The following information is a summary about IBU. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many
conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.
Ibuprofen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ibuprofen?
This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems,
including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use ibuprofen. Do not use
this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass
graft, or CABG).
Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems,
such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or
balance.
This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines,
including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and
gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking ibuprofen.
Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee
grounds.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of ibuprofen
can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is
800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount
of ibuprofen needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.
Avoid taking ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack.
Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must
use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the
aspirin (non-enteric coated form).
Do not drink alcohol while taking ibuprofen. Alcohol can increase your risk of
stomach bleeding caused by ibuprofen.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen?
Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems,
including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not
use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery
bypass graft, or CABG).
NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines,
including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and
gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID.
Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
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a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
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heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood
pressure;
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a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
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asthma;
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polyps in your nose; or
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liver or kidney disease,
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systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
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a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
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if you smoke.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
ibuprofen, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, avoid also taking ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen may make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must
use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the
aspirin (non-enteric coated form).
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby during early pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant during treatment. However, taking ibuprofen during the last 3 months of
pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take ibuprofen during pregnancy
unless your doctor has told you to.
It is not known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take ibuprofen?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of ibuprofen
can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is
800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount
of ibuprofen needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.
Take ibuprofen with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure
you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not
with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for
one.
The ibuprofen chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
If you take ibuprofen for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a
regular basis to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any
scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store ibuprofen at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the
liquid medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since ibuprofen is sometimes taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If
you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine. Symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain,
drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking ibuprofen?
Avoid taking ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack.
Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must
use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the
aspirin (non-enteric coated form).
Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first
asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or
other medicines similar to ibuprofen (such as ketoprofen or naproxen). If you take certain
products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label
of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or
naproxen.
Do not drink alcohol while taking ibuprofen. Alcohol can increase the risk of
stomach bleeding caused by ibuprofen.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Ibuprofen can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen
(minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Ibuprofen side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking ibuprofen and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you
have any of these serious side effects:
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chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems
with vision or balance;
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black, bloody, or tarry stools;
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coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
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swelling or rapid weight gain;
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urinating less than usual or not at all;
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nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark
urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
peeling, and red skin rash;
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bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
or
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fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity
to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions).
Keep taking ibuprofen and talk to your doctor if you have any of these
less serious side effects:
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upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;
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bloating, gas;
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dizziness, headache, nervousness;
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skin itching or rash;
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blurred vision; or
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ringing in your ears.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect ibuprofen?
Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
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aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin),
ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic),
nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others;
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an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril
(Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril
(Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik);
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lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
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diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix);
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methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
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steroids (prednisone and others); or
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a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use
ibuprofen or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect ibuprofen. Tell your doctor about all
the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication
without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has information about ibuprofen written for health professionals that you
may read.
What does my medication look like?
Ibuprofen is available with a prescription or over-the-counter in several brand and generic
formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it
is new to you.
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
