Ibuprofen is a popular over-the-counter medication, used for a variety of aches and pains.

When your pain is not strong enough to warrant a doctor’s visit or you need a solution to your pain while on the go, this is a common drug of choice. It is used to treat pain, inflammation and even fever.

WHAT IS IBUPROFEN?

As described by EMGuidance, Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative. It belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family. It’s therapeutic effects are thought to be due to its inhibitory effect on cyclo-oxygenase, resulting in marked prostaglandin synthesis reduction.

HOW IS IT TAKEN?

It is available in the form of capsules, tablets, gels, creams, and injectables. The injectable form of ibuprofen is only used in special scenarios, e.g. a preterm infant who is unstable due to a heart condition known as a patent ductus arteriosus. This treatment is intravenous and is carried out in an intensive care unit.

Long term oral use of Ibuprofen, or any other NSAIS, needs to be under the guidance of a prescribing practitioner as  it comes with risks of peptic ulcer disease. These risks need to be explained to the user and a proton pump inhibitor will need to taken to reduce the risks of developing or worsening peptic ulcer disease.

It depends on the form of ibuprofen taken and the reason for which it is taken. For example, if you are taking an Ibuprofen gel for a muscle ache, it may provide an almost instantaneous relief as it is applied directly to the source of pain. If you are taking a tablet form of Ibuprofen for period pains, it may take up to an hour to provide relief, depending on the severity of the pain and on how quickly your body breaks it down before sending the metabolites to into the bloodstream to reach the target areas.

MORE FACTS ABOUT IBUPROFEN

It is more popular and more effective for women with period pains

Dentists prescribe it commonly for toothache

Most people use the gel form of NSAIDs for back pain

It is best taken with or soon after meals

IBUPROFEN IN PREGNANCY

It is CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy. It is not safe in pregnancy, neither in early nor in the later stages of pregnancy. DO NOT use Ibuprofen whilst pregnant.