Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. Other members of this class include naproxen Aleve indomethacin Indocin nabumetone Relafen and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain fever and inflammation. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are made by the body and are responsible for causing pain fever and inflammation. Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins cyclooxygenase resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins. As a consequence inflammation pain and fever are reduced. The FDA approved ibuprofen in 1974.

For minor aches mild to moderate pain menstrual cramps and fever the usual adult dose is 200 or 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Arthritis is treated with 300 to 800 mg 3 or 4 times daily. When under the care of a physician the maximum dose of ibuprofen is 3.2 g daily. Otherwise the maximum dose is 1.2 g daily. Individuals should not use ibuprofen for more than 10 days for the treatment of pain or more than 3 days for the treatment of a fever unless directed by a physician.

The most common side effects from ibuprofen are rash ringing in the ears headaches dizziness drowsiness abdominal pain nausea diarrhea constipation and heartburn. Ibuprofen may cause ulceration of the stomach or intestine and the ulcers may bleed. Sometimes ulceration and bleeding can occur without abdominal pain and black tarry stools weakness and dizziness upon standing orthostatic hypotension may be the only signs of a problem. NSAIDs reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys and impair function of the kidneys. The impairment is most likely to occur in patients with preexisting impairment of kidney function or congestive heart failure and use of NSAIDs in these patients should be done cautiously. People who are allergic to other NSAIDs including aspirin should not use ibuprofen. Individuals with asthma are more likely to experience allergic reactions to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.

Ibuprofen is associated with several suspected or probable interactions that can affect the action of other drugs. Ibuprofen may increase the blood levels of lithium Eskalith by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity. Ibuprofen may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of drugs that are given to reduce blood pressure. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation of blood pressure. When ibuprofen is used in combination with aminoglycosides e.g. gentamicin the blood levels of the aminoglycoside may increase presumably because the elimination of aminoglycosides from the body is reduced. This may lead to aminoglycoside-related side effects. Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants e.g. warfarin should avoid ibuprofen because ibuprofen also thins the blood and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.

Ibuprofen is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain inflammation and fever.

Ibuprofen should be stored at room temperature between 15-30°C 59-86°F.

Before taking ibuprofen

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ibuprofen aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis or any other drugs
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking especially anticoagulants blood thinners such as warfarin Coumadin aspirin atenolol Tenormin carteolol Cartrol cyclosporine Neoral Sandimmune digoxin Lanoxin diuretics water pills labetalol Normodyne Trandate lithium Eskalith Lithobid medications for arthritis or diabetes methotrexate metoprolol Lopressor nadolol Corgard phenytoin Dilantin probenecid Benemid and vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when using ibuprofen unless directed to do so by your doctor.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver heart or kidney disease high blood pressure any stomach problems or any other gastrointestinal disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ibuprofen call your doctor.
if you are having surgery including dental surgery tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ibuprofen.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
if you drink 3 or more alcohol drinks every day ask your doctor if you should take ibuprofen. You should not drink alcoholic beverages while taking ibuprofen.