Ibuprofen

Analgesic / Anti-inflammatory / Antipyretic — NSAID

Nigerian brand names:BrufenNurofenAdvilEmzor IbuprofenFebrifen

Reviewed by the PMC Medical Team · Promise Medical Centre

Overview

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain, reduces fever, and decreases inflammation. It is available over the counter in Nigeria and is one of the most widely used medications for headaches, muscle pain, dental pain, period pain, and fever. Unlike paracetamol, ibuprofen has significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it more effective for conditions involving inflammation (arthritis, muscle injury, dental abscess). However, ibuprofen carries more side effects than paracetamol — particularly on the stomach, kidneys, and cardiovascular system — and should not be used by everyone. It is not safe in pregnancy (especially the third trimester) and should be avoided by people with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or heart conditions.

Uses

• Mild-to-moderate pain — headache, dental pain, muscle pain, back pain, sports injuries • Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea) — very effective; start the day before period is expected • Fever reduction (antipyretic) • Inflammatory conditions — osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout attacks • Post-operative pain and dental pain • Migraine (in combination with other treatments) • Minor trauma and soft tissue injuries

How to Use

Adults and children over 12: • Standard dose: 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours (3–4 times daily) • Maximum dose: 1,200 mg per day for over-the-counter use; up to 2,400 mg/day when prescribed by a doctor Children (6 months to 12 years): • Weight-based dosing: 5–10 mg/kg per dose every 6–8 hours; maximum 40 mg/kg per day • Use ibuprofen suspension designed for children; follow the dosage chart carefully ALWAYS take ibuprofen with food or milk — this significantly reduces the risk of stomach irritation and ulceration. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration. Do not take for more than 5–7 days for pain without medical review; do not take for more than 3 days for fever without medical review.

Side Effects

Common: • Stomach upset, nausea, and indigestion — risk reduced by taking with food • Stomach pain • Diarrhoea or constipation • Headache • Dizziness Serious side effects (stop and seek medical care): • Stomach or peptic ulcer — particularly with long-term use; symptoms include persistent stomach pain, dark/tarry stools, or vomiting blood • Gastrointestinal bleeding — dark or bloody stools • Kidney problems — reduced urine, ankle swelling, fatigue; risk increased with dehydration • High blood pressure worsening • Fluid retention and ankle swelling • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke with long-term use, especially at high doses • Severe allergic reaction — facial swelling, difficulty breathing, rash • Rare: liver damage, aseptic meningitis

Warnings & Precautions

Do NOT use ibuprofen if you: • Are in the last 3 months of pregnancy (third trimester) — can cause serious harm to the fetus and complications in delivery • Have an active stomach ulcer or a history of recurrent peptic ulcers • Have severe kidney disease • Have severe heart failure • Have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID • Have aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (aspirin-sensitive asthma) Use with caution if you: • Are elderly (higher risk of all NSAID side effects) • Have mild-to-moderate kidney disease — stay well hydrated • Have cardiovascular disease or risk factors — discuss with your doctor • Have controlled hypertension — NSAIDs raise blood pressure and may reduce effectiveness of antihypertensives • Have asthma — some asthmatics are sensitive to NSAIDs • Take blood-thinning medications In Nigeria: ibuprofen is very widely self-medicated. Avoid giving ibuprofen to dehydrated children with malaria or fever — risk of acute kidney injury.

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Drug Interactions

• Aspirin: avoid concurrent use; increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk; if aspirin is taken for cardioprotection, take aspirin first and ibuprofen at least 30 minutes later (or use paracetamol instead) • Other NSAIDs: do not combine • Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin): significantly increased bleeding risk • Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics): NSAIDs reduce their blood-pressure-lowering effect and increase kidney injury risk (triple whammy risk with ACE inhibitor + diuretic + NSAID) • Corticosteroids: greatly increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration • Lithium: NSAIDs increase lithium levels — risk of toxicity • Methotrexate: NSAIDs increase methotrexate toxicity • SSRIs (antidepressants): increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk • Digoxin: NSAIDs can increase digoxin levels

Storage

• Store at room temperature (below 25°C) away from moisture and direct sunlight • Ibuprofen suspension for children: store as directed on label; use within the specified period after opening • Keep out of reach of children

Buy only NAFDAC-registered medications

Nigeria has a significant problem with counterfeit and substandard drugs. Always purchase medications from a licensed pharmacy and check the NAFDAC registration number on the package — verify at nafdac.gov.ng.