Ibalgin (Ibuprofen)

• Ibuprofen acts on the cyclooxygenase pathway to alleviate pain, fever, and inflammation.
• Pain: provides relief from mild to moderate pain such as headache, dental pain, or musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory conditions.
• Inflammation: decreases swelling and redness in conditions like arthritis or soft‑tissue injuries.

• Ibuprofen exerts its effect by non‑selectively inhibiting cyclo‑oxygenase enzymes COX‑1 and COX‑2, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The reduction in prostaglandin synthesis lowers the sensitisation of nociceptors, diminishes fever‑inducing hypothalamic signals, and curtails inflammatory mediators, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic, and anti‑inflammatory actions.

Like all NSAIDs, ibuprofen may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., dyspepsia, nausea).
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Mild rash or itching.
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Fluid retention.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatotoxicity or liver enzyme elevation.
• Renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Blood dyscrasias such as thrombocytopenia.

• Before using ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures to minimise risks.
• Assess renal function: avoid use in severe renal impairment or dehydration.
• Monitor gastrointestinal health: use lowest effective dose in patients with ulcer history.
• Check cardiovascular status: use cautiously in those with heart disease or hypertension.
• Avoid use during the third trimester of pregnancy: risk of fetal complications.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and heat.

Ibuprofen can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• High‑dose aspirin: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective COX‑2 inhibitors: additive renal and cardiovascular adverse effects.
• Certain antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics): may reduce blood‑pressure control.
• Lithium: increased lithium levels leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Methotrexate: reduced clearance, risk of toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: enhanced bleeding tendency.
• Diabetic medications: possible alteration of glycemic control.
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine): may affect liver enzymes.