Motrin (Ibuprofen)

General information

Motrin belongs to the class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain caused by inflammation. It can be used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, menstrual cramps, sprains, strains, backache, headaches, migraine, muscular aches and pain, sore throat, cold and flu, and dental pain. It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.

Directions

Take Motrin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended adult dose is 200 mg to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as required to reduce pain or fever. The maximum daily dose is 1,200 mg. The dose for children is based on body weight and age. Children should not take more than 40 mg/kg each day. The recommended starting prescription dose for most people with mild to moderate pain or painful menstruation is 400 mg by mouth every four to six hours as needed to control pain. The recommended starting dosage for most people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis is 1200 mg to 3200 mg daily. This daily dose is split up into several smaller doses throughout the day.

Precautions

Before taking Motrin you should talk with your doctor if you have asthma, heart disease, including congestive heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), liver disease or liver failure, kidney disease or kidney failure, bleeding problems, diabetes, nasal polyps, systemic lupus erythematosus, stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, loss of body water (dehydration), any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can affect the way the liver works and increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid taking Motrin if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. It can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels.

Contraindications

You should not take Motrin if you are allergic to ibuprofen or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are currently taking other NSAIDs, or if you have active peptic ulcer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, nasal polyps, asthma, kidney or liver disease, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have abdominal cramps, nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, nervousness, confusion, heartburn, indigestion, drowsiness, muscle aches, gas, bloody or black tarry stools, lightheadedness, headache, vomiting, asthma, blurred vision, dark urine, painful urination, depression, hives, nasal congestion, fever, skin rash, ringing in the ears, itching, loss of appetite, sensitivity to sunlight, redness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, celecoxib, meloxicam, indomethacin), warfarin, aspirin, lithium, diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone, torsemide), ACE inhibitors (ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril), methotrexate, beta blockers (metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol), corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are severe stomach pain, trouble breathing, extreme drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.