Ibuprofen B. Braun (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen is an NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes.

• Pain: provides analgesia for mild to moderate acute or postoperative pain.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infectious or inflammatory processes.
• Inflammation: decreases swelling and discomfort in conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries or postoperative inflammation.

• Ibuprofen inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, which are required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, it diminishes peripheral sensitization of nociceptors, lowers fever set‑points in the hypothalamus, and limits inflammatory exudate formation, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic, and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
• Dyspepsia: discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen.
• Headache: transient head pain.
• Dizziness: feeling light‑headed or unsteady.
• Injection site reactions: erythema, pain or swelling at the IV site.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer perforation.
• Acute renal impairment or failure.
• Anaphylactic or severe allergic reactions.
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatic dysfunction with elevated liver enzymes.
• Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction or stroke in high‑risk patients.

Before initiating therapy, consider patient‑specific risk factors and monitor appropriately.

• Renal function: assess baseline creatinine and adjust use in renal impairment.
• Hepatic function: monitor liver enzymes in patients with liver disease.
• Cardiovascular risk: use caution in patients with known heart disease or hypertension.
• Gastrointestinal ulcer: avoid in individuals with active peptic ulcer disease.
• Bleeding risk: evaluate concomitant anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Ibuprofen may interact with several drug classes; clinical judgment is required.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Antiplatelet agents (e.g., clopidogrel): additive antithrombotic effect.
• Other NSAIDs: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal perfusion.
• Lithium: ibuprofen can raise lithium serum levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: possible reduction in antihypertensive efficacy.
• Methotrexate: decreased clearance leading to toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: synergistic risk of GI ulceration.
• SSRIs: modest increase in bleeding tendency.
• Beta‑blockers: potential attenuation of antihypertensive response.