Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is prescribed for pain relief. It works by reducing pain-causing hormones in the body. Ibuprofen is commonly used to treat headache and other body aches, and fever. Usual over the counter Ibuprofen dosages are 200 or 400 mg, but 600 mg or higher dosages may be available by prescription only, such as 800 mg Ibuprofen BP. Ibuprofen is sold under the brand names Equate, Advil, Motrin, and Midol, among others.

Side effects of Ibuprofen may include rash, gas, or upset stomach. These are generally mild, and should be reported to your doctor, but are not a cause for concern. Major side effects such as vomiting blood, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and sudden weight gain are cause for concern, and require immediate medical attention. Ibuprofen may also cause ulcers, and alcohol may make ulcer development more likely. Therefore, you should not use alcohol while taking Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a class "B" drug, so it is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and by nursing women. However, pregnant women should not take Ibuprofen in the last trimester of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of birth defects.

Let your doctor know if you become pregnant or begin breastfeeding while taking Ibuprofen. He or she may want to suspend your Ibuprofen use until you deliver or stop breastfeeding. Certain medical conditions, like bleeding disorders, heart attack, or liver or kidney disease, may prevent you from taking Ibuprofen. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions. Some medications, like aspirin, blood thinners, and diuretics, may not be possible to use in conjunction with Ibuprofen. Your doctor must know about all medications you are taking, even over the counter and vitamin or herbal supplements, in order to avoid drug interactions.

Even though Ibuprofen is a commonly used medication available over the counter, too much Ibuprofen may cause stomach or intestinal damage. You may also experience vomiting, fainting, or coma. Overdose is a serious condition and requires immediate medical care. Overdose is a concern for animals as well. For example, Ibuprofen should never be given to cats, as they can overdose on just one tablet of Ibuprofen. Such an overdose in cats often is fatal. You should keep Ibuprofen out of the reach of small children and animals. In the past, there has been an Ibuprofen recall, involving several brands. You should watch the news for recalls of Ibuprofen or any drug you take, to ensure you remain safe.