Ibuprofen B. Braun (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen, an NSAID that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, is indicated for several acute and postoperative conditions.

• Pain management: provides analgesia for moderate to severe pain.
• Fever reduction: lowers elevated body temperature.
• Inflammation control: reduces swelling in acute inflammatory states.
• Post‑operative pain: manages pain after surgical procedures.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviates pain from sprains, strains and arthritic conditions.

• Ibuprofen reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The reduced prostaglandin synthesis diminishes peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors, lowers the hypothalamic set‑point for temperature, and limits inflammatory exudate formation, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Adverse reactions may occur with any NSAID therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate upset stomach.
• Headache: transient cranial discomfort.
• Dizziness: occasional light‑headedness.
• Injection site pain: local discomfort during or after infusion.
• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort: dyspepsia or heartburn.
• Transient hypotension: brief drop in blood pressure during rapid infusion.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare but life‑threatening skin eruption.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: ulceration or hemorrhage in the stomach or intestines.
• Acute renal impairment: sudden decline in kidney function, especially in at‑risk patients.

Careful assessment and monitoring are required before and during therapy.

• Assess renal function: adjust or avoid use in patients with significant kidney impairment.
• Monitor bleeding risk: avoid in individuals with active ulcers, coagulopathy or concurrent anticoagulant therapy.
• Avoid concomitant NSAIDs: combined use increases gastrointestinal and renal toxicity.
• Use caution in pregnancy: limited data; avoid in the third trimester.
• Check for hypersensitivity: discontinue immediately if allergic signs develop.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake the solution.

Ibuprofen can interact with several drug classes, altering safety or efficacy.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors in renal impairment: heightened risk of acute kidney injury.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may reduce renal perfusion, requiring renal function monitoring.
• Corticosteroids: combined use raises ulcer risk.
• Lithium: ibuprofen can raise serum lithium concentrations, necessitating level checks.