Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

Brand names - Advil, Brufen, Ebufac, Excedrin IB, Fenbid, Genpril, Haltran, Ibugel, Ibuleve gel, Ibu-Tab, Ibuprin, Ibuprohm, Inoven, Isisfen, Junifen, Medipren, Midol IB, Motrin, Nuprin, Nurofen, Pamprin-IB, Rimafen, Rufen, Trendar

Medication type - NSAID

Common side effects - Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, dizziness, sleepiness

Rare side effects - Ulcers or sores in mouth, depression, rashes or blistering of skin, ringing sound in the ears, unusual tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, seizures, blurred vision. Also elevated potassium levels, decreased blood counts; such problems can be detected by your doctor.

Serious side effects - Shortness of breath or wheezing, with or without swelling of legs or other signs of heart failure; chest pain; peptic ulcer disease with vomiting of blood; black, tarry stools; decreasing kidney function. Call your doctor immediately.

Dosage - Adults For mild to moderate pain, arthritis, and menstrual pain: 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours. For fever: 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours, but not more than 1,200 mg a day.

Uses - To treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation, & also to reduce fever.

Other notes - Take with food. Prolonged use can cause gastrointestinal problems, including ulceration and bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and liver inflammation. See your doctor regularly for laboratory tests and examinations. Avoid alcohol, as it may increase the risk of stomach irritation. Avoid or discontinue this drug if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Ibuprofen passes into breast milk; avoid use while nursing. Because NSAIDs can interfere with blood coagulation, this drug should be stopped at least 3 days prior to any surgery. Do not take this drug with aspirin or any other NSAIDs without your doctors approval.