Ibuprofen

WHAT IS IT?

Ibuprofen or isobutylphenylpropanoic acid (Motrin/Advil) is a a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by COX1 and COX2 which are responsible for converting arachidonic acid into mediators of the inflammatory, pain, and pyogenic pathways.

Mechanism of action of ibuprofen (source)
Mechanism of action of ibuprofen (source)
WHEN DO WE USE IT?

General: pain, fever, inflammation.

Specific: headaches, menstrual cramps, PDA

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

In patients with kidney damage/failure

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Oral administration or by IV infusion

Motrin is just one example of a brand of ibuprofen medication (source)
Motrin is just one example of a brand of ibuprofen medication (source)
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

Renal toxicity is a potentially serious side effect of ibuprofen

Peptic ulcer disease can be caused by NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.

Hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency.

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?

 

FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

Page Updated: 06.21.2016