Uses of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or Still's disease), arthritis of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis, swollen joints, frozen shoulder, bursitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, lower back pain, sprains and strains.

It can also be used to treat other painful conditions such as toothache, pain after operations, period pain, headache and migraine.

Therapeutic Category

Ibuprofen: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

How Ibuprofen works

Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body.

Common side effects of Ibuprofen

• Dizziness or tiredness
• Diarrhoea
• Wind (flatulence)
• Constipation
• Headache (do not to take any other medicines for pain to help with this)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Severe headache, high temperature, stiffness of the neck or  intolerance to bright light (aseptic meningitis)
• Passing blood in faeces, black tarry stools, vomiting any blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds (intestinal bleeding)
• Unexplained stomach pain (abdominal pain) or other abnormal stomach symptoms, indigestion, heartburn, feeling sick and/or vomiting
• Unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, skin rash, itching or bruising (allergic reaction)
• Loss of vision, blurred or disturbed vision or seeing/hearing strange things (hallucinations)
• Severe skin rash, blistering of skin, including inside mouth, nose, and genitals, as well as skin peeling which may be accompanied with symptoms such as aching, headaches and  feverishness (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and  erythema multiforme)
• Skin rash, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and an increase of eosinophils (DRESS syndrome)

Health Tips for Ibuprofen

• Always follow the recommended dosage instructions provided on the product label or as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as taking too much ibuprofen can lead to adverse effects
• To minimize the risk of stomach irritation, consider taking ibuprofen with food or milk
• Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust the medication as needed
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration
• Avoid alcohol while taking ibuprofen, as alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding
• Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are using to check for potential drug interactions
• Ibuprofen is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women