Please wait...
Don’t see your pharmacy listed? Most pharmacies accept our discounts, so have your pharmacist enter this coupon to see if you will save money:
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It 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.
Ibuprofen is used in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
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.
Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. Use only the smallest amount of medication needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.
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, hives, or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin, acetaminophen, or an NSAID e.g. celecoxib, diclofenac, naprosyn, and others.
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 breastfeeding.
Do not give ibuprofen to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Use ibuprofen 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 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 your child's medicine 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.
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.
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.
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.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ibuprofen: rash or hives; sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble breathing; 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 ibuprofen side effects may include:
upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea, vomiting;
bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation;
dizziness, headache, nervousness;
decreased appetite;
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.
Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea:
200-400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:
Initial dose: 400 to 800 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours.
Maintenance dose: May be increased to a maximum daily dose of 3200 mg based on patient response and tolerance.
Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Initial dose: 400 to 800 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours.
Maintenance dose: May be increased to a maximum daily dose of 3200 mg based on patient response and tolerance.
Usual Adult Dose for Pain or Fever:
Oral: Mild to moderate pain:
200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Doses greater than 400 mg have not been proven to provide greater efficacy.
IV: (Patients should be well hydrated before IV ibuprofen administration):
Pain: 400 to 800 mg intravenously over 30 minutes every 6 hours as needed.
Fever: Initial: 400 mg intravenously over 30 minutes
Maintenance: 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 100 to 200 mg every 4 hours as needed.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Fever or Pain:
Greater than 6 months to 12 years:
5 mg/kg/dose for temperature less than 102.5 degrees F (39.2 degrees C) orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
10 mg/kg/dose for temperature greater than or equal to 102.5 degrees F (39.2 degrees C) orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
The recommended maximum daily dose is 40 mg/kg.
OTC pediatric labeling (analgesic, antipyretic): 6 months to 11 years: 7.5 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 hours; Maximum daily dose: 30 mg/kg
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:
cyclosporine;
pemetrexed;
lithium;
methotrexate;
a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill" as well as “ACE-inhibitor” medications; 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.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use ibuprofen only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.
Source: Drugs.com Ibuprofen (www.drugs.com/ibuprofen.html).
Commonly reported side effects of ibuprofen include: hemorrhage, vomiting, anemia, decreased hemoglobin, eosinophilia, and hypertension. Other side effects include: upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, upper gastrointestinal tract ulcer, dizziness, and dyspepsia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to ibuprofen: oral capsule liquid filled, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable
Other dosage forms:
Oral route (Tablet; Suspension; Capsule, Liquid Filled; Tablet, Chewable)
NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Ibuprofen is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. NSAIDs can also cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events especially in the elderly, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.
Along with its needed effects, ibuprofen may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ibuprofen:
More common
Less common
Rare
Symptoms of overdose
Some side effects of ibuprofen may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Rare
Applies to ibuprofen: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable
The most frequently reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal (GI) in nature and included nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and diarrhea.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus: The most frequently reported adverse effects were sepsis, anemia, intraventricular bleeding, apnea, GI disorders, impaired renal function, respiratory infection, skin lesions, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, and respiratory failure.
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 57%), vomiting (up to 22%), flatulence (up to 16%), diarrhea (up to 10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort, epigastric pain, heartburn, abdominal distress, indigestion, constipation, abdominal cramps/pain, fullness of GI tract, bloating, GI hemorrhage, melena
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal distention, dyspepsia, gastritis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Peptic ulcer, perforation, hematemesis, mouth ulceration, exacerbation of colitis, exacerbation of Crohn's disease
Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, duodenitis, esophagitis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, GI bleeding, glossitis, rectal bleeding, stomatitis, eructation, gingival ulcer, pancreatitis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Very common (10% or more): GI disorders non-necrotizing enterocolitis (22%)
Common (1% to 10%): Necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal perforation
Frequency not reported: Abdominal distension, gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, ileus, inguinal hernia
Postmarketing reports: GI perforation
Very common (10% or more): Hemorrhage (up to 10%), hypertension (10%), hypotension (10%)
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiac failure
Frequency not reported: Congestive heart failure, tachycardia, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, palpitations, vasculitis, sinus bradycardia, angina pectoris, thrombotic events
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, cardiac failure, hypotension
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, nervousness
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cerebrovascular accident
Frequency not reported: Syncope, drowsiness, paresthesia, somnolence, tremors, convulsions, coma
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Common (1% to 10%): Intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular hemorrhage
Frequency not reported: Convulsions
The number of total renal events in preterm infants within 30 days of therapy following IV use was 21% and included increased blood urea (7%), renal insufficiency/impairment (6%), reduced urine output (3%), increased blood creatinine (3%), renal failure (1%), and increased blood urea with hematuria (1%).
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Acute renal failure, renal papillary necrosis, interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, renal failure, renal insufficiency
Frequency not reported: Cystitis, azotemia, creatinine clearance decreased, glomerulitis, tubular necrosis, nephrotoxicity
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Very common (10% or more): Renal events (21%)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acute renal failure
The incidence of total bleeding events within 30 days of therapy with IV use in preterm infants was 32%. This percentage included grade 1 and 2 intraventricular hemorrhage (15%), grade 3 and 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (15%), and other bleeding (6%).
Very common (10% or more): Anemia (up to 36%), eosinophilia (up to 26%), neutropenia (up to 13%), thrombocythemia (up to 10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Hemoglobin decreased
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, hematocrit decreased
Frequency not reported: lymphadenopathy, bleeding episodes
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Very common (10% or more): Anemia (32%), total bleeding (32%), intraventricular hemorrhage (29%), Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
Common (1% to 10%): Rash, maculopapular rash, pruritus
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis
Frequency not reported: Ecchymosis, purpura, alopecia, sweating, photosensitivity, angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, vesiculobullous eruptions, Henoch Schonlein vasculitis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Very common (10% or more): Skin lesion/irritation (16%)
Very common (10% or more): Hypokalemia (up to 19%), hypoproteinemia (up to 13%), blood urea increased (10%), hypernatremia (10%), hypoalbuminemia (10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Appetite decreased, fluid retention
Frequency not reported: Appetite changes, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemic reaction, acidosis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Very common (10% or more): Hypoglycemia (12%), hypocalcemia (12%), blood creatinine increased, blood sodium decreased
Common (1% to 10%): Hypernatremia
Frequency not reported: Feeding problems, hyperglycemia
Very common (10% or more): Bacteremia (13%), blood LDH increased (up to 10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, wound hemorrhage, tinnitus, hearing impairment, edema, fatigue
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Aseptic meningitis, vertigo, exacerbation of infection-related inflammations
Frequency not reported: Fever, infection, sepsis, weight changes, asthenia, malaise, pseudo-tumor, hearing loss, drowsiness
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Very common (10% or more): Sepsis (43%)
Common (1% to 10%): Edema, fluid retention
Frequency not reported: Various infections
Very common (10% or more): Bacterial pneumonia (up to 10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Cough
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Asthma, bronchospasm, dyspnea, wheezing
Frequency not reported: Apnea, respiratory depression, pneumonia, rhinitis, epistaxis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Very common (10% or more): Apnea (28%), respiratory infection (19%), respiratory failure (10%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Common (1% to 10%): Atelectasis, pulmonary hemorrhage
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypoxemia
Postmarketing reports: Pulmonary hypertension
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis, jaundice
Frequency not reported: Hepatorenal syndrome, liver necrosis, liver failure, abnormal liver function tests
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Frequency not reported: Cholestasis, jaundice
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported and may consist of any of the following: a syndrome of abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and anaphylaxis; respiratory tract reactivity comprising bronchospasm, asthma/aggravated asthma, or dyspnea; skin reactions, which rarely included exfoliative and bullous dermatoses, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, angioedema, pruritus, and urticaria.
Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reactions, hypersensitivity reaction
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Visual disturbances
Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, amblyopia, diminished vision, scotomata, changes in color vision, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, diplopia, optic neuritis, cataracts, optic neuritis, toxic optic neuropathy
Frequency not reported: Lupus erythematosus syndrome
Frequency not reported: Anxiety, confusion, depression, dream abnormalities, insomnia, emotional lability, hallucinations
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary retention
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Proteinuria, hematuria
Frequency not reported: Dysuria, oliguria, polyuria, menorrhagia
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Very common (10% or more): Oliguria, hematuria
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
Frequency not reported: Serum sickness
Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site pain
Postmarketing reports: Transient sensation of burning in mouth/throat
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Frequency not reported: Injection site reactions
Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia
Patent Ductus Arteriosus:
Common (1% to 10%): Adrenal insufficiency
Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.
Source: Drugs.com Ibuprofen (www.drugs.com/ibuprofen.html).
February 12, 2020
February 11, 2020
February 7, 2020
February 6, 2020
February 5, 2020
February 4, 2020
