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Ibuprofen – NSAID – An Everyday Pain Killer

IntroductionIbuprofen available under brand name of Brufen is a common pain reliever used to treat a variety of aches and pains, such as back pain, period pain, and toothache. It also helps with inflammation from strains and sprains, as well as arthritis discomfort.
Class of MedicineIbuprofen belongs to the NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the creation of a chemical that causes pain, heat, and inflammation in the body
Mode of ActionIbuprofen is a non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme essential for prostaglandin synthesis via the arachidonic acid pathway. COX is required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). After then, PGH2 is converted to prostaglandins. As a result of ibuprofen’s suppression of COX, the body’s production of prostaglandins is reduced.

PGH2 produces prostaglandins, which are key mediators of feelings like pain and inflammatory processes including fever and inflammation. Ibuprofen’s antipyretic effects may be due to its influence on the hypothalamus, which results in vasodilation, increased peripheral blood flow, and subsequent heat dissipation.

Medical UsesIbuprofen is a common pain reliever used to treat a variety of aches and pains, such as back pain, period pain, and toothache. It also helps with inflammation from strains and sprains, as well as arthritis discomfort. It comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and a syrup that you ingest.
Avaiability & UsageIbuprofen is available in form of Tablet, Syrup and Cream (for external use)

Adults should take one or two 200mg pills three times each day. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe a larger dose of up to 600 mg to be taken four times each day. This should only be done under the guidance of a physician.
Allow at least 6 hours between doses if you take ibuprofen three times a day. Allow at least 4 hours between doses if you’re taking it four times a day.

If you’re in constant pain, ask your doctor about slow-release ibuprofen tablets or capsules. These are usually taken once or twice a day in the evening. If you’re taking ibuprofen twice a day, wait 10 to 12 hours between doses.

Ibuprofen tablets or capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or juice. Ibuprofen tablets and capsules should be taken after a meal or snack, or with a glass of milk. It will be less prone to cause stomach discomfort.

Side EffectsMore than 1 in 100 people experience the common negative effects of ibuprofen taken by mouth. If these side effects annoy you or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist:

headaches
feeling nauseous
feeling unwell (nausea)
being unwell (vomiting)
wind \sindigestion

Caution
(while taking with other medicine)
Some drugs don’t combine well with ibuprofen.

When ibuprofen is applied to the skin rather than taken by mouth, it is less likely to interact with other medications.

Before taking ibuprofen or applying it to your skin, tell your doctor if you’re taking any of the following medications for your safety:

    • Warfarin, for example, is a blood thinner.
    • Aspirin, diclofenac, mefenamic acid, and naproxen are anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
  • high blood pressure medications
  • Betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone are examples of steroid medications.
  • Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, or ofloxacin are examples of antibiotics.
  • Citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, paroxetine, or sertraline are examples of antidepressants.
  • Gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide, and tolbutamide are examples of diabetes medications.
Important WarningIf you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away.

  • Swollen ankles
  • Blood in your pee, or not peeing at all – these can be indicators of a kidney problem.
  • Black poo or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of stomach bleeding.
  • Severe chest or stomach discomfort – this could indicate a hole in your stomach or gut, as well as trouble breathing or worsening asthma symptoms.
Available BrandsBrufen