Ibuprofen

What do ibuprofen tablets or caplets do? IBUPROFEN (Motrin(R), Advil(R), Rufen(R), Nuprin(R)) is an antiinflammatory. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and eases mild to moderate pain. It reduces fever and relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism), osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps or premenstrual pain and swelling. Generic ibuprofen tablets and caplets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take ibuprofen? They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

        •  anemia

        •  asthma

        •  bleeding problems

        •  cigarette smoker

        •  dental disease

        •  diabetes

        •  drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day

        •  heart or circulation problems

        •  kidney disease

        •  liver disease

        •  nasal polyps

        •  stomach or duodenal ulcers

        •  systemic lupus erythematosus

        •  ulcerative colitis

        •  an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, foods, dyes or preservatives

        •  pregnant or trying to get pregnant

        •  breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine? Take ibuprofen tablets or caplets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before laying down. Ibuprofen may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What other medicines can interact with ibuprofen?

        •  agents that treat or prevent blood clots

        •  alcohol

        •  alendronate

        •  aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

        •  cyclosporine

        •  herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba

        •  lithium

        •  methotrexate

        •  other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)

        •  water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking ibuprofen? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

        •  signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness

        •  signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips

        •  change in the amount of urine passed

        •  chest pain

        •  fast heartbeat

        •  fever, chills, muscle aches and pains

        •  pain or difficulty passing urine

        •  pain on swallowing

        •  stomach pain or cramps

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

        •  diarrhea

        •  dizziness, drowsiness

        •  gas or heartburn

        •  headache

        •  nausea/vomiting

What do I need to watch for while I take ibuprofen? Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues, do not take with other pain-killers without advice. Do not treat yourself for a fever with ibuprofen for more than 3 days, or for pain for more than 10 days without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. You may be covering up a more serious illness.

To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take ibuprofen with a full glass of water and never just before lying down.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ibuprofen affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these may increase the irritation to your stomach when taking this medicine.

It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Ibuprofen may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking ibuprofen. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Where can I keep my medicine? Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.