Nureflex (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts systemically to reduce pain, fever and inflammation across a range of common conditions.

• Headache: alleviates mild to moderate headache pain.
• Dental pain: reduces discomfort following dental procedures.
• Musculoskeletal pain: eases pain and swelling associated with sprains, strains and minor injuries.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature in acute febrile states.
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: diminishes joint pain and stiffness, improving mobility.

• Ibuprofen inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain, fever and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin levels at sites of tissue injury, it limits the sensitisation of nociceptors and the vasodilatory response that contributes to swelling and heat.

Adverse reactions may occur with ibuprofen use and are categorised by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia or mild abdominal pain.
• Headache: transient headache unrelated to the condition being treated.
• Dizziness: occasional light‑headedness or vertigo.
• Rash: mild skin erythema or itching.
• Elevated blood pressure: modest rise in systolic or diastolic pressure.
• Fluid retention: mild peripheral oedema.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration.
• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, angioedema, or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatic injury: marked elevation of liver enzymes.
• Renal impairment: acute kidney injury, especially with dehydration.
• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of myocardial infarction or stroke with long‑term high‑dose use.
• Hematologic abnormalities: thrombocytopenia or leukopenia.

Before using ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess renal function: avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: use cautiously in individuals with hypertension, heart disease or stroke history.
• Monitor gastrointestinal health: avoid in patients with active peptic ulcer disease or a history of GI bleeding.
• Check for hypersensitivity: discontinue if signs of allergic reaction appear.
• Review concomitant medications: avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs or anticoagulants without medical guidance.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, retain in original packaging, 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.
• Lithium: ibuprofen may raise lithium serum concentrations.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: potential reduction in renal function.
• Diuretics: may enhance renal adverse effects.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: increased bleeding tendency.
• Corticosteroids: elevated risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Antihypertensives: possible attenuation of blood pressure‑lowering effect.