Nurofen Rapid Forte (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts systemically to manage pain and inflammation across several common conditions.

• Headache: provides rapid relief of tension‑type or mild migraine pain.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature associated with infections or inflammatory states.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviates pain and swelling from strains, sprains, backache or arthritis.
• Dental pain: reduces discomfort following dental procedures or toothache.
• Menstrual pain: eases dysmenorrhoea by decreasing uterine cramping.

• Ibuprofen inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain, fever and inflammation. By lowering prostaglandin levels at sites of tissue injury, it diminishes peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors and the febrile response, resulting in analgesic, antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Adverse reactions may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

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

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatic injury: elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Renal impairment: acute kidney injury or worsening chronic kidney disease.
• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Hematologic abnormalities: thrombocytopenia or leukopenia.

Before using ibuprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Cardiovascular risk: avoid if you have uncontrolled hypertension or recent heart disease.
• Gastrointestinal history: caution in patients with ulcer disease or chronic gastritis.
• Renal function: monitor kidney health, especially in dehydration or existing renal impairment.
• Pregnancy and lactation: consult a healthcare professional before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for potential conflicts.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ibuprofen can affect the activity of several other medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• High‑dose aspirin: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective COX‑2 inhibitors: additive renal and cardiovascular hazards.
• Lithium: elevated lithium serum levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in antihypertensive effect and renal function.
• Diuretics: may impair renal perfusion.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: modest increase in bleeding tendency.
• Corticosteroids: enhanced risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Antihypertensives: potential attenuation of blood pressure control.