Calprofen (ibuprofen)

How does it work?

Calprofen suspension 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, or following childhood vaccinations.

What is it used for?

When bought without a prescription Calprofen can be used for the following:

mild to moderate pain, including muscular pain, sprains and strains, backache, headache, earache and toothache.

relieving symptoms of colds and flu, such as headache, sore throat, aches and pains and fever.

reducing fever following vaccinations.

If prescribed by a doctor, Calprofen can also be used for relieving pain and inflammation in the following conditions:

period pain

nerve pain (neuralgia)

pain following surgery

rheumatoid arthritis (including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or Still's disease)

a form of arthritis affecting the joints of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis)

osteoarthritis

painful disorders of the joints, such as tendon inflammation (tendinitis), frozen shoulder (capsulitis), bursitis or tenosynovitis.

Warning!

Do not exceed the dose recommended in the leaflet supplied with the medicine. This medicine is for short-term use only. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

When used to reduce fever following vaccinations, one dose of 2.5ml (50mg) should be given, followed by one further dose of 2.5ml (50mg) six hours later if necessary. No more than two doses should be given in 24 hours. If fever is not reduced, consult a doctor.

If symptoms persist for more than three days in a child aged over six months, you should consult your doctor promptly. For children aged under six months, medical advice should be sought promptly after 24 hours use (three doses) if the symptoms persist.

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 of the stomach or intestines may occur. These are more likely with high doses and in elderly people. If any signs of bleeding from the stomach or bowels are experienced, such as vomiting blood and/or passing black/tarry/bloodstained stools, you should 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.

People with impaired kidney, liver or heart function who are taking this medicine for long periods of time should have their kidney function monitored.

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.

History of asthma.

History of allergies.

People with blood clotting problems or taking anticoagulant medicines.

Diseases affecting connective tissue, eg systemic lupus erythematosus .

Not to be used in

Children aged under three months or weighing less than 5kg.

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 history of peptic ulcer.

People who have experienced bleeding from the gut or a hole (perforation) in the gut, as a result of previous use of an NSAID.

Severe heart failure.

Severe liver failure.

Severe kidney failure.

People taking other NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors (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 is not recommended for use in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. It should not be taken in the third trimester, as 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.

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