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Printable Version Ibuprofen Suspension

Active Ingredients: Ibuprofen Suspension
Representative Names: Children's Advil, Children's Motrin, PediaCare Fever Suspension, Pediatric Advil Drops
Available Product Images:

What is ibuprofen oral suspension?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
How should I take this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with ibuprofen?
What side effects may I notice from taking ibuprofen?
What should I watch for while taking ibuprofen?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What is ibuprofen oral suspension? (Back to top)
IBUPROFEN (Children's Motrin®, Advil® Children's) is an anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and eases mild to moderate pain. It relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps or premenstrual pain and swelling. Ibuprofen suspension also reduces fever, but should only be used in children who are over 6 months old. Generic ibuprofen suspension is available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
Ibuprofen oral suspension is intended for use in children; however, some of the following conditions may only apply to adults.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•anemia
•asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma
•bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
•cigarette smoker
•coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
•diabetes
•drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
•heart or circulation problems like angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack, history of blood clots, or leg edema (fluid retention)
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•lost a lot of fluid due to continued vomiting or diarrhea
•stomach ulcers or pain
•history of stroke
•systemic lupus erythematosus
•ulcerative colitis
•an unusual or allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine? (Back to top)
Take ibuprofen oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon, or container to measure the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Ibuprofen may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often or for a longer time than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Ibuprofen should only be used in infants 6 months or older, unless directed by your health care provider.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with ibuprofen? (Back to top)
•alcohol
•anti-inflammatory drugs (other NSAIDs, prednisone)
•aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
•cidofovir
•cyclosporine
•entecavir
•herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
•lithium
•medicines for high blood pressure
•medicines that affect platelets
•medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other 'blood thinners'
•methotrexate
•pemetrexed
•water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking ibuprofen? (Back to top)
Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing side effects.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness
•signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
•blurred vision
•change in the amount of urine passed
•difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•stomach pain or cramps
•swelling of feet or ankles
•vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•dizziness, drowsiness
•gas or heartburn
•headache
•nausea, vomiting

What should I watch for while taking ibuprofen? (Back to top)
Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues, do not take with other pain-killers without advice. Do not treat yourself for a fever with ibuprofen for more than 3 days, or for pain for more than 10 days without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. You may be covering up a more serious illness. In children, if the fever or pain gets worse, lasts for more than 3 days, or there is no relief of symptoms within the first day (24 hours), contact your health care provider. You may be covering up a more serious illness. If stomach pain or upset gets worse or continues, if redness or swelling occur in the painful area, or if new symptoms appear, contact your health care provider.

Severe or persistent sore throat or sore throat accompanied by high fever, nausea, and vomiting may be serious in children. Consult your health care provider promptly if your child has these symptoms. Do not use for more than 2 days or give to children under 3 years of age with these symptoms unless directed by your health care provider.

To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, do not take ibuprofen just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.

If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ibuprofen affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these may increase the irritation to your stomach when taking this medicine.

It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Ibuprofen may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking ibuprofen. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last Updated:02/24/2006

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY©
GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

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