Ibuprofen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions & Brands in India

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​Introduction

In India, Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used medicines. In today's post, we will talk about the uses, dosage, and side effects of Ibuprofen.

​This medicine belongs to the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. It is used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Additionally, it is also used for arthritis, sprains, and muscular pain.

​However, if this medicine is taken for a long time without a doctor's consultation, it can have adverse effects on the kidneys and liver. For this reason, it should be used with caution.

​Ibuprofen

​Dosage Forms

This medicine is available in the form of tablets, suspensions, capsules, topical gels, and injections. For low doses, it is available over-the-counter (OTC), while higher doses require a doctor's prescription.

​Uses of Ibuprofen

​Ibuprofen is commonly used for conditions like headaches, toothaches, and back pain. In addition, it is used for fever when paracetamol is not sufficient.

​Furthermore, this medicine is also used for menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea), Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis, sports injuries, sprains, muscular pain, post-surgical pain and swelling, etc.

​Mechanism of Action (How it works)

​Ibuprofen works as follows:

This medicine belongs to the NSAID category. Therefore, where there is pain, fever, and inflammation, it reduces the synthesis of prostaglandin. This is because it blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. When prostaglandin is not produced, it provides relief from symptoms like pain and swelling.

​Dosage and Administration

​💊 Adults:

​200–400 mg every 6–8 hours as needed.

​Maximum: 1200 mg/day (for OTC use).

​In special cases under a doctor's advice: up to 2400 mg/day.

​👶 Children (5–10 mg/kg body weight):

​Every 6–8 hours.

​Maximum: 40 mg/kg/day.

​⚠️ Important: Take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.

​Side Effects of Ibuprofen

​Ibuprofen can cause more side effects compared to paracetamol. After taking this medicine, side effects such as stomach pain, acidity, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache may occur.

​With long-term use:

Stomach ulcers, kidney problems, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart attack/stroke.

​Precautions and Safety Tips

• ​Avoid use in patients with gastric ulcers, kidney disease, or uncontrolled hypertension.
• ​Use with caution in elderly people.
• ​It is not recommended during pregnancy (especially in the 3rd trimester).
• ​Avoid consuming alcohol with Ibuprofen (it increases the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding).

​Drug Interactions

​When talking about the drug interactions of Ibuprofen, taking it with:

• ​Aspirin and other NSAIDs: can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
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• ​Anticoagulants (Warfarin, Heparin): increased risk of bleeding.
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• ​ACE inhibitors and Diuretics: can reduce kidney function.
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• ​Steroids: a higher risk of ulcers.

​Popular Brands in India

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• Brufen
• Combiflam (Paracetamol + Ibuprofen)
• Flexura-D (Combination with muscle relaxants)
• Nurofen
• Ibugesic

Conclusion

Ibuprofen is a powerful medicine for relieving pain and inflammation, but it should be used cautiously and with the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. This medicine can cause more side effects compared to Paracetamol.

If you already have any stomach, kidney, or heart-related disease, always use it with your doctor's advice and avoid long-term unsupervised use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Ibuprofen

• Q1. Which is safer – Paracetamol or Ibuprofen?
• 👉 Paracetamol is safer for long-term use, while Ibuprofen is more effective for inflammation but has more side effects.
• Q2. Can Ibuprofen be taken with Paracetamol?
• 👉 Yes, in some cases doctors prescribe both for better pain and fever relief (e.g., severe fever, dental pain).
• Q3. Can Ibuprofen be given to children?
• 👉 Yes, but only in the correct weight-based dose and under medical supervision.