Ibuprofen

Belonging to the class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, Ibuprofen is prescribed to reduce fever, mild to moderate pain and inflammation. It is also prescribed for uncontrollable menstrual cramps. Pain, inflammation and fever are usually brought about by the discharge of the body of chemicals called prostaglandins. Ibuprofen works by blocking the enzyme that creates prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase) that results in lower levels of prostaglandins. As a result, reduction of inflammation, pain and fever occurs.

Approved by the FDA, the product manufacturer of Ibuprofen is Hexal. These drugs are available in the form of chewable drugs and are prescribed in doses 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg according to the severity of the pain or inflammation. 50 mg and 100 mg of chewable tablets are also available. You can also get oral drops of 40 mg/ml and suspension of 100 mg/2.5 ml and 100 mg/5 ml. 300 to 800 mg of Ibuprofen is prescribed for patients suffering from arthritis. 20 to 40 mg/kg/day of ibuprofen are given to treat Juvenile arthritis. Children are also prescribed with ibuprofen to treat pain and fever, but the maximum dose should be limited to 40 mg/kg daily.
There are several drug interactions suspected with using this drug in combination with other drugs. It is found that Ibuprofen reduces the blood pressure-lowering effects of drugs that help in reducing blood pressure. This drug also increases the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith). Using ibuprofen with aminoglycosides leads to aminoglycoside-related complications. Using warfarin with this drug causes excessive blood thinning.
Ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy and by nursing mothers. Some common side effects that can be caused due to the use of ibuprofen include skin rashes, headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, abdominal pain, heartburn, constipation etc.