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Ibuprofen & NSAIDS

What are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) help to manage pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. NSAIDs can help relieve pain associated with conditions such as migraine headaches, back and muscle pain, dental pain and even period pain. They can also help with the reduction of fevers.2 NSAIDs are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide.3

Common NSAIDs that can be found over-the-counter (OTC) at pharmacies include:4

  • Aspirin (e.g. Disprin)
  • Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil)
  • Naproxen (e.g. Naprogesic)
  • Diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren)

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in a range of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Australia.5 Ibuprofen is classed as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs like ibuprofen are commonly used to manage mild to moderate pain.6

How do NSAIDs work, and how does ibuprofen work?

Pain is frequently experienced by adults.7,8 Everyday pain is often clinically uncomplicated, and it can be diagnostically insignificant (e.g. headache, menstrual pain), related to minor trauma (e.g. bruises) or it can be temporary.9 NSAIDs can help manage everyday pain and provide pain relief.

Ibuprofen, like most NSAIDs, assists with blocking a specific enzyme called cyclooxygenase (or COX) which is used in the production of prostaglandins.10 Prostaglandins are chemicals generated by the body that cause inflammation, pain and fever by increasing the temperature and dilating the blood vessels at the location they are released from.11 By blocking the production of prostaglandins, NSAIDs and ibuprofen can help provide pain relief, and reduce inflammation and fever.12

What are the uses for ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen can help provide pain relief for the following:13

  • Headache
  • Migraine headache
  • Tension headache
  • Sinus pain
  • Toothache & pain associated with dental procedures
  • Backache
  • Muscular aches and pains
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Period pain
  • Sore throat
  • Tennis elbow pain
  • Colds and flu

Ibuprofen can also help reduce fever.

What is the difference between ibuprofen & other pain-relief medications?

Two of the most commonly used over-the-counter medicines to treat pain and fever are ibuprofen and paracetamol. Both pain-relief medications share the same properties of pain management but differ in the way that they work, how long they are in the body for and the side effects that may occur.15 However, ibuprofen has the extra benefit of being able to help reduce inflammation.16

What is the appropriate ibuprofen dose?

Over-the-counter ibuprofen is available in different forms, the most common available are tablets and liquids. The appropriate ibuprofen dose can vary between people, symptoms and type of ibuprofen being administered. Always follow the directions for use on the label.

How do I take ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen and NSAIDs should not be taken on a regular basis. They should be taken at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time possible in order to reduce the chance of side effects.21

Advil is an ibuprofen based pain reliever. Consult your doctor before taking any analgesic if you have a sensitive stomach or a history of stomach problems such as heartburn, upset stomach or stomach pain.

What is the history of ibuprofen?

Boots Laboratories, a British drug manufacturer and retailer, developed ibuprofen in the early 1960s and ibuprofen was launched in the UK as a prescription product in 1969.27 The development was a result of the increased need to find a drug more powerful and better tolerated than aspirin. In 1974, the distribution of ibuprofen began to appear in American pharmacies and it was one of the first new over-the-counter pain medications to enter the marketplace in a generation.28 Ibuprofen became available over the counter in the UK in 1983 and the USA in 1984.

References:

  1. Encyclopedia, Ibuprofen, [Accessed 12 January 2017] http://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/drugs/pharmacology/ibuprofen
  2. Encyclopedia, Ibuprofen, [Accessed 12 January 2017] http://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/drugs/pharmacology/ibuprofen
  3. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 11 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  4. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 11 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  5. Bjarnason I, 2013, ‘Gastrointestinal Safety of NSAIDs and Over-the-counter Analgesics, The International Journal of Clinical Practice, vol.67, no.178, p.37
  6. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 11 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  7. NPS Australia, Ibuprofen for pain and fever, [Accessed 11 January 2017] http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/muscles-bones-and-joints/anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids/ibuprofen
  8. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 11 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  9. Fearon I, McGrath PJ, Achat H, 1996, ‘Booboos’: The Study of everyday pain among young children, Pain, vol.68, pp. 55-62
  10. Breivik H, Collett B, Ventafridda V, Cohen R, Gallacher D, 2006 ‘Survey of Chronic Pain in Europe: Prevalence, impact on daily life and treatment, Eur J Pain, vol.10, pp. 287-333
  11. Eccleston C, 2013, ‘A normal psychology of everyday pain’, The International Journal of Clinical Practice, vol.67, no.178, p.47
  12. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 11 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  13. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 11 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  14. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 11 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  15. TGA, OTC Medicine Monograph: Ibuprofen in oral use, [Accessed 16 January 2017] https://www.tga.gov.au/otc-medicine-monograph-ibuprofen-oral-use
  16. TGA, OTC Medicine Monograph: Ibuprofen in oral use, [Accessed 16 January 2017] https://www.tga.gov.au/otc-medicine-monograph-ibuprofen-oral-use
  17. NPS Australia, What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen? [Accessed 12 January 2017] http://www.nps.org.au/topics/how-to-be-medicinewise/Medicinewise-questions/medicinewise-questions/treating-pain-and-fever-in-children
  18. NPS Australia, What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen? [Accessed 112 January 2017] http://www.nps.org.au/topics/how-to-be-medicinewise/Medicinewise-questions/medicinewise-questions/treating-pain-and-fever-in-children
  19. Mayo Clinic, Ibuprofen (Oral Route), [Accessed 12 January 2017] http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20070602
  20. May Clinic, Ibuprofen (Oral Route), [Accessed 12 January 2017] http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20070602
  21. TGA, OTC Medicine Monograph: Ibuprofen in oral use, [Accessed 16 January 2017] https://www.tga.gov.au/otc-medicine-monograph-ibuprofen-oral-use
  22. TGA, OTC Medicine Monograph: Ibuprofen in oral use, [Accessed 16 January 2017] https://www.tga.gov.au/otc-medicine-monograph-ibuprofen-oral-use
  23. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 31 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  24. NPS Australia, Side effects of Ibuprofen, [Accessed 11 January 2017] http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/muscles-bones-and-joints/anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids/ibuprofen/for-individuals/what-are-the-side-effects-of-ibuprofen
  25. Mayo Clinic, Ibuprofen (Oral Route), [Accessed 12 January 2012] http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20070602
  26. NPS Australia, Side effects of Ibuprofen, [Accessed 11 January 2017] http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/muscles-bones-and-joints/anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids/ibuprofen/for-individuals/what-are-the-side-effects-of-ibuprofen
  27. NPS Australia, Side effects of Ibuprofen, [Accessed 11 January 2017] http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/muscles-bones-and-joints/anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids/ibuprofen/for-individuals/what-are-the-side-effects-of-ibuprofen
  28. Better Health Channel, Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [Accessed 13 January 2017] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs