Ibuprofen Ovaal Linn (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts as an analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory agent across several common conditions.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides effective analgesic relief for everyday aches.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature by acting on the hypothalamic heat‑regulation center.
• Arthritis: diminishes joint inflammation and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Headache: eases tension‑type and migraine‑related head pain.
• Dental pain: alleviates discomfort following dental procedures.
• Musculoskeletal pain: helps control pain from sprains, strains and overuse injuries.

• Ibuprofen reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Lower prostaglandin levels reduce peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors, lower fever set‑points in the hypothalamus, and diminish inflammatory exudate formation, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Adverse reactions can vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Rash or mild skin irritation.
• Elevated blood pressure in susceptible individuals.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Hepatotoxicity with elevated liver enzymes.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction or stroke in high‑risk patients.

Before using ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess renal function: avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: use cautiously in individuals with hypertension or heart disease.
• Monitor gastrointestinal health: avoid in patients with active ulcers or a history of GI bleeding.
• Check for asthma: may exacerbate symptoms in aspirin‑sensitive asthma.
• Review concomitant medications: avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs or anticoagulants without medical guidance.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, and protect from moisture.

Ibuprofen can affect the activity of several other medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

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

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce antihypertensive efficacy and impair renal function.
• Diuretics: potential for reduced diuretic response and electrolyte imbalance.
• Lithium: ibuprofen may raise lithium serum concentrations, requiring monitoring.