Ibu (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen is indicated for conditions involving pain, fever, or inflammation.

• Pain: provides relief of mild to moderate pain such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, and musculoskeletal aches.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature associated with infections or other febrile states.
• Inflammation: alleviates inflammatory conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and soft‑tissue injuries.

• Ibuprofen exerts its effect by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The reduction in prostaglandin synthesis diminishes peripheral sensitisation, lowers fever set‑points in the hypothalamus, and curtails inflammatory mediators, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic, and anti‑inflammatory actions.

Adverse reactions may range from mild to severe and should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Elevated blood pressure in some individuals.
• Transient increase in serum creatinine.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcer perforation, or serious ulcer disease.
• Acute renal failure or significant decline in kidney function.
• Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatotoxicity with marked liver enzyme elevation.
• Cardiovascular thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

Before initiating ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess renal function: evaluate kidney health, especially in elderly or dehydrated patients.
• Monitor gastrointestinal risk: avoid use in individuals with active ulcers or a history of GI bleeding.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: discontinue immediately if an allergic reaction occurs.
• Use lowest effective dose: limit duration to the shortest period needed for symptom control.
• Pregnancy and lactation: consult a healthcare professional as safety data are limited.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture.

Ibuprofen can interact with several drug classes; awareness helps prevent adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): heightened bleeding risk.
• Corticosteroids: increased ulcer risk.
• Lithium: ibuprofen may raise lithium plasma levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal function when combined.
• Diuretics: potential for decreased kidney perfusion.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.
• Cyclosporine: increased nephrotoxicity.
• Blood pressure medications: ibuprofen may blunt antihypertensive effect.