Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen acts on inflammatory pathways to relieve pain and fever.

• Pain: reduction of mild to moderate acute pain such as headache, dental pain or postoperative discomfort.
• Fever: lowering of elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory conditions.
• Arthritis: alleviation of joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Musculoskeletal pain: mitigation of strain, sprain and back‑pain symptoms.
• Dysmenorrhea: relief of menstrual cramps and associated discomfort.

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

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

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Elevated blood pressure in susceptible individuals.
• Transient renal function changes.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer perforation.
• Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reactions.
• Hepatotoxicity or liver enzyme elevation.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

When using ibuprofen, several safety considerations should be observed.

• Renal function: assess baseline kidney status and avoid prolonged high‑dose use in impaired patients.
• Gastro‑intestinal risk: use the lowest effective dose, especially in individuals with a history of ulcer or bleeding.
• Cardiovascular caution: monitor blood pressure and avoid use in uncontrolled hypertension.
• Hypersensitivity: discontinue immediately if rash, swelling or breathing difficulty occurs.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for potential additive toxicity.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ibuprofen can interact with a variety of medicines; some require avoidance while others need monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of bleeding.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce antihypertensive effect and impair renal function.
• Lithium: elevated lithium levels and toxicity.
• Methotrexate: decreased clearance leading to toxicity.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: heightened bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: possible reduction in renal perfusion.
• Beta‑blockers: may blunt antihypertensive response.
• Corticosteroids: additive gastrointestinal ulcer risk.
• Antihypertensives: monitor blood pressure control.
• Other NSAIDs: avoid concurrent use to reduce toxicity.