Nurofenplast (Ibuprofen)

Ibuprofen acts on inflammatory pathways to provide analgesic and antipyretic effects.

• Headache: alleviates pain associated with tension‑type and mild migraine headaches.
• Musculoskeletal pain: reduces discomfort from sprains, strains and minor joint inflammation.
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature in febrile conditions.
• Dental pain: eases postoperative or acute toothache discomfort.

• Ibuprofen inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. This reduction in prostaglandin synthesis diminishes peripheral sensitisation, lowers fever, and lessens inflammation, providing analgesic and antipyretic effects.

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 not related to the underlying condition.
• Dizziness: occasional light‑headed feeling.
• Rash: mild skin erythema or itching.
• Elevated blood pressure: modest rise in systolic/diastolic values.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding: may present with black stools or vomiting blood.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Renal impairment: sudden decrease in urine output or swelling.
• Hepatotoxicity: abnormal liver enzymes or jaundice.
• Anaphylaxis: acute, life‑threatening allergic reaction with airway compromise.

Before initiating ibuprofen therapy, consider the following safety measures:

• Assess renal function: patients with chronic kidney disease should be evaluated.
• Evaluate cardiovascular risk: use cautiously in individuals with hypertension or heart disease.
• Review gastrointestinal history: avoid in those with active ulcers or recent GI bleeding.
• Monitor for asthma exacerbation: ibuprofen can trigger bronchospasm in aspirin‑sensitive patients.
• Pregnancy and lactation: limit use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration, and only if clearly needed.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and heat.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• High‑dose aspirin aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective COX‑2 inhibitors (e.g., celecoxib): heightened cardiovascular risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril): possible reduction in antihypertensive effect.
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide): may diminish renal clearance of ibuprofen.
• Lithium: increased lithium serum levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced renal elimination leading to toxicity.