts that do not stop bleeding, or bleeding gums
- Skin rash
- Liver problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, jaundice, weight loss, yellow eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine
- Urinary issues, such as pain during urination, bladder pain, increased frequency of urination, changes in urine color or smell, changes in urine volume
- Swelling of the calves or feet
Severe effects:
- Signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, pain radiating through the shoulder and arm, sweating, nausea, or vomiting
- Signs of stomach bleeding, such as black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material, coughing up blood
- Signs of a stroke, such as sudden, severe headache, vision changes, unexplained weakness, slurred speech, numbness or pain in arms or legs
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue
If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking the medication and contact a doctor immediately for prompt treatment.
6. Does using Ibuprofen affect menstruation?
For women, using Ibuprofen can significantly reduce menstrual cramps and decrease menstrual blood flow, sometimes by half compared to a normal cycle. However, in some cases, Ibuprofen may stop the menstrual cycle altogether.
7. Some medications may interact with Ibuprofen
Here are some medications or substances that may interact with Ibuprofen:
- Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
- Alcohol
- Aliskiren
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril)
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin)
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., candesartan, irbesartan, losartan)
- Anticoagulants (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, tinzaparin, warfarin)
- Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol, sotalol)
- Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, etidronate)
- Cholestyramine
- Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone)
- Deferasirox
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone)
- Glucosamine
- Hydralazine
- Multivitamins
- Other NSAIDs (e.g., ketorolac, indomethacin, naproxen)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
- Vitamin E
If you plan to use Ibuprofen, it is best to consult your doctor for advice.
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