Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen, from isobutylphenylpropanoic acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for relieving pain, helping with fever and reducing inflammation.About 60% of people improve with any given NSAID and it is recommended that if one does not work that another should be tried.Ibuprofen might be considered a weaker anti-inflammatory than other NSAIDs.It may also be used to close a patent ductus arteriosus in a premature baby. It can be used by mouth or intravenously. It typically begins working within an hour.

Ibuprofen is used primarily for fever (including postimmunisation fever), mild-to-moderate pain (including pain relief after surgery), painful menstruation, osteoarthritis, dental pain, headaches and pain from kidney stones. It is used for inflammatory diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.It is also used for pericarditis and patent ductus arteriosus.

Side Effects

Common side effects include heartburn and a rash.Compared to other NSAIDs it may have fewer side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding.It increases the risk of heart failure, kidney failure, and liver failure.At low doses, it does not appear to increase the risk of myocardial infarction; however, at higher doses it may. It may result in worsened asthma.While it is unclear if it is safe in early pregnancy,it appears to be harmful in later pregnancy and therefore is not recommended.Like other NSAIDs, it works by inhibiting the making of prostaglandins by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase.Ibuprofen might be a weaker anti-inflammatory than other NSAIDs.