Examples of brand names: Nurofen®, Advil®, Herron Blue®
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The term is used for a group of medicines that have pain relieving, (analgesic) anti-inflammatory and fever relieving (antipyretic) properties. It works at the site of pain by blocking the production of the chemicals that cause pain, swelling and inflammation in the tissues of the body.
What can it be used for?
Ibuprofen can be used for headaches, backache, muscular aches, rheumatic pain, neuralgia (pain along the path of the nerve), some cold and flu symptoms, period pain, dental pain, and fever.
What are the common side effects?
Gastrointestinal side effects e.g. indigestion, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhoea and allergic reactions e.g. skin rash or itching (these are expected to be temporary and reversible once you stop treatment).
What are the effects when misused or overused?
Perforated bowel, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, anaemia and weakness caused by loss of potassium.
Panadol ® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline Australia Advil ® is a registered trademark of Wyeth Australia. Nurofen ® is a registered trademark of Reckitt Benckiser Australia.
