Ibuprofen
Pronounced
"eye-byou-PRO-fen"
Uses
Ibuprofen is used to help relieve mild to moderate pain. When used with an opioid (such as morphine), it may be used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It is also used to reduce fever.
Ibuprofen is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
Warning
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ibuprofen) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while using this drug but is more likely if you use it for a long time. The risk may be greater in older adults or if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes). Do not use this drug right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
Also, this drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning symptoms at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect.
Stop using ibuprofen and get medical help right away if you notice any of these rare but serious side effects: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using ibuprofen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using this medication at home, read and learn all preparation and usage instructions from the manufacturer or from your health care professional. If you have any questions about using this medication properly, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually over at least 30 minutes (adults) or over at least 10 minutes (children). When used to relieve pain, it is usually given every 6 hours as needed. When used to reduce fever, this drug may be given every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Infants 3 to 6 months of age should be given this medication as a single dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more details.
Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed.
If you are using this drug "as needed" (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 worsened, the medicine may not work as well.
Tell your doctor if your pain or fever lasts or gets worse.
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