1. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a common NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It was discovered in the
1960?s by the Boots Group. The Boots Group applied for its patent in 1961. This is now a very
common over-the-counter and prescription medication. It has all the common effects of
NSAIDs: pain relief, fever relief, and swelling reduction. It’s also been shown to have a much
lower rate of negative side effects on the stomach and intestines. The relative safety combined
with the variety of uses have put ibuprofen on the World Health Organization’s Model List of
Essential Medicines.
Want to know more about NSAIDs? Click here for more information: What are NSAIDs?
Availability
Ibuprofen is available worldwide in both over-the-counter medications and as a prescription
drug.
Method Of Use
Ibuprofen is most often taken orally, though it can also be taken as a suppository. Infants may
be given ibuprofen via an IV to close the ductus arteriosus when the blood vessel doesn’t close
on its own.
Ibuprofen can also be used as a topical cream. The cream can be applied directly to an injury,
but experts don’t believe this is more effective or reduces side effects.
Ibuprofen Dosage
Ibuprofen is generally safer to give to children, though all NSAIDs can be dangerous to infants
and very young children, and the safety of ibuprofen for people under 18 hasn’t been fully
confirmed. To be on the safe side, make sure to consult a doctor before giving your child
ibuprofen.
When the medication is given, the dose is usually 5 mg to 10 mg for every kilogram (2.2 lbs) of
the child’s body weight. The maximum daily dose is 40 mg per kilogram. In the case of
rheumatoid arthritis, the dosage is significantly increased to up to 2.4 g (2400 mg) per day.
As adults, the typical doses for pain or fever is 200 mg to 400 mg every 6 hours as necessary.
Again, the dosage for rheumatoid arthritis is increased significantly, 400 mg to 800 mg every 6
to 8 hours.
It’s available worldwide in a variety of doses, but 200 mg ibuprofen is the most common.
Common Uses of Ibuprofen
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2. Headaches
Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter painkiller. This is the most commonly marketed use of
the drug, especially the over-the-counter and brand-name medicines. As ibuprofen has a fairly
mild effect on the stomach and digestive system, it’s often used for relief from migraines.
Fever
Ibuprofen has a strong anti-fever effect, so it is often used to reduce fevers. It’s sometimes
given to children suffering from very high fevers as well, but it’s important to only do so under
direct supervision of a doctor.
Menstrual Pain
Ibuprofen is also highly recommended for menstrual pain. Some manufacturers produce a
specialized medicine just for the relief from menstrual pain (medical jargon = dysmenorrhea).
Minor Injuries
Injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises can be treated with over-the-counter doses of
ibuprofen. It’s helpful in both managing the pain and reducing swelling, which allows the injury
to heal faster and more completely. In more severe injuries, higher-dose ibuprofen may be
prescribed.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
As this chronic condition causes both swelling and pain, NSAIDs are often prescribed for its
treatment. Ibuprofen is quite effective at managing both the pain and swelling of rheumatoid
arthritis, though it’s typically prescribed in higher doses than for other everyday uses.
Patent Ductus Arteriosu
This is a condition affecting newborn babies, especially those born prematurely. The ductus
arteriosus is a blood vessel that prevents a baby’s blood from circulating over the lungs while in
the womb. If it doesn’t close naturally, it can cause a series of complications. Ibuprofen is
effective in stimulating the ductus arteriosus to close.
Pericarditis
This is a condition where the lining around the heart (pericardium) swells, causing pain and
potentially disrupting the heart’s normal functions. It can be caused by a number of things
including chronic heart disease and infection. Ibuprofen is often used (so is aspirin) to treat the
condition.
Click here for a general list of the Common Uses of NSAIDs.
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3. Side Effects of Ibuprofen
One of the things that has made ibuprofen a popular medication is its relatively mild side effects.
Many people have no side effects at all when using this drug. Of those who do experience side
effects, the following are the most common:
constipation
diarrhea
gas
heartburn
stomach discomfort (pain, nausea, or an upset stomach)
headache
dizziness
The minor side effects aren’t something to worry about. If they become unbearably
uncomfortable or continue even if you’re no longer taking the medication, talk to a doctor about
it. The following are some more serious side effects. If any of these occur, it’s important to see
a doctor as soon as possible. These side effects are uncommon, but can indicate a serious
problem when present.
any kind of allergic reaction (hives, rash, shortness of breath, swelling anywhere in the
mouth or face)
vomiting (especially discolored vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds)
discolored stool (black, bloody, or with a tar-like consistency)
mood changes (mood swings, depression, confusion)
hearing loss or ringing in the ears
unusual weakness or tiredness (either in general or in specific parts of the body)
numbness or swelling in the limbs or extremities
seizures
photosensitivity (exposure to sunlight causing redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of
the skin)
Continuous use of ibuprofen, especially at high doses, has been linked to increased risk of heart
disease. A recent study has shown that among NSAIDs, ibuprofen has the highest increased
risk of stroke. Occasional use isn’t likely to have a significant effect on heart health, but
over-use can be dangerous long-term.
Click here for more information about NSAIDs side effects.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE: Ibuprofen
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