Ibuprofen
Advil | Motrin | Nurofen
Overview
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects. Available over-the-counter and by prescription.
Indications
- Mild to moderate pain
- Fever
- Inflammatory conditions
- Dysmenorrhea
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Contraindications
- Active GI bleeding
- Severe heart failure
- Post-CABG surgery
- NSAID allergy
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and thereby decreasing inflammation, pain, and fever.
Pharmacodynamics
Provides analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Onset of action within 30 minutes for pain relief.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Rapidly absorbed. Bioavailability >80%.
- Distribution
- Highly protein bound (99%).
- Metabolism
- Hepatic via CYP2C9.
- Excretion
- Urine (primarily as metabolites).
- Half-life
- 2-4 hours
- Bioavailability
- >80%
- Protein Binding
- 99%
Dosage
Typical dosage: 200-800 mg every 4-6 hours (max 3200 mg/day)
Available Forms
- Tablet
- Capsule
- Suspension
- Topical gel
- IV solution
Side Effects
Common
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
Serious
- GI bleeding
- Cardiovascular events
- Renal impairment
Rare
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Aseptic meningitis
Drug Interactions
May reduce cardioprotective effect of low-dose aspirin.
Increased bleeding risk.
May reduce antihypertensive effect.
Warnings
NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, MI, and stroke. Risk of GI bleeding, ulceration, and perforation.
Pregnancy
Category C (D in 3rd trimester)
Toxicity
GI bleeding, renal failure, metabolic acidosis in overdose.
Overdose
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness. Supportive care and GI decontamination.
References
Looking for patient-friendly information? Visit RemedyDoor for easy-to-read guides about this medication.