IbuprofenCalifornia Continuing Education Credits: 2 units
PIC HOMEPAGE| Main Page | Ibuprofen |
Acetaminophen | Diflunisal | Naproxen |
| Generic Name | Ibuprofen |
| Commercial Products | Motrin, Advil, Nuprin |
| Structure | 2-p-isobutylphenyl proprionic acid |
| Mode of Action | Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory agent which reduces prostaglandin activity by inhibiting prostatalgin synthetase. Has anti-inflammatory, analgesic ,and some antipyretic activity. |
| Periodontal Indications | Control of postsurgical pain. Peak blood levels obtained within one to two hours, stays active as an analgesic for four to six hours. Prolonged use has been shown to cause a small reduction in bone loss due to periodontal disease, but further studies are needed before ibuprofen is used in this manner. |
| Dosage | Adults, 400 mg ibuprofen every four to six hours. Do not exceed 3200 mg per day. Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. |
| Side Effects | Gastrointestinal problems like nausea, dyspepsia, heartburn, vomiting and abdominal pain can occur and more severe problems such as gastric ulceration and bleeding can occur in patients using Ibuprofen for prolonged period of up to one year. These gastrointestinal reactions occur half as frequently with Ibuprofen compared to that seen with Aspirin. Changes in vision tinnitus, aseptic meningitis, increased fluid retention and skin disorders have also rarely been reported with Ibuprofen. |
| Contraindication | History of allergic reactions to ibuprofen other non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin. |
| Precautions | Ibuprofen inhibits platelet aggregation but this effect usually causes small changes in bleeding time in normal patients. This is less than that seen with aspirin. Patients on anticoagulant therapy or with intrinsic bleeding disorders can be at risk for hemostatic problems with the concurrent use of ibuprofen.
Patients with decreased renal or liver function, heart failure or under diuretic therapy can be at risk for liver dysfunction, renal failure, and fluid retention while taking Ibuprofen. |
| Drug Interactions | Anticoagulants - see precautions Methotrexate - Ibuprofen can enhance the toxicity of methotrexate. Lithium - Ibuprofen can increase toxicity of lithium Diuretics such as furosemide and thiazides can have less effect in patient using Ibuprofen. |
| How Prescribed | Available in USA without prescription in 200 mg dosage. Usual prescription is for 400 mg ibuprofen every four hours to six hours as needed for control of post surgical pain for one to five days. |
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