Ibuprofeno Pharmaclan (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen is an NSAID that reduces prostaglandin synthesis, making it effective for several pain‑related and inflammatory conditions.

• Headache: relief of tension‑type and migraine‑associated pain.
• Dental pain: reduction of postoperative discomfort after dental procedures.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviation of pain from sprains, strains and minor injuries.
• Osteoarthritis: improvement of joint pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: reduction of inflammatory joint pain.
• Dysmenorrhea: relief of menstrual cramps.

• Ibuprofen exerts its effect by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, which catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The decreased prostaglandin production leads to reduced inflammation, pain signalling and fever generation at peripheral sites and within the central nervous system. By limiting prostaglandin‑mediated sensitisation of nociceptors, ibuprofen also diminishes peripheral hyperalgesia and contributes to overall analgesia.

Commonly reported adverse reactions to ibuprofen involve the gastrointestinal tract, skin and central nervous system.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset.
• Dyspepsia: indigestion or heartburn.
• Headache: transient headache.
• Dizziness: light‑headed sensation.
• Diarrhoea: loose stools.
• Rash: mild skin irritation.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration: bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestines.
• Renal impairment: reduced kidney function or acute kidney injury.
• Hepatotoxicity: elevated liver enzymes or liver injury.
• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction with airway compromise.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin and mucous membrane disorder.
• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of heart attack or stroke in high‑risk patients.

When using ibuprofen, certain precautions help minimise risks and ensure safe therapy.

• Assess gastrointestinal risk: evaluate history of ulcers, bleeding or NSAID use.
• Evaluate renal function: avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Monitor hepatic status: caution in liver disease or elevated enzymes.
• Use lowest effective dose: limit duration to the shortest necessary period.
• Avoid in late pregnancy: contraindicated after 30 weeks gestation.
• Store below 25°C: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and heat.

Ibuprofen may interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• High‑dose aspirin: enhanced gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective COX‑2 inhibitors: additive renal and cardiovascular effects.
• Lithium: increased lithium serum concentrations.
• Methotrexate: reduced renal clearance leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in renal function.
• Diuretics: risk of reduced kidney perfusion.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: heightened bleeding tendency.
• Corticosteroids: increased gastrointestinal ulcer risk.
• Antihypertensives: potential attenuation of blood pressure control.