Ibuprofen Pharmamatch (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts systemically to reduce pain, fever and inflammation associated with a variety of conditions.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesic relief for injuries, musculoskeletal strain and postoperative discomfort.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature by acting on the hypothalamic heat‑regulation center.
• Inflammation (e.g., arthritis): decreases swelling and improves joint function.
• Headache: alleviates tension‑type or migraine‑associated head pain.
• Dental pain: eases postoperative or toothache discomfort.

• Ibuprofen exerts its effect by non‑selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, which reduces the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Lower prostaglandin levels diminish peripheral sensitization of nociceptors, lower fever set‑points in the hypothalamus, and limit inflammatory exudate formation, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory actions.

Adverse reactions can range from mild and transient to severe and life‑threatening.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort or dyspepsia.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Mild skin rash.
• Elevated blood pressure.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Acute renal impairment or failure.
• Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
• Hepatic injury.
• Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Before using ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess renal function: avoid in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Monitor gastrointestinal risk: use with food in individuals prone to ulcer disease.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Use caution during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
• Consider cardiovascular risk: limit use in patients with established heart disease.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and heat.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Lithium: elevated serum lithium concentrations.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Corticosteroids: heightened risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• SSRIs/SNRIs: additive bleeding tendency.
• Diuretics: potential for reduced renal function.