Ibuprofen
Trade Names:
Advil, Genpril, Haltran, Ibuprin, Midol 200, Nuprin, Rufen
Type of Drug:
Ibuprofen belongs to the general class of nonopioid analgesic drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
How Drug Works:
Ibuprofen blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins. This prevents pain receptors from passing the pain message to the brain so that pain perception is decreased. This drug reduces inflammation. It also reduces fever by helping the body to dilate blood vessels so that heat is lost from the body. Ibuprofen is especially helpful in relieving bone pain related to cancer.
How Drug Is Given:
Ibuprofen is a pill taken by mouth with milk, food, or an antacid to protect the stomach. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture and out of the reach of children and pets.
How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine"prescription or nonprescription"without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
DO NOT take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with ibuprofen. This may increase the risk of bleeding or stomach irritation.
DO NOT take ibuprofen if you have a peptic or duodenal ulcer. Ibuprofen can cause rupture of the ulcer and life threatening bleeding. Talk to your doctor about this.
If you have asthma and nasal polyps, or if you have ever had breathing difficulty after taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, DO NOT take ibuprofen. Also, if you have kidney problems, do not take ibuprofen as this may cause acute kidney failure.
Do not drink alcohol while taking ibuprofen, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.
Tell your doctor if you are taking medicine to decrease blood clotting such as Coumadin, or steroids such as prednisone. It is important to talk with your doctor about risk of bleeding.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
Less Common Side Effects
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sores in mouth or on lips
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Confusion
  • Mood swings
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Peptic ulcers
Rare Side Effects
  • Decreased hearing
  • Visual changes
  • Double vision
  • Jaundice
  • Hepatitis
  • Liver damage
  • Rash and itching
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
  • Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
  • Decreased red blood cell count with increased risk of anemia and tiredness (fatigue)
  • Kidney failure
  • Blood in urine
  • Hair loss
  • Acne
  • Facial flushing
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Call your doctor or nurse right away if you are vomiting blood, or a coffee-ground material, notice blood in your stools, or stools appear tarry. Stop taking ibuprofen until after you talk with your doctor.

Call your doctor or nurse right away if your vision is blurred. Stop taking ibuprofen until you talk to your doctor or nurse.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: Yes