Iphay (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts on the cyclo‑oxygenase pathway to provide analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

• Pain: reduces mild to moderate pain such as headache, dental pain or musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory conditions.
• Inflammation: diminishes swelling and redness in conditions like sprains or bursitis.
• Arthritis: alleviates joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• 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 leads to lower inflammation, pain signaling, and fever generation at the site of tissue injury or infection.

Adverse reactions to ibuprofen can range from mild and frequent to severe and uncommon.

Common Side Effects

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

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation.
• Peptic ulcer development.
• Acute renal failure or worsening of chronic kidney disease.
• Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatotoxicity with marked liver enzyme elevation.
• Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction or stroke, especially with high‑dose or prolonged use.

Before prescribing ibuprofen, clinicians should evaluate patient‑specific risk factors and monitor for adverse outcomes.

• Assess gastrointestinal risk: avoid in patients with active ulcers or a history of GI bleeding.
• Monitor renal function: use caution in those with impaired kidney function or dehydration.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
• Caution in patients with cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ibuprofen may interact with several drug classes, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

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

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics): may reduce blood pressure control.
• Methotrexate: ibuprofen can decrease renal clearance, raising methotrexate levels.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): combined use may modestly increase bleeding risk.