Genpril

Genpril is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Genpril is used to lower fever and relieve pain or swelling from various conditions like headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injuries. Genpril can be used by adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

Genpril may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective for your condition.

An Genpril overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses).

A child's dose of ibuprofen is based on the age and weight of the child. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with children's Genpril for the age and weight of your child. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take Genpril with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

Genpril can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use Genpril right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be deadly.

Genpril can raise your risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke, even if you have no risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Genpril may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. These issues can happen unexpectedly while using this medicine, especially in older adults.

You should not use Genpril if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever experienced an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma; or
• if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, you should not take Genpril unless your doctor advises you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney issues in the unborn baby and potential complications with your pregnancy.

Do not give Genpril to a child younger than 6 months old without a doctor's advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Genpril may cause serious side effects. Stop using Genpril and call your doctor right away if you have:

• changes in your vision;
• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, feeling tired, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
• kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of Genpril may include:

• nausea, vomiting, gas;
• bleeding; or
• dizziness, headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since Genpril is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's close to the time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Before using any other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms, ask a doctor or pharmacist. They might have ingredients similar to Genpril (like aspirin, this medicine, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Do not take aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.

If you take aspirin to prevent a stroke or heart attack, using Genpril can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you use both medicines, take this medicine at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take aspirin (non-enteric coated form).

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask your doctor before using Genpril if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Genpril with any other medications, especially:

• cyclosporine;
• lithium;
• methotrexate;
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or
• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Genpril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.