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Ibuprofen

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(eye byoo' proe fen)

Brand name(s): Advil; Genpril; Haltran; Medipren; Midol 200; Motrin; Nuprin; PediaProfen

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ibuprofen is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and gout. It also is used to reduce fever and to relieve headaches, muscle aches, menstrual pain, aches and pains from the common cold, backache, and pain after surgery or dental work.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Ibuprofen comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day for arthritis or every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ibuprofen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed by the package label or prescribed by your doctor. If you think that you need more medication to relieve your symptoms, call your doctor.

If you obtained ibuprofen without a prescription, do not take it for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain without talking to a doctor.

If you are taking ibuprofen for pain and the painful area becomes red or swollen, call your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking ibuprofen,

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Ibuprofen may cause an upset stomach. Take ibuprofen with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If your doctor prescribes ibuprofen on a regular basis, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from ibuprofen are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to ibuprofen.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.