What should we pay attention to when using ibuprofen, which has the effect of reducing fever and relieving pain?

Author: An Luoling, Chief Pharmacist, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University

Reviewer: Wang Lixiang, Chief Physician, Third Medical Center, PLA General Hospital

When it comes to ibuprofen, the words "pain relief, fever reduction" flash through everyone's mind.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic drug.

Analgesia is mainly suitable for mild and moderate pain, including headaches, migraines, muscle pain, neuralgia, dysmenorrhea, etc.

Antipyretic is mainly suitable for fever caused by common cold and influenza.

1. How does ibuprofen exert its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects?

Common oral dosage forms of ibuprofen include capsules, tablets, suspensions, and granules. Adults can choose capsules and tablets, while children are more suitable for suspensions and granules. Although the dosage forms are different, the main ingredients are ibuprofen and the efficacy is the same.

Ibuprofen works mainly in two ways. On the one hand, it inhibits cyclooxygenase and the production of prostaglandins, thereby playing an anti-inflammatory and analgesic role. On the other hand, it plays an antipyretic role through the hypothalamic temperature regulation center.

How long does it take for ibuprofen to work?

According to pharmacokinetic data, the blood drug concentration reaches its highest level 1-2 hours after taking the medicine, and it can take effect. If it does not work, you can take it again at the time interval recommended in the instructions.

2. Can children take ibuprofen as soon as they have a fever?

It is not recommended. First, the cause of the fever should be identified and other diseases should be excluded.

Figure 1 Original copyright image, no permission to reprint

If the fever is caused by the common cold or influenza, and the body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, it is recommended to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for antipyretic treatment. Acetaminophen is suitable for infants and children over three months old, and ibuprofen is suitable for infants and children over six months old.

For children, ibuprofen is usually taken in the form of suspension drops or suspensions, administered every 6-8 hours, no more than 4 times within 24 hours, and antipyretic treatment should not exceed 3 days. If fever symptoms cannot be relieved, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

3. What should women pay attention to when taking ibuprofen to relieve dysmenorrhea?

Ibuprofen can be used to relieve the pain of dysmenorrhea.

The recommended dose for mild and moderate pain is 200-400 mg once, with an interval of 4-6 hours between doses and no more than 4 times within 24 hours.

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It should be noted that doctors do not recommend long-term use of ibuprofen for pain relief. According to relevant research, ibuprofen should not be taken for more than 5 days when used as a painkiller; and should not be taken for more than 3 days when used as an antipyretic. If the patient's symptoms are not relieved after taking the medication for more than this period of time, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

Because each menstrual cycle has a long time interval, using ibuprofen only when the menstrual cycle comes does not fall into the category of long-term medication. However, it is recommended that women with long-term dysmenorrhea symptoms go to the hospital for a detailed examination in time to determine whether they have endocrine or other problems in their body.

4. What are the common adverse reactions to taking ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a commonly used drug in clinical practice with a relatively low incidence of adverse reactions, mainly including gastrointestinal discomfort, rash, headache and elevated transaminase, etc. The specific situation varies depending on individual constitution.

If you take ibuprofen within the recommended dose, you will usually experience only mild adverse reactions that can be ignored. If the situation is very serious and causes a significant change in menstrual flow, please see a doctor as soon as possible.

5. What should I pay attention to while taking ibuprofen?

When ibuprofen is used in combination with other antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, such as aspirin, it may increase the adverse reactions of the drugs and greatly increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. It is not recommended to take them at the same time;

When used in combination with anticoagulants such as heparin and dicoumarol, the prothrombin time may be prolonged and the risk of bleeding may be increased;

The combined use with digoxin and methotrexate will increase the blood concentration of both drugs, so it is not recommended to take them at the same time;

When used together with furosemide, it may weaken the sodium excretion and blood pressure lowering effects of furosemide, so it is not recommended to take them at the same time;

Combination use with hypoglycemic and antihypertensive drugs will lead to changes in drug concentrations and is not recommended.

Can I drink alcohol while taking ibuprofen?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol when taking any medication, as alcohol may change the concentration of the medication, trigger adverse reactions, and cause damage to the body.

The drug ibuprofen is relatively safe, but it is contraindicated for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding because the drug can cross the placenta and enter the breast milk.

In addition, ibuprofen is also contraindicated in patients who have allergic reactions such as asthma after taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Ibuprofen is a common medicine that everyone is familiar with. However, no matter how common it is or how often it is used, it cannot be used casually and must be used under the guidance of a doctor.