Ibuprofen

About Ibuprofen

This belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rheumatic and muscular pain, headaches, migraine, back ache, period (menstrual) pain, pain after surgery and dental pain. It can also be used to relieve cold and 'flu-like' symptoms including fever (high temperature) in adults and children.

Ibuprofen works by reducing the effect of irritant chemicals which are produced by the body as a response to inflammation and high temperature.

Ibuprofen is available in tablet, oral liquid and effervescent granule form.

Ibuprofen is also available as modified release preparations, which means Ibuprofen is released slowly over the day to give an even effect.

It is also sometimes known as: Advil; Anadin Ibuprofen; Arthrofen; Brufen; Brufen Retard; Cuprofen; Fenbid; Galprofen; Hedex Ibuprofen; Ibufem; Librofem; Mandafen; Manorfen; Migrafen; Motrin; Nurofen; Obifen; Relcofen. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Ibuprofen

Before taking Ibuprofen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems
• if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• if you suffer from rhinitis, asthma or breathing problems
• if you have ever had an unusual reaction from taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include Mefenamic Acid, Naproxen and Diclofenac.
• if you get indigestion, heartburn or any other digestive or bowel problems
• if you have ever suffered from peptic (stomach) ulcer
• if you have ever had blood clotting problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Ibuprofen

• Take Ibuprofen exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take the tablet and oral liquid form of Ibuprofen with or immediately after food.
• Effervescent granules should be dissolved or mixed with water before taking and taken with or immediately after food.
• Swallow the modified release forms of Ibuprofen whole, not chewed or crushed, with a glass of water.
• Ibuprofen is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Ibuprofen.
• If you are using Ibuprofen purchased 'over the counter' and your symptoms are not improving or get worse check with your doctor.
• If you experience indigestion after taking Ibuprofen try taking the next dose with a glass of milk.
• Ibuprofen may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Ibuprofen.
• Ibuprofen may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Try to avoid sunlight and sunbeds or use a sun protection cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can Ibuprofen cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, tummy pain, heartburn, diarrhoea, swelling feet or lower legs, headache, dizziness, nervousness or depression, drowsiness, problems sleeping, numbness in your hands or feet, tiredness, general feeling of being unwell, disturbance in vision, ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Important: If you experience swelling of the lips, mouth and throat; wheezing or breathing problems; yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes; a high temperature with a sore throat or if you experience black or bloody stools or blood in the urine stop taking Ibuprofen immediately and consult your doctor or accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying side effects which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Ibuprofen

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 22/07/2005