Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a medication used to manage and treat inflammatory diseases, rheumatoid disorders, mild to moderate pain, fever, dysmenorrhea, and osteoarthritis. Pain, fever, and inflammation are promoted by the release of chemicals in the body called prostaglandins.
Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase) and as a consequence inflammation, pain and fever are reduced.
Rx
• For minor aches, mild to moderate pain, menstrual cramps, and fever, the usual adult dose is 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
• Arthritis is treated with 300 to 800 mg
3 or 4 times daily. Juvenile arthritis is treated with 20 to 40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses.
• Children 6 months to 12 years of age usually are given 5-10 mg/kg of ibuprofen every
6-8 hours for the treatment of fever and pain. The maximum dose is 40 mg/kg daily.
• Intravenous ibuprofen has been
FDA-approved for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants
Ibuprofen should not be taken more than
10 days for the treatment of pain or for more than 3 days for the treatment of a fever unless directed by a physician.
Administration
Typical dosage formulations include oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet, chewable tablet, intravenous solution, topical gel, and combination kit. The recommendation with oral administration is usually to consume the drug with food or milk in both adults and children
Possible side effects
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Tinnitus
• Edema
• Fluid retention
• Headache
Word of caution
Ibuprofen should not be taken by those who:
• Pregnant and lactating women
• People who have asthma (bronchial), heart disease, congestive heart failure, kidney impairment, hypertension, bleeding disorder, ulcers, stomatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ulcerative colitis and upper GI disease.
• Hypersensitivity to aspirin
Dr Shweta Deshmukh is a consultant physician
