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Ibuprofen

 

Ibuprofen (generic Advil, Nurofen) Review

brand names: Motrin Migrain Pain, Motrin, Advil Liqui-Gels, Advil, Junior Strength Advil, Nuprin, Haltran, Motrin IB, Rufen, Junior Strength Motrin, Advil Migraine, IBU, Midol Maximum Strength Cramp Formula, Menadol, Genpril
generic name: Ibuprofen

Why is Motrin prescribed?

Motrin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug available in both prescription and nonprescription forms. Prescription Motrin is used in adults for relief of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, treatment of menstrual pain, and relief of mild to moderate pain. In children aged 6 months and older it can be given to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of juvenile arthritis.

Motrin IB tablets, caplets, and gelcaps; Children's Motrin Suspension; and Advil tablets and caplets are available without a prescription. Check the packages for uses, dosage, and other information on these products.

Ibuprofen (Advil) is used for:

Treating rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, or mild to moderate pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ibuprofen (Advil) is an NSAID. Exactly how it works is not known. It may block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

How should I take this medicine?

Take Ibuprofen (Advil) tablets or caplets by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. Ibuprofen (Nurofen) may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often or for a longer time than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Label warnings

• Take this medication with or after food.
  
  

Most important fact about Motrin

You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Motrin regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.

What is the most important information I should know about Ibuprofen (Advil)?

This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Ibuprofen. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of Ibuprofen (Advil) can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of Ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of Ibuprofen (Nurofen) needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever. Avoid taking Ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen (Advil) can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the Ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form). Do not drink alcohol while taking Ibuprofen (Nurofen). Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by Ibuprofen.

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as slurred speech, shortness of breath, weakness, chest pain, or problems with vision or balance.

This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking Ibuprofen (Advil). Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.