Ibuprofen (Brand: Nurofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Nirofen is available in various dosage forms
- Nurofen Pain Relief 256mg Tablets
- Nurofen For Children )Ibuprofen 100mg/5ml)
- Nurofen for children Chewable Capsule.
Nurofen Uses
- Nurofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.
- Also Used In Pain Caused By Common Cold And Flu.
- For symptomatic treatment of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Nurofen Mechanism Of Action:
- The exact mechanism of action of ibuprofen is unknown. ibuprofen is a non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme invovled in prostaglandin synthesis via the arachidonic acid pathway. Its pharmacologic effects are believed to be due to inhibition cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) that decreases the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in mediating inflammation, pain, fever and swelling. Antipyretic effects is also due to action on the hypothalamus, resulting in an exaggerated peripheral blood flow, dilation, and resulting temperature reduction. Inhibition of cox-1 is assumed to cause a number of the side effects of ibuprofen including GI ulceration. ibuprofen is administered as a racemic mixture. The R-enantiomer undergoes extensive interconversion to the S-enantiomer in vivo. The S-enantiomer is believed to be the more pharmacologically active enantiomer.
Side effects of Nurofen
Ibuprofen can cause a number of side effects. You should take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time needed to control your symptoms.
See the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of side effects.
Common side effects of ibuprofen (Nurofen) include:
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) or abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Stomach Ulcers
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Salt and fluid retention
- High blood pressure
- Flatulence
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps
Less common side effects include:
- Raised blood pressure
- Headache or dizziness
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- Bloating (fluid retention)
- Black stools and blood in your vomit – this can indicate bleeding in your stomach
- Allergic reactions – such as a rash
- A stomach ulcer
- Worsening of asthma symptoms by causing narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
- Kidney failure
Nurofen in Pregnancy
It is best not to take Ibuprofen as a normal pain reliever during pregnancy.
The reason for your caution is that taking ibuprofen regularly may harm your baby.
Taking ibuprofen often in the first trimester may increase the likelihood of miscarriage. Your baby may also develop a heart defect or other anomalies, such as cleft palate or abdominal wall defects.
Its best to consult your doctor before using Nurofen in Pregnancy.
Nurofen Contraindications
Nurofen is contraindicated in Hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or to any of the excipients present in Nurofen.
It is also contraindicated in Active or a history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).
Nurofen is contraindicated in People with a History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy.
It is Also contraindicated in Severe hepatic failure, renal failure or heart failure.
Ibuprofen dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Fever:
Oral:
200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
IV: (Patients should be well hydrated before IV ibuprofen administration):
Fever: Initial: 400 mg intravenously over 30 minutes
Maintenance: 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours or 100 to 200 mg every 4 hours as needed.
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:
Initial dose: 400 to 800 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours.
Maintenance dose: May be increased to a maximum daily dose of 3200 mg based on patient response and tolerance.
Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Initial dose: 400 to 800 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours.
Maintenance dose: May be increased to a maximum daily dose of 3200 mg based on patient response and tolerance.
Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea:
200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Usual Adult Dose for Headache:
Study (n=34) – Prevention of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-induced headache:
600 mg orally 90 minutes prior to the initial ECT session
Usual Adult Dose for Pain:
Oral: Mild to moderate pain:
200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Doses greater than 400 mg have not been proven to provide greater efficacy.
IV: (Patients should be well hydrated before IV ibuprofen administration):
Pain: 400 to 800 mg intravenously over 30 minutes every 6 hours as needed.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Fever:
Greater than 6 months to 12 years:
5 mg/kg/dose for temperature less than 102.5 degrees F (39.2 degrees C) orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
10 mg/kg/dose for temperature greater than or equal to 102.5 degrees F (39.2 degrees C) orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
The recommended maximum daily dose is 40 mg/kg.
OTC pediatric labeling (analgesic, antipyretic): 6 months to 11 years: 7.5 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 hours; Maximum daily dose: 30 mg/kg
Usual Pediatric Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
6 months to 12 years:
Usual: 30 to 40 mg/kg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses; start at lower end of dosing range and titrate; patients with milder disease may be treated with 20 mg/kg/day; doses greater than 40 mg/kg/day may increase risk of serious adverse effects; doses greater than 50 mg/kg/day have not been studied and are not recommended.
Maximum dose: 2.4 g/day.
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