Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is a pain reliever and fever reducer used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to headache, backache, menstrual cramps, toothache, the common cold, muscle aches, and minor pain of arthritis.
- Brand names for ibuprofen include Advil, Motrin, PediaCare Children's Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB, and PediaCare Infant's Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB.
- Ibuprofen is not necessarily “bad” or “good.” When taken as directed for the intended uses, ibuprofen is generally considered safe.
What Are the Side Effects of Ibuprofen?
Common side effects of ibuprofen include:
- Dizziness
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Rash
- Ringing in the ears
- Swelling (edema)
- Fluid retention
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Skin peeling
- Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity reactions)
Serious side effects of ibuprofen include:
- Acute kidney failure
- Severe reduction in white blood cells (agranulocytosis)
- Aplastic anemia
- Erythematous macular rashes
- Hemolytic anemia (with or without positive direct antiglobulin test results)
- Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
- Low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) (with or without rash)
- Exfoliative dermatitis
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Risks of use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen include:
- Cardiovascular risks
- Possible increased risk of serious cardiovascular blood clotting events, heart attack, and stroke, which can be fatal
- Risk may increase with extended use
- Patients with existing cardiovascular disease or risk factors for such disease may be at greater risk
- NSAIDs are contraindicated for perioperative pain in setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
- Gastrointestinal risks
- NSAIDs increase risk of serious GI adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and gastric or intestinal perforation, which can be fatal
- GI adverse events may occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms
- Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious GI events
Is Ibuprofen Safe During Pregnancy?
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs should be avoided during pregnancy, especially at or after 30 weeks' gestation due to the risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus.
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Reviewed on 1/5/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/advil-motrin-ibuprofen-343289
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1a665e64-9f30-be37-4a83-38789f1f1e89
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/advil-motrin-ibuprofen-343289
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1a665e64-9f30-be37-4a83-38789f1f1e89