Drug Name

Motrin (Ibuprofen)

Drug Uses

Motrin Tablets are used for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Take this medicine for the relief of mild to moderate pain. Your doctor may prescribe Motrin for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

How Taken

Do not exceed 3200 mg total daily dose. If you experience gastrointestinal toxicity, take Motrin Tablets with meals or milk

Drug Class and Mechanism

Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include naproxen (Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are made by the body and are responsible for causing pain, fever and inflammation. Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. The FDA approved ibuprofen in 1974.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F).

Warnings/Precautions

You should not take Motrin if you have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to the drug, or have the syndrome of nasal polyps, angioedema and bronchospastic reactivity to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms.

Possible Side Effects

The most frequent type of adverse reaction you may experience with Motrin Tablets is gastrointestinal. Blurred and/or diminished vision, scotomata, and/or changes in color vision have also been reported.

More Information

• Contact your doctor if you experience blood in vomit or bloody, black, or tarry stools. These symptoms could indicate damage to the stomach or intestines, which could be dangerous.
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ibuprofen and seek medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling;
  • ulcers (open sores) in the mouth;
  • rapid weight gain (fluid retention);
  • seizures;
  • decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
  • yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice); or
  • abdominal cramping, indigestion, or heartburn.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ibuprofen and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • dizziness or headache;
  • nausea, gaseousness, diarrhea, or constipation;
  • depression;
  • fatigue or weakness;
  • dry mouth; or
  • irregular menstrual periods.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.