Ibuprofen Nutra Essential (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts on the cyclo‑oxygenase pathway to relieve pain, fever and inflammation.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesia for headaches, musculoskeletal aches, and postoperative discomfort.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature in acute and chronic febrile states.
• Osteoarthritis: alleviates joint pain and improves functional mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: diminishes inflammatory swelling and stiffness.
• Dental pain: controls postoperative dental discomfort and swelling.

• Ibuprofen inhibits both cyclo‑oxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclo‑oxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The reduced prostaglandin synthesis lowers peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors, diminishes fever‑inducing hypothalamic signals, and limits inflammatory exudate formation, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory actions.

Adverse reactions may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Skin rash or mild pruritus.
• Elevated blood pressure in susceptible individuals.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer perforation.
• Acute renal impairment or worsening of chronic kidney disease.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation or liver injury.
• Thrombocytopenia or other hematologic abnormalities.

Before using ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Renal function assessment: evaluate baseline kidney status, especially in the elderly or dehydrated.
• Gastrointestinal risk: avoid in patients with a history of ulcer disease or bleeding unless gastro‑protective therapy is provided.
• Dose minimisation: use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration required.
• Hypersensitivity check: discontinue if signs of allergic reaction appear.
• Concomitant anticoagulants: monitor clotting parameters closely.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ibuprofen can modify the effects of several other medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril): may reduce antihypertensive efficacy and impair renal function.
• Lithium: ibuprofen can raise serum lithium concentrations, risking toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide): may exacerbate renal insufficiency.
• Methotrexate: ibuprofen can decrease clearance, raising toxicity risk.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., sertraline): heightened bleeding tendency.