Ibu

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

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

Ibu may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

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

A child's dose of ibuprofen depends on the age and weight of the child. Carefully follow the dosing instructions that come with children's Ibu for the age and weight of your child. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take Ibu with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.

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

You must chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it.

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

Ibu can raise your chances of having a deadly heart attack or stroke. Do not take Ibu just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine can also lead to bleeding in your stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.

Ibu can increase your risk of a fatal 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).

Ibu may also cause bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These issues can happen without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults.

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

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use 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 Ibu unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Do not give Ibu to a child younger than 6 months old without the advice of a doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble 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.

Ibu may cause serious side effects. Stop using Ibu and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• changes in your vision;
• shortness of breath (even with mild activity);
• swelling or quick 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 very 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, fast 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 Ibu may include:

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

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

Since Ibu is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's nearly 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. Signs of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may have ingredients similar to Ibu (like aspirin, this medicine, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Do not take aspirin unless your doctor advises you to.

If you take aspirin to prevent a stroke or heart attack, using Ibu can make aspirin less effective at protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you take both medicines, take Ibu 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 Ibu 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 Ibu 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 Ibu, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.