Live Life Team
The painkiller ibuprofen can be used in the following cases
>Mild and moderate pain such as toothache and migraines
>Inflammation and pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders or rheumatic disease
>fever
>Swellings and pain caused by strains and sprains
Use in children
Ibuprofen is recommended for children who weigh more than 5 kg and should be above 3 months in age to relieve fever, inflammation or pain. If paracetamol is unsuitable Ibuprofen may be prescribed for 2 to 3 months old babies to control fever due to immunisation. Ibuprofen may be prescribed to children with rheumatic conditions. Premature babies are sometimes injected with ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus .
How it works
Ibuprofen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are released in the body in response to injury and illness. They cause swelling and pain. If released in the brain, it may cause fever. Ibuprofen is effective soon after the dose is taken.
Names
Ibuprofen belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) group. Brufen, Nurofen, Cuprofen, and Calprofen are some of the brand names of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen products are available in the form of sprays, gels and mousses.
Special considerations
Ibuprofen must be avoided in the following cases
>if you have or have had a peptic ulcer
>if you are hypersensitive to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
>if you have severe heart failure
Ibuprofen must be used with caution, if you have
>kidney problems
>asthma
>mild or moderate heart failure
>liver problem
> ischemic heart disease
>high blood pressure
> cerobrovascular disease
> previous bleeding in the stomach
> peripheral arterial disease
Ibuprofen in pregnancy
Ibuprofen may be recommended during pregnancy but this should always be done under the supervision of GP or midwife. After 30 weeks of pregnancy Ibuprofen should not be used.
Ibuprofen and breastfeeding
It is recommended to use paracetamol instead of ibuprofen during breastfeeding.
Side effects of ibuprofen
Some common side effects of using ibuprofen are as follows
>vomiting
>indigestion
>nausea
> diarrhoea
>abdominal pain
Some of the less common side effects include the following
>fluid retention
>dizziness
> inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
> raised blood pressure
> worsening of asthma by causing bronchospasm
> allergic reactions
> duodenal or gastric ulcers
Malaena (black stools) and haematemesis are also some of the less common side effects of using ibuprofen. These side effects may result in bleeding in the stomach. High dose of ibuprofen if given over long periods of time increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Prolonged use of ibuprofen may reduce fertility in women.
Interactions with other medicines
The effect of two or more medicines is sometimes different when taken separately and taken at a time. This is known as interaction. Some of the common interactions of ibuprofen are
– Antihypertensives
When ibuprofen is taken with antihypertensives,it may cause an increase in blood pressure.
– Anti-inflammatory painkillers
Ibuprofen with other anti-inflammatory painkillers increases the risk of bleeding in the stomach. So this combination should not be used.
– Aspirin
Aspirin if taken with ibuprofen increases the risk of bleeding in the stomach.
