Ibuprofen
Generic Name: Ibuprofen
Uses & Medical Indications
Pain, fever, inflammation
Headache, arthritis, dysmenorrhea
Work Mechanism & Pharmacology
Patient Overview of Work Mechanism
Ibuprofen stops the body from producing prostaglandins—the biochemical messengers responsible for pain, heat, redness, and swelling at injury sites.
Clinical Mechanism of Action (MoA)
Non-selective, reversible competitive inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. Inhibits the enzymatic biotransformation of arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2alpha), prostacyclin (PGI2), and thromboxane A2, suppressing vascular permeability, inflammatory hyperalgesia, and pain nociception.
Dosage & Administration Guidelines
200-800 mg every 4-6 hours
5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
Use lowest effective dose
3200 mg/day
Avoid in severe impairment
Use with caution
Side Effects & Safety Warnings
Dyspepsia, heartburn, nausea
GI bleeding, MI, stroke, renal failure
CABG surgery, active GI bleed
Cardiovascular thrombotic events, GI ulcers
Interactions (Drugs, Food & Alcohol)
Aspirin, anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors
Take with food to minimize GI upset
Avoid, increases GI bleed risk
Identified Clinical Drug Interactions for Ibuprofen:
Blunted antihypertensive efficacy and sharp increase in acute renal hemodynamic impairment.
Severe Methotrexate Toxicity & Bone Marrow Suppression
High Risk of Life-Threatening Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Antagonism of Aspirin Irreversible Cardioprotection
Compounded Gastrointestinal Bleeding Risk
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Avoid in third trimester (premature closure of ductus arteriosus)
Compatible
Patient Counseling & Practical Advice
Take with food or milk
Take as soon as remembered
Pain relief, BP, renal function
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Medicines in NSAID
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Severe crushing chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of the body, hematemesis, massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Content for Ibuprofen was synthesized from standardized public health monographs, official pharmacopoeias, and health authorities:
- US FDA — FDA NSAID Drug Safety Communication
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) — NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries - NSAID Prescribing
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.