Presentation and dose

Oral use only: tablets of 200 mg and oral suspension 100 mg/5 ml.

For an adult the premedicant dose would be 400 mg.

Postoperatively, the usual dose is 400 mg every 8 h.

Ibuprofen can be bought over the counter.

Pharmacodynamics

All NSAIDs inhibit the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Ibuprofen is a non-selective inhibitor of COX, blocking both COX-1 and COX-2. As a result prostaglandin production is inhibited, reducing inflammation and providing analgesia.

Side-effects

The most common side-effects are upper GI tract bleeding and inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Contraindications

• Previous or existing upper GI ulcers
• Avoid in asthmatics who are intolerant of aspirin
• Use with care in patients with renal impairment