Ibuprofen Hwi Pharma (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts on inflammatory pathways to provide analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesic relief for headaches, dental pain, and minor injuries.
• Inflammatory conditions: reduces swelling and discomfort in tendonitis, bursitis, and similar disorders.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviates pain associated with strains, sprains, and osteoarthritis.

• Ibuprofen non‑selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. By lowering prostaglandin synthesis, it reduces peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors, diminishes inflammation, and lowers fever. The inhibition of COX enzymes also affects platelet aggregation, contributing to its overall pharmacologic profile. The effect is reversible and dose‑dependent, allowing modulation of the inflammatory response without permanent enzyme alteration.

Topical ibuprofen may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Skin irritation: redness, itching, or mild rash at the application site.
• Localized burning: transient sensation of warmth or burning where applied.
• Dryness: mild dryness or peeling of the skin.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing indicating possible anaphylaxis.
• Systemic toxicity: signs such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness if excessive absorption occurs.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, though extremely rare.

When using topical ibuprofen, consider the following precautions to minimise risk and ensure safe use.

• Assess renal function: avoid use in patients with severe kidney impairment.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: use cautiously in individuals with hypertension or heart disease.
• Check for gastrointestinal history: patients with ulcer disease should be monitored.
• Avoid concurrent NSAIDs: limit combined use to reduce additive toxicity.
• Pregnancy and lactation: consult a healthcare professional before use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the original packaging, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ibuprofen can interact with several medicines; awareness of major and moderate interactions helps prevent adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of bleeding.
• High‑dose aspirin: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective COX‑2 inhibitors: additive renal and cardiovascular effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in antihypertensive efficacy and renal function.
• Diuretics: enhanced risk of renal impairment.
• Lithium: ibuprofen may raise lithium serum levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.