Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms (see GI and cardiovascular risks below).
The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation, which may be fatal.
Masking of symptoms of underlying infections:
This medicine can mask symptoms of infection, which may lead to delayed initiation of appropriate treatment and thereby worsening the outcome of the infection. This has been observed in bacterial community acquired pneumonia and bacterial complications to varicella. When this medicine is administered for fever or pain relief in relation to infection, monitoring of infection is advised. In nonhospital settings, the patient should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Respiratory:
Bronchospasm may be precipitated in patients suffering from or with a previous history of bronchial asthma or allergic disease.
Other NSAIDs:
The use of ibuprofen with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5).
SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:
Systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease – increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see Section 4.8).
Renal:
Renal impairment as renal function may further deteriorate (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).
Renal tubular acidosis and hypokalaemia may occur following acute overdose and in patients taking ibuprofen products over long periods at high doses (typically greater than 4 weeks), including doses exceeding the recommended daily dose.
Hepatobiliary disorders:
Hepatic dysfunction (see sections 4.3 and 4.8)
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects:
Caution (discussion with doctor or pharmacist) is required prior to starting treatment in patients with a history of hypertension and/or heart failure as fluid retention, hypertension and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.
Clinical studies suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at a high dose (2400 mg/day) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke)
Overall, epidemiological studies do not suggest that low dose ibuprofen (e.g. ≤ 1200 mg/day) is associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events.
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure (NYHA II-III), established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with ibuprofen after careful consideration and high doses (2400 mg/day) should be avoided.
Careful consideration should also be exercised before initiating long-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking), particularly if high doses of ibuprofen (2400 mg/day) are required.
Avoid use immediately before or after heart surgery.
Caution should be exercised in patients taking a diuretic.
Cases of Kounis syndrome have been reported in patients treated with ibuprofen. Kounis syndrome has been defined as cardiovascular symptoms secondary to an allergic or hypersensitive reaction associated with constriction of coronary arteries and potentially leading to myocardial infarction.
Impaired female fertility:
There is limited evidence that drugs which inhibit cyclooxygenase / prostaglandin synthesis may cause impairment of female fertility by an effect on ovulation. This is reversible on withdrawal of treatment. The use of Ibuprofen is therefore not recommended in women attempting to conceive.
Gastrointestinal:
NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).
GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events.
The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see section 4.3) and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available.
Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of treatment. Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as aspirin (see section 4.5).
Caution should be taken when using ibuprofen with excessive alcohol or heavy alcohol drinkers. Alcohol may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Where GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving Ibuprofen, the treatment should be withdrawn.
Immune System:
Ibuprofen may cause severe allergic reactions including very rare cases of anaphylaxis (see section 4.8). Symptoms may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash or blisters. If any of these symptoms occur, patients should stop use and seek medical help right away.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs):
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported in association with the use of ibuprofen (see section 4.8). Most of these reactions occurred within the first month. If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear ibuprofen should be withdrawn immediately and an alternative treatment considered (as appropriate).
Dehydration:
There is a risk of renal impairment in dehydrated children.
This product contains maltitol. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance should not take this medicine. Maltitol may have a laxative effect. The calorific value of maltitol is 2.3 kcal/g.
Sodium methylhydroxybenzoate (E219) and sodium propylhydroxybenzoate (E217) may cause allergic reactions which could possibly be delayed.
This medicine contains 4.67mg propylene glycol (E1520) in each 5 ml dose, which is equivalent to 0.93 mg/ml.
This medicine contains 0.0005 mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each 5ml. The amount in 5ml of this medicine is equivalent to less than 1ml beer or wine. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 5ml, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
The Label will include:
Read the enclosed leaflet before taking this product.
Do not give this product if your baby or child
• Has (or has had two or more episodes of) a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding
• Is allergic to Ibuprofen or any other ingredient of the product, aspirin or other related painkillers
• Is taking other NSAID painkillers, or aspirin with a daily dose above 75mg
Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before giving this product if your baby or child
• Has or has had asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a stroke, heart, liver, kidney or bowel problems, or is dehydrated
If you are an adult taking this product you should not take this product in the last 3 months of pregnancy and you should contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking it in the first 6 months of pregnancy, if trying to get pregnant, if you are elderly or if you are a smoker.
Do not give to babies aged from 3 to under 6 months for more than 24 hours.
Do not give to children aged 6 months and older for more than 3 days.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor promptly.
Do not exceed the stated dose.
Not recommended for children under 3 months.