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# Ibuprofen
## Overview
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. It possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.
## Primary Indications
* Pain management (mild to moderate)
* Inflammation (e.g., arthritis)
* Fever reduction
* Closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants
## Adult Dosing
* **Pain/Inflammation:** 200-800 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed.
* Maximum daily dose: 3200 mg. Doses exceeding 2400 mg/day generally reserved for specific inflammatory conditions and require close monitoring.
* **Rheumatoid Arthritis/Osteoarthritis:** 400-800 mg orally 3 times daily.
* Maximum daily dose: 3200 mg.
## Pediatric Dosing
Dosing varies significantly by indication and weight. **Always consult specific pediatric guidelines or product labeling.**
* **Fever/Pain (Oral/Rectal):**
* 3 months to 12 years: 5-10 mg/kg/dose every 6-8 hours.
* Maximum daily dose: 40 mg/kg/day or 2400 mg/day, whichever is less.
* **Note:** Generally not recommended for infants under 6 months of age without physician guidance.
* **Closure of PDA (Intravenous):**
* Premature infants (gestational age ≤ 30 weeks): A course of 3 doses.
* Dose 1: 10 mg/kg
* Doses 2 & 3 (given 24 and 48 hours after dose 1): 5 mg/kg each.
* **Note:** Requires careful patient selection and monitoring.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Renal Impairment:** Use with caution. Monitor renal function closely. Severe impairment may require dose reduction or avoidance.
* **Hepatic Impairment:** Use with caution. May require dose reduction.
* **Elderly:** Increased risk of adverse effects, particularly GI bleeding and renal dysfunction. Consider lower doses and shorter duration.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
* History of bronchospasm, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
* Perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
* Third trimester of pregnancy.
* Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
* Active GI bleeding or ulceration.
## Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, headache.
* **Serious:**
* Gastrointestinal: GI bleeding, ulceration, perforation.
* Cardiovascular: Increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and hypertension.
* Renal: Renal failure, interstitial nephritis.
* Hepatic: Hepatotoxicity.
* Hypersensitivity reactions: Anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
* Hematologic: Anemia, prolonged bleeding time.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin):** Increased risk of bleeding.
* **Aspirin:** May diminish the cardioprotective antiplatelet effect of low-dose aspirin. Ibuprofen should be taken at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after aspirin.
* **Corticosteroids:** Increased risk of GI ulceration and bleeding.
* **Diuretics:** May reduce diuretic efficacy and increase risk of renal toxicity.
* **Lithium:** Increased lithium levels and toxicity.
* **Methotrexate:** Increased risk of methotrexate toxicity.
* **Other NSAIDs/Salicylates:** Increased risk of GI toxicity.
## Monitoring
* **Renal function:** Especially in patients with pre-existing renal disease, dehydration, or concomitant nephrotoxic agents.
* **Hepatic function:** Particularly with long-term use or in patients with liver disease.
* **Blood pressure:** NSAIDs can increase blood pressure.
* **Signs of GI bleeding:** Melena, hematemesis, abdominal pain.
* **Bleeding time:** If co-administered with anticoagulants or in patients with bleeding disorders.
## Clinical Pearls
* Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to minimize risks.
* Administer with food or milk to reduce GI upset.
* Consider PPI prophylaxis for patients at high risk of GI bleeding (e.g., elderly, history of ulcers, concomitant corticosteroids/anticoagulants).
* Be aware of the black box warning regarding cardiovascular and GI risks.
* In premature infants, strict criteria apply for PDA closure, and renal function must be closely monitored.
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*Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the current prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines for definitive guidance.*