Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It 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.
Most common uses of ibuprofen:
Fever
Inflammation
Headache
Toothache
Back pain
Arthritis, including juvenile arthritis
Menstrual pain
Minor injuries
Ibuprofen (INN) (from the now outdated nomenclature iso-butyl-propanoic-phenolic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and goes under various other trademarks. It is used for relief of symptoms of arthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, fever, and as an analgesic, especially where there is an inflammatory component. Ibuprofen is known to have an antiplatelet effect, though it is relatively mild and short-lived when compared with that of aspirin or other better-known antiplatelet drugs. Ibuprofen is a “core” medicine in the World Health Organization's “Essential Drugs List”, which is a list of minimum medical needs for a basic health care system.
Ibuprofen was derived from propionic acid by the research arm of Boots Group during the 1960s. It was discovered by Andrew RM Dunlop, with colleagues Stewart Adams, John Nicholson, Jeff Wilson & Colin Burrows and was patented in 1961. The drug was launched as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the United Kingdom in 1969, and in the United States in 1974.
On 15 January 2010, Johnson & Johnson announced the recall of several hundred batches of popular medicines, including Benadryl, Motrin, Rolaids, Simply Sleep, St. Joseph Aspirin and Tylenol. The recall was due to contamination with the chemical 2,4,6-tribromoanisole. The full health effects of 2,4,6-tribromoanisole are not known. The recall came 20 months after McNeil first began receiving consumer complaints about moldy-smelling bottles of Tylenol Arthritis Relief caplets, according to a warning letter sent by the Food and Drug Administration.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). PGH2, in turn, is converted by other enzymes to several other prostaglandins (which are mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever) and to thromboxane A2 (which stimulates platelet aggregation, leading to the formation of blood clots).
Like aspirin, indomethacin, and most other NSAIDs, ibuprofen is considered a non-selective COX inhibitor—that is, it inhibits two isoforms of cyclooxygenase, “COX-1” and “COX-2”. The analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activity of NSAIDs appears to be achieved mainly through inhibition of COX-2, whereas inhibition of COX-1 would be responsible for unwanted effects on platelet aggregation and the gastrointestinal tract. However, the role of the individual COX isoforms in the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and gastric damage effects of NSAIDs is uncertain and different compounds cause different degrees of analgesia and gastric damage.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics (NSAIAs) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIMs), are medications with analgesic, antipyretic (something that reduces a fever), and in higher doses anti-inflammatory effects.
Non-steroidal means they are not steroids, which often have similar effects. As analgesics, NSAIDs are generally non-narcotic (do not cause insensibility or stupor).
The most prominent NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen - mainly because most of them are (no prescription required) medications.
Ibuprofen has many benefits over other painkillers.
The benefits of ibuprofen are:
Decreases inflammation
Believed to slow down progression of Alzheimer’s
Non-addictive
More efficient than other NSAIDs
Relatively cheap
Ibuprofen can provide some relief for suffers of rheumatoid arthritis. Use of the drug can reduce some of the pain and swelling but it will not alter the course of the disease.
Ibuprofen has been found to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Ibuprofen is thought to be able to reduce the amounts of beta-amyloid (a protein fragment whose accumulation is linked to the disease) that build-up in the brain. Whilst this information supports previous data which indicates that ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can slow down or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, scientists say it may also introduce a new way of thinking about how ibuprofen protects the brain. About 20 studies carried out on people have shown that those who took NSAIDs for various reasons had a much lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those people who did not take NSAIDs. Evidence has shown that inflammation in the brain, prompted by amyloid deposits, activates immune cells and elicits harmful substances that destroy nerve cells. Ibuprofen is thought to interrupt this pathway of events.
Ibuprofen is much more effective than aspirin. To achieve the same anti-inflammatory effect 4000mg of aspirin needs to be administered whilst only 2400mg must be used in the case of ibuprofen. This again shows that ibuprofen is more useful than other drugs, as because it is present at lower concentrations in the body the chance of unwanted side effects are much less.
Ibuprofen is not addictive and so will not cause problems with people becoming dependent on it, this can occur with other painkillers. It also means that people will not build up a tolerance to the drug: meaning that they will not need larger and larger quantities of the drug to induce the same pain releasing effects.
People who take ibuprofen on a regular basis have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, research suggests. The drug is commonly used to ease aches and pains but US research, in Neurology journal, found it had an added benefit. In studies of more than 135,000 men and women regular users of ibuprofen were 40% less likely to develop Parkinson's. However, experts say it is too early to say whether the benefits of taking the drug outweigh the risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Lead researcher Professor Alberto Ascherio, of the Harvard School of Public Health, said: “There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, so the possibility that ibuprofen, an existing and relatively non-toxic drug, could help protect against the disease is captivating.”
In his study, funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation, men and women who used ibuprofen two or more times a week reduced their risk of Parkinson's disease by more than a third compared with those who regularly used aspirin, acetaminophen, or other NSAIDs.
Dr Kieran Breen, director of Research and Development at Parkinson's UK, said it was difficult to know exactly what effect ibuprofen might be having on the death of nerve cells in the brain, and how it might affect whether somebody will get Parkinson's. But based on the findings of this latest study, he said there would seem to be an interesting link.
He said: “We know that inflammatory changes in the brain may be involved in the death of nerve cells which cause Parkinson's, particularly in the early stages of the condition.”
“We are currently funding research into this area ourselves at the University of Oxford.”
As to why ibuprofen alone might have the desired effect, the US researchers say it could be down to the fact that this drug has a specific role in blocking a biological pathway of cell damage and death.
People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) such as ibuprofen may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke; if you smoke; and if you have or have ever had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Get emergency medical help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part or side of the body, or slurred speech.
Ibuprofen must not be used during pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.
If you will be undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG; a type of heart surgery), you should not take ibuprofen right before or right after the surgery.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death. The risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time, are older in age, have poor health, or who drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day while taking ibuprofen. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following medications: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; other NSAIDs such as ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Actron) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); or oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers, bleeding in your stomach or intestines, or other bleeding disorders. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking ibuprofen and call your doctor: stomach pain, heartburn, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, blood in the stool, or black and tarry stools.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms carefully and will probably order certain tests to check your body's response to ibuprofen. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling so that your doctor can prescribe the right amount of medication to treat your condition with the lowest risk of serious side effects.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with prescription ibuprofen and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to ibuprofen: 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:
chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
swelling or rapid weight gain;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
severe headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure (convulsions).
Less serious ibuprofen side effects may include:
upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;
bloating, gas;
dizziness, headache, nervousness;
skin itching or rash;
blurred vision; or
ringing in your ears.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Sometimes one medication can interfere with the effects of another medication - this is known as drug interaction. Below is a list of some common interactions; if you are taking medications not listed below check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure:
Antihypertensive medications - these are drugs taken for high blood pressure (hypertension). In some cases ibuprofen can cause the patient's blood pressure to rise if they are taking antihypertensives.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers - if you are taking diclofenac (Voltarol), indometacin, or naproxen you should not take ibuprofen because of the increased risk of stomach bleeding. Also, ibuprofen will probably not provide any additional pain relief. This includes topical ibuprofen (applied onto the skin).
Aspirin - ibuprofen taken in combination with aspirin significantly raises the risk of stomach bleeding. Patients taking low-dose aspirin for blood thinning should not take ibuprofen, because the blood thinning effect will be diminished.
Digoxin - often used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Ibuprofen taken in combination with digoxin can raise blood levels.
Lithium - A medication sometimes prescribed for certain mental disorder and illnesses. Ibuprofen can make it harder for the body to eliminate lithium, resulting in high and potentially dangerous levels of lithium in the body.
Methotrexate - used in the treatment of cancer and some auto-immune diseases. Ibuprofen can make it harder for the body to eliminate methotrexate, resulting in high and potentially dangerous levels of methotrexate in the body.
Tacrolimus - this drug is mainly used with patients who have received an organ transplant so that the body's immune system does not reject the new organ. Ibuprofen with tacrolimus can cause kidney damage.
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants - drugs, such as citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline, taken with ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding.
Warfarin - this is an anticoagulant drug (a blood thinner); it stops the blood from clotting. Ibuprofen taken with warfarin can reduce the drug's anticoagulant effects.
Before taking ibuprofen,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Actron) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in the type of ibuprofen you plan to take. Ask your pharmacist or check the label on the package for a list of the inactive ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and methotrexate (Rheumatrex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
do not take nonprescription ibuprofen with any other medication for pain unless your doctor tells you that you should.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or asthma, especially if you also have frequent stuffed or runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the inside of the nose); swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs; lupus (a condition in which the body attacks many of its own tissues and organs, often including the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys); or liver or kidney disease. If you are giving ibuprofen to a child, tell the child's doctor if the child has not been drinking fluids or has lost a large amount of fluid from repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
tell your doctor before using ibuprofen if you are breast-feeding. It is not known whether using ibuprofen during breastfeeding is dangerous.
you must not use ibuprofen during pregnancy or if you are trying to become pregnant due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ibuprofen.
if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inborn disease in which mental retardation develops if a specific diet is not followed), read the package label carefully before taking nonprescription ibuprofen. Some types of nonprescription ibuprofen may be sweetened with aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or 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.
Since ibuprofen is 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. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.
These are comments by other users from a very big internet site. If you use the drug, advise with your doctor for the right dosing.
Review by Lexi...: User Rating: 7.0
ibuprofen for Back Pain: Good for headaches and back aches. I definitely recommend ibuprofen.
Review by Murf: User Rating: 10
ibuprofen for Pain: I have used this drug for 20 yrs. Cannot take other Nsaids because they cause stomach pain. But for some reason ibuprofen I can take with no problem at all. And it works on all my joint pain.
Review by Anonymous: User Rating: 6.0
ibuprofen for Pain: I was prescribed 800mg Ibuprofen and Vicodin when I had foot surgery. The 800mg ibuprofen did nothing for the pain in my foot but it worked wonders for my menstrual cramps. Vicodin was the only thing that helped during my surgery.
Review by Anonymous: User Rating: 10
ibuprofen for Pain: Tried everything to help with toothache over the weekend. Had to ring NHS Direct Dental and they suggested trying Ibuprofen. ... Within half hour was able to function again without the pain. Would recommend to anyone suffering toothache.
Review by Ivan g: User Rating: 9.0
ibuprofen for Pain: This medicine works super for pain if you take enough. I used it for many months for back pain due to disc protrusion. Chronic use gave me stomach problems. I used too much and my doctor claimed I was passing blood so I use it sparingly now, if the Tylenol based medicines do not work well enough. It helps mild headache to where Tylenol does nothing. When you start having heartburn or loose bowel movements stop taking Ibuprofen and use something else tell your doctor or you will hurt yourself seriously. Over the counter does not mean safe to use as you wish.
Review by Mark P M: User Rating: 7.0
ibuprofen for Sciatica: I am 35 year old male with moderate to severe sciatica (pain from buttock to ankle) due to bulging disc L5 - S1. I found taking a 400mg dose gave significant but not total relief for about 2 to 3 hours. The effect was greater if the pain was not too severe, the best results came from taking ibuprofen before the pain got severe. I also found that taking Ibuprofen without food made it work faster but I suffered moderate diarrhea as a consequence.
Review by mikepowell: User Rating: 9.0
ibuprofen for Headache: It always helps my mum.
Review by M...Di: User Rating: 10
ibuprofen for Headache: Very good. Works until the next dose is needed.
Review by usman6: User Rating: 8.0
Good only for temporary use.
Review by AlfonsoG: User Rating: 10
ibuprofen for Pain: This is my choice medication. I have a lot of joint pain which I deal with without any drugs, but when it gets too bad ibuprofen works well and works fast, and lets just say when I injured my back it was a life saver. I just recently got burned on my leg (at a Spa, not very relaxing). I've had minor swelling and ibuprofen has reduced the swelling and pain. Would not recommend taking it on an empty stomach. If you're healthy enough to take it I would definitely recommend it.
Review by Anonymous: User Rating: 9.0
ibuprofen for Period Pain: This medicine has been [very good] for me when I have cramps. It takes a while to work (40-45 mins) but once it does, I feel much better.
Review by mainemtbiker: User Rating: 10
ibuprofen for Pain: 800 mg 3 times per day has completely controlled all pain (for two days so far) associated with a mild to strong case of neuralgia affecting the skin on my lower abdomen in the area of my belly-button about the size of my open hand. It has completely removed all of the "sun-burn sensation". I will be dropping the dose to 600mg at the next (6th) time the I will take it. I'm wondering if I need any more at all.
Review by TittyPuff: User Rating: 10
ibuprofen for Headache: Had bought 200mg Ibuprofen ... while receiving my medications. Never did think too much of Tylenol and always did hear the horror stories of Tylenol and liver failure growing up, so as I've become an adult I've weaned towards Ibuprofen. I had a killer headache and took only one 200mg Ibuprofen. Great relief; my headache is long gone.
Review by Mzking: User Rating: 10
ibuprofen for Pain: I was prescribed this medicine for a tooth infection and had serious bad pain. Took one 600mg and I was all good except sleepy.
Review by jacscorp226: User Rating: 9.0
ibuprofen for Pain: Ibuprofen 600/ or 800 is a great pain reliever. Although I've taken many pain medicines over the years, ibuprofen I find to be just as effective as the strong control substances. It's a good anti-inflammatory too. Works great for severe menstrual cramps and tooth pain as well.