Melfen (Ibuprofen)

• Ibuprofen acts as an analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory agent within the NSAID drug class.
• Pain: Provides relief of mild to moderate acute or chronic pain such as headache, dental or musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Fever: Lowers elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory conditions.
• Inflammation: Reduces swelling and redness in conditions like arthritis or soft‑tissue injuries.

• Ibuprofen exerts its effect by non‑selectively inhibiting cyclo‑oxygenase enzymes COX‑1 and COX‑2, which catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Reduced prostaglandin synthesis diminishes peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors, lowers the hypothalamic set‑point for temperature, and limits inflammatory mediators, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory actions. The inhibition is reversible and occurs throughout the body, affecting both central and peripheral sites involved in pain and fever pathways.

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

Common Side Effects

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo: transient sensation of light‑headedness.
• Rash or mild skin irritation: localized erythema or pruritus.
• Elevated blood pressure: small increase in some patients.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastro‑intestinal bleeding or ulceration: potentially life‑threatening hemorrhage.
• Renal impairment: acute kidney injury, especially with dehydration.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions: anaphylaxis, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Hepatic failure: rare but serious liver injury.

• Before using ibuprofen, consider the following precautions to minimise risk.
• Assess gastrointestinal risk: avoid in patients with active ulcers or history of GI bleeding.
• Evaluate renal function: use caution in those with chronic kidney disease or dehydration.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reactions occur.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
• Monitor cardiovascular status: patients with heart failure or hypertension may need close observation.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and heat.

Ibuprofen can interact with several medicines; awareness of the interaction level guides safe co‑administration.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Lithium: ibuprofen may raise lithium serum concentrations, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance may lead to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may diminish antihypertensive effect and affect renal function.
• SSRIs: heightened bleeding risk when combined with ibuprofen.