What Is Ibuprofen? What Is Ibuprofen Used For?

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Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist;  Headache / Migraine;  Arthritis / Rheumatology
Article Date: 19 Aug 2009 - 0:00 PST

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Ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is commonly used for the relief of symptoms of arthritis, fever, primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pains), and as an analgesic (a medication given to reduce pain without resulting in loss of consciousness). Ibuprofen also has an antiplatelet effect (protects from blood clots), though less than aspirin. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes ibuprofen in its "Essential Drugs List"; a list of minimal medical needs for a basic health care system.

How does ibuprofen work?

Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins, substances our body releases in response to illness and injury. Prostaglandins cause pain and swelling (inflammation); they are released in the brain and can also cause fever.

Ibuprofen's painkilling effects kick in soon after a dose is taken. Ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory effects can take a bit longer, sometimes a few weeks.

Most common uses of ibuprofen

• Fever
• Inflammation
• Headache
• Toothache
• Back pain
• Arthritis, including juvenile arthritis
• Menstrual main
• Minor injuries

History of ibuprofen

Ibuprofen was derived form propionic acid by researchers at the Boots Company (Boots Group Plc), UK, during the 1960s. The Boots Group is a large chain of UK pharmacies. It was discovered by Stewart Adams, with colleagues John Nicholson, Andrew RM Dunlop, Jeffery Bruce Wilson & Colin Burrows, and was patented in 1961. Dr. Adams initially tested the drug on a hangover.

In 1969 it was launched as a medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the UK in 1969, and in the USA in 1974. The Boots Group was awarded the Queen's Award for Technical Achievement for the development of ibuprofen in 1987.

What is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)?

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 OTC (over-the-counter, no prescription required) medications.

Brand names of ibuprofen

Ibuprofen brand names include Brufen, Calprofen, Genpril, Ibu, Midol, Nuprin, Cuprofen, Nurofen, Advil and Motrin - there are many others. If you are buying the medication at a pharmacy, check the packaging for other brand names, in case they contain ibuprofen.

Some medications, such as decongestants, have ibuprofen added.

Ibuprofen is available as gels, sprays, tablets or mousses.

Precautions

Do not take ibuprofen if you..

..are sensitive to aspirin or any other NSAID
..have a peptic ulcer
..have had a peptic ulcer
..have severe heart failure.

The following people should use ibuprofen with caution - if you are not sure, check with your doctor or a qualified pharmacist:

people with, or who have had..


..asthma
..liver problems
..kidney problems
..mild heart failure
..hypertension (high blood pressure)
..angina, heart attacks (ischemic heart disease)
..narrowing of the arteries (peripheral arterial disease)
..a history that includes any episode of stomach bleeding
..stroke

What are the side effects of ibuprofen?

The most common side-effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia (upper abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion)
• Any pain in the stomach or intestines

The following side-effects are also possible, but less common:

• Dizziness (if you experience this, don't drive or operate heavy machinery)
• Edema (fluid retention, bloating)
• Hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
• Stomach inflammation
• Ulcers in the digestive system
• Rash, and some other allergic reactions
• Worsening of asthma symptoms

The following side effects are possible, but extremely rare:

• Bleeding in the stomach which may be presented as..
  
  ..malaena (black stools)
  ..hematemesis (vomiting with blood)
  

Some women may have reduced fertility after long-term use of ibuprofen. This problem stops soon treatment is over.

Ibuprofen problems if taken along with other medications - interactions

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.

Ibuprofen and children

According to the NHS (National Health Service), UK, ibuprofen can be given to children over the age of three months as long as they weigh over 5 kilograms, for pain relief, inflammation and to control fever. In some cases doctors may prescribe ibuprofen for younger children if other fever controlling medications are unsuitable.

Ibuprofen is also used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Canadian scientists found that ibuprofen is a more effective pain reliever for children with acute musculoskeletal injuries than acetaminophen and codeine.

Written by Christian Nordqvist


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