Kendo (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts systemically to manage common inflammatory and pain‑related conditions.

• Pain: provides analgesic relief for mild to moderate acute pain such as headache, dental pain, or musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory states.
• Inflammation: alleviates swelling and discomfort in conditions like arthritis, sprains, or soft‑tissue 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 inflammation, pain signaling, and the hypothalamic set‑point for body temperature, providing analgesic, antipyretic, and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Ibuprofen may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, or mild abdominal pain.
• Headache: transient headache not related to the underlying condition.
• Dizziness: occasional light‑headedness or vertigo.
• Rash: mild skin redness or itching.
• Elevated blood pressure: modest increase in systolic or diastolic pressure.
• Fluid retention: mild peripheral edema.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding: severe abdominal pain, melena, or hematemesis.
• Renal impairment: reduced urine output, swelling, or elevated creatinine.
• Hepatotoxicity: jaundice, dark urine, or elevated liver enzymes.
• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, angioedema, or widespread rash.
• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of myocardial infarction or stroke, especially with high‑dose or prolonged use.

When considering ibuprofen therapy, several safety measures should be observed.

• Contraindications: avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Gastrointestinal risk: use caution in individuals with a history of ulcers, gastritis, or bleeding disorders.
• Renal function: monitor kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease or dehydration.
• Cardiovascular health: assess cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension, heart failure, or prior thrombotic events.
• Pregnancy and lactation: consult a healthcare professional before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, and protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ibuprofen can interact with several drug classes, influencing efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

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

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in antihypertensive effect and renal function.
• Diuretics: may enhance renal impairment.
• Lithium: ibuprofen can raise serum lithium levels, requiring monitoring.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.