Nurofen

Common use

Nurofen (Ibuprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Nurofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Dosage and direction

Use Nurofen exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Take Nurofen with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Precautions

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had: heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke; a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; stomach ulcers or bleeding; liver or kidney disease; asthma; or if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

Contraindications

You should not use Nurofen if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
If you are pregnant, you should not take Nurofen (ibuprofen) unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
Nurofen (ibuprofen) can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. Use only the smallest amount of medication needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Nurofen (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: changes in your vision; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion); swelling or rapid weight gain; a skin rash, no matter how mild; signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or kidney problems - little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common Nurofen side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, gas; bleeding; or dizziness, headache.

Drug interaction

Ask your doctor before using Nurofen if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Nurofen with any other medications, especially: cyclosporine; lithium; methotrexate; a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

Missed dose

Since Nurofen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Keep away from children and pets.