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
Classification
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
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.