Ibuprofen (By mouth)

Introduction

Ibuprofen (eye-bue-PROE-fen)

Treats fever and pain, including pain caused by headache, toothache, arthritis, cold or flu, migraine, or menstrual cramps. This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Brand Name(s)

Advil, Motrin Children's, Motrin IB, Advil Children's, Motrin Junior, Quality Choice Ibuprofen IB, Advil Liqui-Gels, Rite Aid Ibuprofen, Rite Aid Pain Relief Ibuprofen, Advil Migraine, Motrin, TopCare Children's Ibuprofen, Rite Aid Children's Ibuprofen, Children's Motrin, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Children's Ibuprofen

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAID medicines, such as diclofenac, naproxen, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, or Voltaren®. You should not use this medicine if you have a stomach ulcer or a bleeding disorder. Do not take this medicine if you have an advanced kidney disease. Do not use this medicine right before or right after having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Suspension, Tablet, Chewable Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you are using prescription-strength ibuprofen: This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.
• If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk, so it does not upset your stomach.
• Shake the oral liquid well just before using. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• You must chew the chewable tablet completely before you swallow it. Drink some water afterwards to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
• For a Child: If you are not sure how much medicine to give, ask your pharmacist or health caregiver. It is best to figure a child's dose based on how much the child weighs, not the child's age. For most kinds of ibuprofen, do not give this medicine more than 4 times in 1 day (24 hours) unless the doctor tells you to.
• For an Adult: Follow your doctor's instructions for how much medicine to take. If you are taking this medicine without a prescription, follow the directions on the package, but do not take more than 6 pills in 1 day (24 hours) unless your doctor tells you to.
• Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, lithium (Eskalith®), methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), a steroid medicine (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Orapred®), a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®), or a blood pressure medicine (such as enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Atacand®, Hyzaar®, Lotrel®, or Zestril®).
• Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diclofenac, naproxen, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, or Votaren®.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of ulcers or other stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, asthma, bleeding problems, eye or vision problems, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), or heart or circulation problems. Tell your doctor if you have a lupus or a similar connective tissue disease.
• This medicine might cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid medicine or a blood thinner). Tell your doctor if you have ongoing or repeat stomach problems such as heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, or pain.
• This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use this medicine for a long time might also have a higher risk.
• This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If your child has a severe or ongoing sore throat, high fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting, call your child's doctor right away.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor. Call your doctor if the pain gets worse or lasts longer than 10 days, or if the fever lasts longer than 3 days.
• Tell your doctor if you have been vomiting or had diarrhea. You might be dehydrated.
• This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a problem with amino acids. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you have PKU.
• This medicine might contain sugar. If you have diabetes, you might need to count this in your diet.
• When treating a migraine headache: Talk to your doctor if you have a headache that feels different from your usual headache, if the pain is much worse than usual, if you have a fever and stiff neck, if you have a headache every day, if this is your first migraine headache, or if the pain is so bad you cannot get up. Call your doctor if your headache was caused by a recent head injury, physical effort, coughing, or bending down.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
• Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.
• Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.
• Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fever, neck pain, or stiff neck.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Redness or swelling of the body area where you have pain.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Skin rash or blisters with fever.
• Sudden or severe headache.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Trouble seeing, change in how you see colors.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, gas, stomach pain, or heartburn.
• Mild rash or itching skin.
• Ringing in your ears.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088