Ibuprofen 💊

ℹ️ About

Always check the BNF link here 📖 for full prescribing information.

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible ⏳.

⚙️ Mode of Action

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) derived from propionic acid.
• Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes → reduced prostaglandin synthesis → analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects.
• First launched in the UK in 1969 🇬🇧.

💊 Indications & Dose

⚠️ Interactions

• See BNF - interactions include anticoagulants, antiplatelets, corticosteroids, SSRIs, ACE inhibitors/diuretics (↑ risk of GI bleed, renal impairment, or reduced antihypertensive efficacy).

🔎 Cautions

• Risk of GI ulceration and bleeding with long-term NSAID use. 🩸
• Consider gastric protection (PPI or misoprostol 200 micrograms QDS - but note diarrhoea risk 💩).
• Use cautiously in elderly patients and those with cardiovascular risk.

🚫 Contraindications

• Active or previous GI bleeding/ulceration.
• Renal impairment, AKI, CKD, or severe liver disease.
• Severe illness where risk of AKI is high (e.g. sepsis, dehydration).
• NSAID-exacerbated asthma.

❗ Side Effects

• GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, peptic ulcer, GI bleed.
• Renal: AKI, electrolyte disturbance.
• Respiratory: bronchospasm in NSAID-sensitive asthma.
• Skin: rash, hypersensitivity reactions.
• Cardiovascular: ↑ risk of thrombotic events (MI, stroke) with long-term/high-dose use ❤️.

📚 References

• BNF - Ibuprofen