Ibuprofene Viatris Conseil (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts systemically to alleviate pain and inflammation across several common clinical situations.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesic relief for headaches, dental pain, musculoskeletal discomfort and postoperative soreness.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature by acting on the hypothalamic heat‑regulating center.
• Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions: reduces joint swelling, stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and similar disorders.

• Ibuprofen exerts its effect by non‑selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The resulting decrease in prostaglandin synthesis diminishes peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors, lowers fever set‑point in the hypothalamus, and reduces inflammatory exudate formation.

Adverse reactions may range from mild, transient symptoms to serious, potentially life‑threatening events.

Common Side Effects

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

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastro‑intestinal bleeding, ulceration or perforation.
• Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Acute kidney injury or worsening of chronic renal disease.
• Hepatotoxicity with marked elevation of liver enzymes.
• Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction or stroke, especially with high‑dose or prolonged use.
• Hematologic abnormalities such as thrombocytopenia or leukopenia.

Before initiating therapy, consider patient‑specific factors and safety measures.

• Assess renal function: avoid or adjust dose in patients with significant kidney impairment.
• Evaluate gastrointestinal risk: use caution in individuals with a history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Monitor blood pressure: NSAIDs can exacerbate hypertension.
• Review concomitant medications: avoid use with other NSAIDs or anticoagulants when possible.
• Counsel on alcohol use: concurrent intake may increase gastric toxicity.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, and protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ibuprofen may alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of several medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: heightened chance of ulceration or bleeding.
• Lithium: ibuprofen can raise serum lithium concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics and ACE inhibitors: may reduce renal perfusion, especially in volume‑depleted patients.
• Methotrexate: ibuprofen can decrease renal clearance, raising toxicity risk.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): combined use modestly raises bleeding potential.