Ibuprofen 200mg Capsules

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exerts its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. This inhibition leads to a decreased synthesis of prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of bleeding, including:
+ Vomiting or coughing up blood
+ Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
+ Blood in the urine
+ Black, red, or tarry stools
+ Bleeding from the gums
+ Abnormal vaginal bleeding
+ Unexplained bruises or bruises that enlarge
+ Uncontrollable bleeding
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Inability to urinate
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of high potassium levels, including:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling faint or numbness/tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Signs of high blood pressure, such as:
+ Severe headache or dizziness
+ Fainting or changes in vision
Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
Chest pain or pressure, or a rapid heartbeat
Weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or thinking, balance changes, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred vision
Extreme fatigue or weakness
Ringing in the ears
Severe back pain
Changes in vision

Severe Skin Reactions

This medication can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions. These conditions can be life-threatening and may affect internal organs. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:

Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Red or irritated eyes
Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
Fever, chills, or body aches
Shortness of breath or swollen glands

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:

Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or vomiting
Heartburn
Gas
* Dizziness

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Allergies to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
A history of asthma triggered by salicylate drugs, such as aspirin, or NSAIDs.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
+ Kidney problems
+ Heart failure (weak heart)
+ Recent heart attack
Current use of other NSAIDs, salicylate drugs like aspirin, or pemetrexed.
Fertility issues or ongoing fertility evaluation, as this medication may affect fertility.
* Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or suspected pregnancy. This medication may harm an unborn baby if taken after 20 weeks of gestation. If you are between 20 and 30 weeks pregnant, only take this medication under your doctor's guidance. Do not take this medication if you are more than 30 weeks pregnant.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. Verify that it is safe to take this medication with your existing treatments and health status. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug for an extended period, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

You should also have your blood pressure checked regularly, as medications like this one can cause high blood pressure. Your doctor will advise you on how often to have your blood pressure checked.

Before consuming alcohol, discuss the potential risks with your doctor. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the potential interactions with this medication. Additionally, if you have asthma, consult with your doctor, as you may be more sensitive to this drug.

To minimize the risk of severe side effects, do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose can increase your risk of adverse reactions. Furthermore, do not take this medication for longer than your doctor has instructed.

As this medication can affect your blood's ability to clot, you may be more prone to bleeding. To reduce the risk of injury, be careful and use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.

The use of medications like this one can increase the risk of heart failure. If you already have heart failure, your risk of heart attack, hospitalization for heart failure, and death may be higher. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

In people who have recently experienced a heart attack, the use of medications like this one can increase the risk of another heart attack and heart-related death. Additionally, research has shown that people taking this type of medication after a first heart attack were more likely to die within the following year compared to those not taking this medication. It is crucial to discuss these risks with your doctor.

This medication may also increase the risk of a severe brain condition called aseptic meningitis. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately: headache, fever, chills, severe nausea or vomiting, stiff neck, rash, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, or confusion.

In rare cases, medications like this one can cause liver problems, which can be life-threatening. If you notice any signs of liver problems, such as dark urine, fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain or nausea, pale stools, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact your doctor right away.

If you are 60 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

Women of childbearing age should be aware that NSAIDs like this medication can affect ovulation, which may impact fertility. However, this effect is typically reversible when the medication is stopped. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to assess the potential risks to your baby.

• Aspirin (high-dose, for antiplatelet effect, due to interference)
• Other NSAIDs (increased risk of GI and renal adverse effects)
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery (peri-operative pain)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin, DOACs): Increased risk of bleeding.
• Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Clopidogrel): Increased risk of bleeding.
• Corticosteroids: Increased risk of GI ulceration and bleeding.
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide): Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effects; increased risk of renal impairment.
• ACE Inhibitors/ARBs: Reduced antihypertensive effect; increased risk of renal impairment and hyperkalemia.
• Lithium: Increased lithium levels and toxicity.
• Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate levels and toxicity.
• Cyclosporine: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Digoxin: Increased digoxin levels.
• SSRIs/SNRIs: Increased risk of GI bleeding.

• Beta-blockers: Reduced antihypertensive effect.
• Phenytoin: Increased phenytoin levels.
• Sulfonylureas: Potentiation of hypoglycemic effect.
• Tacrolimus: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Cholestyramine: Reduced ibuprofen absorption (administer ibuprofen 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine).

• Alcohol: Increased risk of GI irritation/bleeding.

• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools; coffee-ground vomit; severe abdominal pain)
• Signs of renal dysfunction (decreased urine output, swelling in ankles/feet, unusual fatigue)
• Signs of cardiovascular events (chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech)
• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of face/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
• Unexplained weight gain or swelling (fluid retention)
• Persistent headache or vision changes
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

Avoid use in the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. Use in the first and second trimesters should be avoided unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk, and only under medical supervision.

Considered compatible with breastfeeding. Ibuprofen is excreted into breast milk in very small amounts, and adverse effects on breastfed infants are unlikely.

Dosing is weight-based for children. 200mg capsules are generally not suitable for very young children due to fixed dose and potential for choking. Liquid formulations or chewable tablets are preferred for younger children. Avoid in children with chickenpox or flu-like symptoms due to theoretical risk of Reye's syndrome (though primarily associated with aspirin).

Increased risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Monitor renal function and blood pressure closely.

• Ibuprofen is a common OTC NSAID effective for mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation.
• Always advise patients to take with food or milk to minimize GI upset.
• Counsel patients on the black box warnings for cardiovascular and GI risks, especially for chronic use or in at-risk populations.
• Emphasize the importance of not exceeding the maximum daily dose and avoiding concomitant use with other NSAIDs.
• Remind patients that ibuprofen should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy.
• For patients with hypertension, heart failure, or renal impairment, ibuprofen can worsen these conditions; consider alternative analgesics.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - for pain and fever, no anti-inflammatory effect, different side effect profile.
• Naproxen (Aleve) - another NSAID with longer duration of action.
• Aspirin - NSAID, but with specific antiplatelet uses and different side effect profile.
• Other NSAIDs (e.g., diclofenac, celecoxib - Rx only)
• Topical analgesics (e.g., diclofenac gel, capsaicin cream) for localized pain.
• Non-pharmacological therapies (e.g., RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation; physical therapy).

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.