Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is an analgesic which is used for

easing mild or moderate pains like those in migraines or menstrual pains
easing the inflammation and pain of musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
reducing fever or pyrexia
easing the swelling and pain associated with strains and sprains

Ibuprofen can be used for babies who are at least three months old and have weight of five kilos for relieving pain, fever and inflammation.

Ibuprofen is also given to children who are suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Ibuprofen injection is administered in babies for the treatment of a medical condition called patent ductus arteriosus.

How does ibuprofen function

The chemicals known as prostaglandins are blocked by ibuprofen. These chemicals are released in the human body when there is some injury or illness to the body. They stimulate inflammation and pain. The Prostaglandins which are releases in the human brain can lead to fever or pyrexia.

Once the person takes one dose of the analgesic, its effect of pain killing begins. But the anti-inflammatory action of the ibuprofen will take a longer period to start. It may even take up three weeks to see some really good results.

Considerations

One should avoid the use of ibuprofen if:

the person is hypersensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin.
the person suffered from or suffers from peptic ulcers
the person has a fatal heart failure.

Ibuprofen should be used with care if the person is suffering from:

• asthma
• renal problems
• hepatic problems
• mild or moderate failures of the heart
• hypertension or high blood pressure
• peripheral arterial disease
• ischemic heart disease like heart attacks or angina
• cerebrovascular disease like stroke and
• previous intestinal bleeding

Ibuprofen must be avoided if a woman has crossed thirty weeks of her pregnancy. Short term pain or fever under such conditions can be eased using paracetamol.

Even though ibuprofen is not harmful during breastfeeding, it is always better to use it in consultation with a doctor.

Side effects

The commonly found side effects in a person who uses ibuprofen are:

• nausea or sensation of vomiting
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• dyspepsia or indigestion
• pain in the abdomen, i.e. on the intestines or stomach

The less commonly seen side effects of using ibuprofen include:

• dizziness
• bloating or retention of fluids
• a high level of blood pressure or hypertension
• inflammation in stomach or gastritis
• gastric ulcers
• duodenal ulcers
• allergic reactions if the asthma worsens because of bronchospasm

Other common side effects that are associated with the usage of ibuprofen are

• malaena or passing of black faeces
• haematemesis or the presence of blood when a person vomits.

The above mentioned side effects denote a warning of bleeding that occurs in the stomach.

A person may suffer from myocardial infarction (heart attack) or even stroke if he uses ibuprofen for a long time span.

The prolonged use of ibuprofen can cause a reduction of the fertility in women.
Interaction

The following drugs can be avoided while using ibuprofen:

• Aspirin
• Digoxin
• Lithium
• Methotrexate
• Tacrolimus
• SSRI antidepressants
• Warfarin
• Antihypertensives
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers