How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient ibuprofen, which belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. 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 or certain diseases and would otherwise go on to cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Ibuprofen is therefore used to relieve pain and inflammation. All the medicines in this group (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation caused by the body's own immune system, and are effective pain killers. Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain such as muscular aches and pains, period pains, headache, backache, rheumatic pain, dental pain and neuralgia. It can also reduce feverishness and the symptoms of colds and flu.

What is it used for?

Fever (pyrexia)

Inflammation

Mild to moderate pain

Warning!

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Some brands or preparations of medicine containing this active ingredient are not recommended for use in children under certain ages. Consult the package literature provided with the medicine for further information.

People with impaired kidney, liver or heart function who are taking this medicine should have their kidney function monitored.

Use with caution in

Asthma or history of asthma

Bleeding disorders

Decreased heart function

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

High blood pressure

History of allergies

History of diseases of the stomach or intestines

Not to be used in

Allergy to aspirin or other medicines in this class

Current or previous peptic ulcer

History of narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), inflammation of the nasal membrane (rhinitis) or itchy rash (urticaria) caused by aspirin or other NSAIDs

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 pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. 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. Discuss with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Blood disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention), resulting in swelling (oedema)

Dizziness

Damage to the kidneys

Death of the outer layer of the skin (epidermal necrolysis)

Bleeding from the stomach or intestine

Liver disorders

Allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema) or narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Stomach or duodenal ulcer

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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