Ibuprofen B. Braun (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen, an NSAID, is used to manage conditions involving pain, fever and inflammation.

• Pain: provides rapid analgesic relief in acute and postoperative settings.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature in febrile patients.
• Inflammation: reduces inflammatory response in musculoskeletal and postoperative inflammation.

• Ibuprofen exerts its effect by non‑selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The resulting decrease in prostaglandin synthesis diminishes nociceptive signaling, fever generation, and inflammatory mediators throughout the body.

Adverse reactions may occur with intravenous ibuprofen use.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate upset stomach.
• Dyspepsia: discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen.
• Headache: transient cranial pain.
• Dizziness: feeling light‑headed or unsteady.
• Injection site reactions: erythema or mild swelling.
• Mild hypertension: slight increase in blood pressure.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding: potentially life‑threatening hemorrhage.
• Renal impairment: reduced kidney function or acute kidney injury.
• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, angioedema, or urticaria.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin and mucous membrane disorder.
• Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Thrombocytopenia: low platelet count leading to bleeding risk.

When using intravenous ibuprofen, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Renal function: assess and adjust in patients with renal impairment.
• Hepatic function: monitor liver enzymes in those with liver disease.
• Bleeding risk: avoid in patients with active ulcers or coagulopathy.
• Cardiovascular disease: use cautiously in uncontrolled heart failure or hypertension.
• Pregnancy considerations: generally avoided in the third trimester unless benefits outweigh risks.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from light and moisture, and do not freeze.

Ibuprofen may interact with other medicines, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: potential for impaired renal function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may reduce renal perfusion.
• Corticosteroids: heightened risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: possible increase in bleeding tendency.