Anadin ultra (ibuprofen)

How does it work?

Anadin ultra capsules contain the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). (NB. Ibuprofen is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Ibuprofen is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever.

Ibuprofen works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. NSAIDs block the production of these prostaglandins and are therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

Ibuprofen also reduces fever by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Fever is associated with an increase in prostaglandins in the brain, and these prostaglandins cause the body temperature to increase. By reducing prostaglandins in the brain, ibuprofen lowers body temperature and hence reduces fever.

Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and related pain and so can be used to relieve muscular and rheumatic aches and pains. It can also be used to relieve other painful conditions such as headaches, migraine, toothache, nerve pain (neuralgia) and period pain. It is also useful for reducing fever and discomfort associated with colds and flu.

What is it used for?

Mild to moderate pain including rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains and strains, backache, nerve pain (neuralgia), migraine, headache, toothache, period pain or pain due to non-serious arthritic conditions.

Feverishness and symptoms of colds and flu.

Warning!

Do not exceed the dose recommended in the leaflet supplied with this medicine.

The minimum effective dose should be used for the shortest time necessary to relieve your symptoms. If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Ibuprofen is generally well-tolerated and most people do not experience any side effects. The most common side effects are related to stomach irritation and include abdominal pain, indigestion and nausea. These can mainly be avoided by taking the ibuprofen with food. Rarely, serious side effects such as ulceration or bleeding in the stomach or intestines may occur. These are more likely with high doses and in elderly people. If you experience any sign of bleeding from the stomach or bowels after taking this medicine, for example vomiting blood and/or passing black/tarry/bloodstained stools, you should stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor immediately.

Very rarely, NSAIDS may cause serious blistering or peeling skin reactions (eg Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis). For this reason, you should stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if you get a skin rash or sores inside your mouth while taking this medicine. This side effect is very rare, but if it occurs, is most likely to happen in the first month of treatment.

Use with caution in

Elderly people.

History of disorders affecting the stomach or intestines.

Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Kidney disease.

Liver disease.

Heart failure.

High blood pressure.

People with blood clotting problems or taking anticoagulant medicines.

History of asthma.

History of allergies.

Diseases affecting connective tissue, eg systemic lupus erythematosus.

People on a controlled potassium diet (Anadin ultra capsules contain potassium).

Not to be used in

People in whom aspirin or other NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen, cause allergic reactions such as asthma attacks, itchy rash (urticaria), nasal inflammation (rhinitis) or swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema).

Active peptic ulcer or a history of this.

People who have ever experienced bleeding or perforation of the gut as a result of previous treatment with an NSAID.

Severe heart failure.

Severe kidney failure.

Severe liver failure.

People taking other NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors (see end of factsheet for more details).

Rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance (Anadin ultra capsules contain sorbitol).

Anadin ultra capsules are not recommended for children under 12 years of age. There are other preparations of ibuprofen that may be more suitable for this age group - see end of factsheet for more details.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. This is particularly important in the first and third trimesters. If taken in the third trimester it may delay labour, increase the length of labour and cause complications in the newborn baby. Some evidence suggests that NSAIDs should also be avoided by women attempting to conceive, as they may temporarily reduce female fertility during treatment and may also increase the risk of miscarriage or malformations. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk, but in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby. However, as with all medicines, seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved