This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on motrin.
Ibuprofen Consumer Information
IBUPROFEN
Generic Name: ibuprofen (eye byoo PROE fen)
Brand Names: Advil, Genpril, Haltran, Ibu, Ibu-Tab, Midol IB, Motrin, Nuprin, Pediacare Fever, Rufen, Saleto-200, Saleto-400, Saleto-600, Saleto-800
What is the most important information I should know about ibuprofen?
- Take ibuprofen with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Contact your doctor if you experience bloody, black, or tarry stools or blood in the vomit. These symptoms could indicate damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
What is ibuprofen?
- Ibuprofen is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
- Ibuprofen is used to reduce the fever, pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by many conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and abdominal cramps associated with menstruation.
- Ibuprofen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen?
- Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you
- have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs,
- have an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach,
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
- have liver or kidney disease,
- have a coagulation (bleeding or blood clotting) disorder,
- have congestive heart failure,
- have fluid retention,
- have heart disease, or
- have high blood pressure.
- You may not be able to take ibuprofen, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- It is not known whether ibuprofen will be harmful to an unborn baby. Ibuprofen should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take ibuprofen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Ibuprofen passes into breast milk in very small amounts, however it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you are breast-feeding.
How should I take ibuprofen?
- Take ibuprofen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take ibuprofen with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Store ibuprofen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip it and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a ibuprofen overdose include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking ibuprofen?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ibuprofen may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.