Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exerts its therapeutic effects primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. This inhibition leads to a reduction in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, ibuprofen alleviates pain, reduces inflammation, and lowers elevated body temperature.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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 immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of bleeding: 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 that enlarge, or uncontrollable bleeding.
Signs of kidney problems: inability to urinate, changes in urine output, blood in the urine, or sudden significant weight gain.
Signs of high potassium levels: abnormal heartbeat, confusion, weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, feeling faint, numbness or tingling, or shortness of breath.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache, dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Shortness of breath, sudden significant 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, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately:

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

Other Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Heartburn
Gas
Dizziness

Reporting Side Effects

If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact 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 medications, such as aspirin, or NSAIDs.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
+ Kidney problems
+ Heart failure (a weakened heart)
+ Recent heart attack
Concurrent use of other NSAIDs, salicylate medications like aspirin, or pemetrexed.
Fertility issues or ongoing fertility evaluations, as this medication may affect fertility.
* Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or suspected pregnancy. This medication can 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 long-term, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

There is a risk of developing high blood pressure while taking this medication. Your doctor will advise you on how often to have your blood pressure checked. Additionally, discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor before drinking. If you smoke, consult with your doctor, as smoking may interact with this medication. If you have asthma, talk to your doctor, as you may be more sensitive to this drug.

Adhere to the prescribed dosage and do not exceed the recommended amount, as taking more than directed may increase the risk of severe side effects. Also, do not take this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Be cautious, as this medication may increase your risk of bleeding easily. To minimize this risk, use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor, and avoid injuries.

The use of this medication may increase the risk of heart failure, heart attack, and death, particularly in people with pre-existing heart failure. Discuss this risk with your doctor. Furthermore, if you have recently experienced a heart attack, the use of this medication may increase the risk of another heart attack or heart-related death. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks.

This medication may also increase the risk of aseptic meningitis, a severe brain problem. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, severe stomach upset, stiff neck, rash, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, or confusion.

In rare cases, this medication may cause liver problems, which can be life-threatening. Monitor for signs of liver problems, including dark urine, fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, pale stools, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.

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 this medication may affect ovulation, potentially impacting fertility. However, this effect is reversible when the medication is stopped. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

If you are breastfeeding, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential risks to your baby.

• Aspirin (high-dose, due to increased risk of GI bleeding and reduced antiplatelet effect of aspirin)
• Other NSAIDs (increased risk of GI and renal adverse effects)
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery (peri-operative pain, due to increased risk of MI and stroke)
• Severe uncontrolled heart failure
• Severe renal impairment
• History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): Increased risk of bleeding.
• Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Clopidogrel, Aspirin at antiplatelet doses): Increased risk of GI bleeding.
• Corticosteroids: Increased risk of GI ulceration and bleeding.
• SSRIs/SNRIs: Increased risk of GI bleeding.
• ACE Inhibitors/ARBs: Reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment (especially in dehydrated or elderly patients).
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Thiazides): Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effects, increased risk of renal impairment.
• Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate plasma levels and toxicity (renal clearance reduced).
• Lithium: Increased lithium plasma levels and toxicity (reduced renal clearance).
• Cyclosporine: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Digoxin: May increase digoxin serum concentrations.

• Beta-blockers: Reduced antihypertensive effect.
• Sulfonylureas: May enhance hypoglycemic effect.
• Phenytoin: May increase phenytoin serum concentrations.
• Tacrolimus: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Pemetrexed: Increased risk of myelosuppression, renal, and GI toxicity (avoid in patients with CrCl < 80 mL/min).

• Alcohol: Increased risk of GI irritation/bleeding.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Theoretical increased risk of bleeding.

• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools; coffee-ground vomit; severe abdominal pain)
• Signs of fluid retention/edema (swelling in ankles, feet, hands)
• Unexplained weight gain
• Shortness of breath or chest pain (signs of cardiovascular events)
• Skin rash or blistering (severe skin reactions)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Changes in urination (decreased urine output)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, unusual fatigue (liver problems)
• Severe headache, stiff neck, fever, confusion (aseptic meningitis, rare)

Ibuprofen should be avoided 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 limited to the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the risk.

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

For children 6 months and older, use weight-based dosing (5-10 mg/kg/dose). Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. For children under 6 months, consult a physician. Always use the appropriate formulation (e.g., liquid suspension) and measuring device. Avoid in children with dehydration or significant renal impairment.

Elderly patients are at increased risk for serious adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Monitor renal function and signs of GI bleeding closely.

• Always advise patients to take ibuprofen with food, milk, or antacids to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
• Educate patients on the signs and symptoms of GI bleeding (black, tarry stools; coffee-ground vomit) and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
• Remind patients that ibuprofen is an NSAID and should not be taken with other NSAIDs (including naproxen, celecoxib, or prescription NSAIDs) or high-dose aspirin due to increased risk of adverse effects.
• Counsel patients on the importance of hydration, especially when taking ibuprofen, to help protect kidney function.
• For patients with cardiovascular risk factors or pre-existing cardiovascular disease, consider alternative analgesics if possible, or use ibuprofen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
• Be aware of the potential for drug interactions, especially with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - for pain and fever, no anti-inflammatory effect, different side effect profile.
• Naproxen (Aleve) - another NSAID with a longer half-life, allowing for less frequent dosing.
• Aspirin - for pain, fever, inflammation (at higher doses), and antiplatelet effects (at low doses).
• Celecoxib (Celebrex) - a selective COX-2 inhibitor, potentially lower GI risk but similar CV risk.
• Topical analgesics (e.g., diclofenac gel, capsaicin cream) - for localized pain.
• Non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., RICE therapy for injuries, heat/cold packs, massage, physical therapy).

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which is a crucial patient fact sheet. Please read it carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult your doctor, 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 reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information, including the substance taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.