Nurofen Retard (Ibuprofen)

Nurofen Retard is an NSAID that acts on inflammatory pathways to provide symptomatic relief in several common conditions.

• Dental pain: reduces pain and swelling after dental procedures.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviates aches associated with sprains, strains and arthritis.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature in acute febrile states.
• Dysmenorrhoea: eases menstrual cramps and associated discomfort.
• Headache: mitigates tension‑type and mild migraine headaches.

• Ibuprofen inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, it dampens peripheral nociceptor sensitisation and lowers the hypothalamic set‑point for temperature regulation.

Adverse reactions may range from mild to severe and should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or mild abdominal pain.
• Headache: transient headache unrelated to the treated condition.
• Dizziness: light‑headed sensation, especially on standing.
• Rash: mild skin erythema or itching.
• Elevated blood pressure: modest rise in systolic/diastolic values.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding: black stools or vomiting blood.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Renal impairment: reduced urine output or swelling.
• Hepatotoxicity: jaundice or abnormal liver enzymes.
• Anaphylaxis: sudden difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat.

Before initiating therapy with Nurofen Retard, consider the following safety measures:

• Assess renal function: patients with chronic kidney disease should be evaluated.
• Review cardiovascular risk: NSAIDs may increase blood pressure and cardiovascular events.
• Check gastrointestinal history: prior ulcer disease raises bleeding risk.
• Avoid use in late pregnancy: NSAIDs can affect fetal circulation.
• Monitor in asthma: may trigger bronchospasm in sensitive individuals.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): heightened risk of serious bleeding.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce antihypertensive effect and impair renal function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may potentiate renal insufficiency.
• Lithium: ibuprofen can raise serum lithium levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced renal clearance may increase toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: combined use raises ulcer risk.