Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is indicated in the following indications-

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Gouty arthritis
• Juvenile polyarthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Synovitis
• Low back pain
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Fever
• Migraine
• Soft tissue injuries
• Pain & Inflammation in dental and musculoskeletal origin.

Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen has a high level of anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and analgesic activity. The analgesic effects of Ibuprofen are due to both a peripheral and a central effect. Ibuprofen is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which thus results in a marked reduction in prostaglandin synthesis. Ibuprofen also inhibits the synthesis of some lipo-oxygenase products. Ibuprofen thus quickly relieves pain and stiffness, reduces swelling, and improves the movement of different joints of arthritis sufferers.

Adults: The dose is initially, 400 mg 3 times daily. A dose of 2400 mg daily should not be exceeded.

Children:

• 3-6 months (body-weight over 5 kg): ½ tsp (2.5 ml) 3 times daily; max. 30 mg/kg daily in 3-4 divided doses.
• 6 months-1 year: ½ tsp (2.5 ml) 3-4 times daily; max. 30 mg/kg daily in 3-4 divided doses.
• 1-4 years: 1 tsp (5 ml) 3 times daily; max. 30 mg/kg daily in 3-4 divided doses.
• 4-7 years: 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) 3 times daily; max. 30 mg/kg daily in 3-4 divided doses.
• 7-10 years: 2 tsp (10 ml) 3 times daily; upto 30 mg/kg (max. 2.4 gm) daily in 3-4 divided doses.
• 10-12 years: 3 tsp (15 ml) 3 times daily; upto 30 mg/kg (max. 2.4 gm) daily in 3-4 divided doses.

children weighing less than 5 kg: Not recommended for children weighing less than 5 kg.

In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: up to 30-40 mg/kg of body weight daily in 3-4 divided doses may be taken or as directed by the physician.

Upset stomach, vomiting, heartburn, nausea may occur.

Ibuprofen is contraindicated in patients who have shown the previous hypersensitivity to Ibuprofen, and in patients with severe or active peptic ulceration.

Ibuprofen should be used with caution and the lowest effective doses should be given if there is a history of gastrointestinal hemorrhage or ulcer. Patients on long-term therapy with Ibuprofen require ocular monitoring at regular intervals, as changes in ocular function have been reported. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are more likely than others to develop hypersensitivity to Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen should be prescribed with caution in patients with asthma and in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Adverse effects of Ibuprofen on the developing fetus cannot be fully excluded. Ibuprofen should not be used during pregnancy and for nursing mothers unless the potential benefits to the mothers outweigh the potential risks.

Keep all medicines out of reach of children. Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.