Motrin 600mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize discomfort. Always take the medication with a full glass of water.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding the bathroom. Protect it from heat sources. Store all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal. You may also have access to local drug take-back programs.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Avoid alcohol while taking ibuprofen, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose or for longer than advised by your doctor, due to potential serious side effects.
- Stay hydrated, especially if you have kidney problems or are taking diuretics.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
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 immediate medical attention:
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, difficulty 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 or 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: irregular heartbeat, confusion, weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, feeling faint, numbness or tingling, or shortness of breath.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache or 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 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 reactions can be life-threatening and may also affect internal organs. Seek immediate medical help 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
Body aches
Shortness of breath
Swollen glands
Other 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 concern you or do not resolve, 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.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe stomach pain, black or tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds (signs of stomach bleeding)
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech (signs of heart attack or stroke)
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands, or decreased urination (signs of kidney problems)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea/vomiting (signs of liver problems)
- Unexplained weight gain or swelling
- Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Before Using This Medicine
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 (a 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 pregnancy.
* Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant. This medication can harm an unborn baby if taken after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 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.
Precautions & Cautions
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 about the potential risks. Individuals with asthma should also talk to their doctor, as they may be more sensitive to this medication.
Adhere to the prescribed dosage and do not exceed the recommended amount, as this may increase the risk of severe side effects. Furthermore, do not take this medication for longer than your doctor has instructed.
Be cautious, as this medication may affect your blood's ability to clot, making you more prone to bleeding. To minimize the risk of injury, use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
The use of this medication may increase the risk of heart failure, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart failure. This can lead to a higher chance of heart attack, hospitalization, and death. Discuss these risks with your doctor. Additionally, people who have recently experienced a heart attack may have a higher risk of heart attack and heart-related death when taking this medication. Your doctor can provide more information on this topic.
There is also a risk of developing aseptic meningitis, a severe brain problem, associated with this medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, severe nausea or vomiting, stiff neck, rash, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, or confusion.
In rare cases, this medication can cause liver problems, which can be life-threatening. If you notice any signs of liver problems, such as dark urine, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain or nausea, pale stools, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, 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 the potential risks to your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Drowsiness, dizziness, headache
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Metabolic acidosis
- Renal failure
- Coma, seizures (in severe cases)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment may involve gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and supportive care.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- 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)
Major Interactions
- Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin): Increased risk of bleeding.
- Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Clopidogrel, Aspirin low-dose): Increased risk of bleeding.
- Corticosteroids: Increased risk of GI ulceration/bleeding.
- Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide): Reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment.
- ACE Inhibitors/ARBs (e.g., Lisinopril, Valsartan): Reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment and hyperkalemia.
- Lithium: Increased lithium plasma concentrations and toxicity.
- Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate plasma concentrations and toxicity.
- Cyclosporine: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
- Tacrolimus: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Moderate Interactions
- SSRIs/SNRIs: Increased risk of GI bleeding.
- Digoxin: May increase digoxin plasma concentrations.
- Phenytoin: May increase phenytoin plasma concentrations.
- Sulfonylureas: May enhance hypoglycemic effect.
- Aminoglycosides: May increase aminoglycoside levels (via reduced renal clearance).
- Pemetrexed: Increased risk of myelosuppression, renal, and GI toxicity (avoid concomitant use in patients with renal impairment).
Minor Interactions
- Alcohol: Increased risk of GI irritation/bleeding.
- Ginkgo Biloba: Theoretical increased bleeding risk.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline for potential hematologic adverse effects (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia) with long-term use.
Timing: Before initiating long-term therapy.
Rationale: To assess baseline kidney function, as NSAIDs can cause renal impairment.
Timing: Before initiating therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or risk factors.
Rationale: To assess baseline liver function, as NSAIDs can cause liver enzyme elevations.
Timing: Before initiating therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
Rationale: NSAIDs can cause new onset hypertension or worsen pre-existing hypertension.
Timing: Before initiating therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 6-12 months) for long-term therapy, or more frequently in high-risk patients (elderly, heart failure, diuretic use).
Target: Within normal limits; monitor for increases.
Action Threshold: Significant increase in creatinine (>20-30% from baseline) or decrease in eGFR; consider dose reduction or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically for long-term therapy (e.g., every 6-12 months).
Target: Within normal limits; monitor for elevations.
Action Threshold: Elevations >3 times upper limit of normal; consider discontinuation.
Frequency: Regularly, especially in hypertensive patients.
Target: Individualized; maintain within target range.
Action Threshold: Sustained increase in blood pressure; consider antihypertensive adjustment or NSAID discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically for long-term therapy (e.g., annually).
Target: Within normal limits.
Action Threshold: Significant decrease in hemoglobin/hematocrit or platelet count; investigate for GI bleeding or other hematologic issues.
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools; coffee-ground vomit; severe abdominal pain)
- Signs of cardiovascular events (chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech)
- Signs of renal impairment (decreased urine output, swelling in ankles/feet, unusual fatigue)
- Signs of liver injury (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, unusual fatigue)
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and potential for renal dysfunction in the fetus. Use in the first and second trimesters should only be considered if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Ibuprofen is considered compatible with breastfeeding. It is excreted into breast milk in very small amounts, and adverse effects in breastfed infants are unlikely.
Pediatric Use
Ibuprofen is widely used in pediatric populations for fever and pain, but the 600mg strength is typically not used in young children. Dosing is weight-based (5-10 mg/kg/dose). Caution is advised in dehydrated children due to increased risk of renal adverse effects. Always use appropriate pediatric formulations (suspension, drops) and dosing guidelines.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are at increased risk for serious adverse effects of NSAIDs, including gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Monitor renal function, blood pressure, and for signs of GI bleeding closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always advise patients to take ibuprofen with food, milk, or antacids to minimize GI upset.
- Educate patients about the signs and symptoms of GI bleeding and cardiovascular events, and when to seek immediate medical attention.
- Remind patients that ibuprofen is available over-the-counter in lower strengths (e.g., 200mg), and they should not combine prescription strength with OTC products without medical advice.
- For chronic use, consider co-prescribing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or H2 blocker for GI protection, especially in high-risk patients.
- Counsel patients on the importance of hydration to help protect kidney function, especially when taking NSAIDs.
- Ibuprofen can interfere with the antiplatelet effect of low-dose aspirin. If both are necessary, ibuprofen should be taken at least 30 minutes after or 8 hours before immediate-release aspirin.
Alternative Therapies
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol - for pain/fever, no anti-inflammatory effect, different side effect profile)
- Other NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, Celecoxib, Diclofenac - different half-lives, COX selectivity, and side effect profiles)
- Opioid analgesics (for severe pain, with higher risk of dependence and side effects)
- Topical analgesics (e.g., topical NSAIDs, capsaicin, lidocaine patches - for localized pain)
- Non-pharmacological therapies (e.g., RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation; physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, heat/cold therapy)