Ibuprofen Medley Pharma (Ibuprofen)

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

• Pain: Reduces mild to moderate pain such as headache, dental discomfort, musculoskeletal aches.
• Fever: Lowers elevated body temperature associated with common infections.
• Inflammation: Decreases swelling and stiffness in conditions like sprains.
• Arthritis: Alleviates joint pain and improves mobility in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Ibuprofen inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, it diminishes inflammation, pain signaling, and fever generation at the site of tissue injury or infection.

Adverse reactions may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache: mild to moderate tension‑type headache.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.
• Rash: mild skin erythema or itching.
• Diarrhoea: loose stools without blood.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, transient increase.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration.
• Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Anaphylaxis or severe hypersensitivity reactions.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Hepatotoxicity with marked liver enzyme elevation.
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction in high‑risk patients.

Before using ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess gastrointestinal risk: avoid in patients with active ulcers or a history of GI bleeding.
• Use the lowest effective dose: limit duration to the shortest period needed for symptom control.
• Monitor renal function: caution in patients with chronic kidney disease or dehydration.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reactions occur.
• Use cautiously in cardiovascular disease: discuss risks with a clinician.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: heightened risk of ulceration.
• Lithium: elevated lithium serum levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in renal function.
• Diuretics: potential for decreased renal perfusion.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: modest increase in bleeding tendency.
• Antihypertensives: may blunt blood pressure control.
• Oral hypoglycemics: possible alteration of glucose control.