Ibufren

# Ibufren ## Overview Ibufren is a brand name for **ibuprofen**, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It works via COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition. ## Primary Indications - Mild to moderate pain (headache, dental pain, dysmenorrhea, musculoskeletal pain) - Fever reduction - Inflammatory conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) ## Adult Dosing - **Mild to moderate pain/fever:** 200–400 mg orally every 4–6 hours as needed. - **Prescription anti-inflammatory dosing:** 400–800 mg orally 3–4 times daily. - **Maximum:** 1200 mg/day OTC; up to 3200 mg/day under medical supervision (short term). - Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration. ## Pediatric Dosing - **Fever or pain:** 5–10 mg/kg/dose orally every 6–8 hours as needed. - **Maximum single dose:** 400 mg (or 10 mg/kg, whichever lower). - **Maximum daily:** 40 mg/kg/day (max 1200 mg/day). - *Exact dosing per local protocol; weight-based dosing preferred.* ## Dose Adjustments - **Renal impairment:** Avoid if CrCl <30 mL/min. Use lowest effective dose if mild-moderate impairment; monitor renal function. - **Hepatic impairment:** Caution in severe disease; avoid if active liver injury. - **Elderly:** Use lowest effective dose; increased GI and renal risk. ## Contraindications - History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic reaction to aspirin/NSAIDs - Active peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding - Severe heart failure (NYHA III–IV) - Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) - Perioperative pain with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery - Third trimester of pregnancy (may cause premature ductus arteriosus closure) ## Adverse Effects - **Common:** Nausea, dyspepsia, heartburn, diarrhea, headache, dizziness - **Serious:** GI bleeding/ulceration, acute renal injury, cardiovascular thrombotic events (e.g., MI, stroke, especially with high doses/long-term use), hypertension, fluid retention - Rare: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylaxis, aseptic meningitis (SLE patients) ## Key Drug Interactions - **Anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs):** Increased bleeding risk - **Aspirin:** Reduced cardioprotective effect; increased GI toxicity - **ACE inhibitors / ARBs, diuretics:** Reduced antihypertensive effect; increased nephrotoxicity - **Methotrexate:** Increased methotrexate toxicity - **Lithium, digoxin:** Increased levels of these drugs - **Corticosteroids:** Increased GI bleeding risk ## Monitoring - Pain/fever response - Renal function (if high risk or prolonged use) - Signs of GI bleeding (e.g., black stools, abdominal pain) - Blood pressure (especially if hypertensive) - CBC, LFTs with chronic use ## Clinical Pearls - Take with food or milk to reduce GI upset; use lowest effective dose. - Avoid use during third trimester (fetal risk). Use with caution in breastfeeding; infant dose <10% maternal weight-adjusted dose. - Do not combine with other NSAIDs or aspirin without specific indication. - Short-term use preferred; if >10 days of pain, re-evaluate cause. - Do not use for viral illness in children unless benefits outweigh risks (rare Reye’s syndrome association—lower risk than aspirin, but caution). *Educational disclaimer: This information is for general reference and does not replace clinical judgment. Always verify against current local prescribing guidelines, dosing protocols, and the latest product monograph before treatment.*