Nurofen (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts as an analgesic and antipyretic within the NSAID drug class, targeting pain and inflammatory pathways.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides effective analgesic relief for headaches, muscular aches, and minor injuries.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory conditions.
• Inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis: reduces joint inflammation and improves mobility.
• Dental pain: eases discomfort following dental procedures.

• Ibuprofen exerts its effect by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, which decreases the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain signaling, fever generation, and inflammation. This reduction in prostaglandin production leads to analgesic, antipyretic, and anti‑inflammatory outcomes without directly affecting the central nervous system.

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

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort or dyspepsia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild skin rash

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
• Kidney impairment or acute renal failure
• Elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis
• Cardiovascular events such as hypertension or thrombotic episodes

When using ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess renal function: avoid in severe impairment or adjust use under medical supervision.
• Avoid in active peptic ulcer disease: increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Use with caution in asthma: may trigger bronchospasm in sensitive individuals.
• Limit alcohol consumption: combined use heightens gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Store at ambient temperature below 25°C: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Ibuprofen can interact with several medication classes, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent use with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Combination with other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or diuretics: may reduce renal function, especially in dehydrated patients.
• Lithium therapy: ibuprofen can raise serum lithium concentrations, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: co‑administration may increase methotrexate toxicity due to reduced clearance.