Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen acts on inflammatory pathways to relieve symptoms across several common conditions.

• Pain relief: reduces mild to moderate nociceptive pain.
• Fever reduction: lowers elevated body temperature.
• Inflammation control: diminishes swelling in musculoskeletal injuries.
• Arthritis: alleviates joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Ibuprofen reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 and cyclooxygenase‑2 enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The reduced prostaglandin synthesis leads to lowered inflammation, pain signalling, and fever generation at peripheral and central sites.

Adverse reactions may range from mild to severe and should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: transient sensation of light‑headedness.
• Rash: mild skin erythema or itching.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer perforation.
• Acute renal impairment or worsening of chronic kidney disease.
• Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
• Hepatic injury: elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of thrombotic complications.

Before initiating ibuprofen therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess renal function: monitor kidney health in patients with pre‑existing renal disease.
• Evaluate gastrointestinal risk: avoid use in active ulcers or a history of serious GI bleeding.
• Use the lowest effective dose: limit duration to reduce adverse event risk.
• Caution in cardiovascular disease: weigh potential thrombotic risk.
• Avoid in late pregnancy: discuss alternatives with an obstetrician.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Ibuprofen can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Lithium: elevated lithium serum concentrations.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): heightened bleeding tendency.
• ACE inhibitors: possible reduction in renal function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- Diuretics: may decrease renal clearance of ibuprofen.

• Beta‑blockers: potential attenuation of antihypertensive effect.