Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: IBUPROFEN - ORAL (eye-byou-PRO-fen)
BRAND NAME(S): Advil, Motrin, Nuprin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches, backaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or athletic injuries. This medication is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain, swelling, and fever.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If repeat doses are needed, they are usually given 6 or 8 hours apart; or as directed by your doctor. When ibuprofen is used in children, the dose is based on your child's weight. Read the product instructions to find the appropriate dose for your child's weight. Consult the pharmacist or doctor if you have questions or if you need help in choosing the appropriate dosage form. In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to two weeks, taken regularly, before the full benefits of this drug take effect. If you are taking this drug on an "as needed" basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the medicine may not work as well. If you use this medication for migraine headache, and the pain is not relieved or worsens after the first dose, tell your doctor immediately. For nonprescription ibuprofen products: If you are treating yourself or giving this medication to a child for undiagnosed fever or pain, consult the doctor immediately if symptoms do not improve within 24 hours, worsen or last for more than 3 days, or if new symptoms appear. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than recommended because this may increase the chance of stomach bleeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
- Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
