
Ibuprofen is usually prescribed to ease pain, reduce fever and inflammation, as well as in case of individuals suffering from arthritis. The following article provides information about the recommended dosage in case of different conditions.
Ibuprofen is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which helps in treating pain or inflammation that is caused by ailments such as toothache, headache, arthritis, minor injury, etc. It also helps in reducing fever. Patients are always advised to follow only the recommended dosage of Ibuprofen, as it runs the risk of serious complications, especially in case of frequent use.
Warnings
The first and foremost warning to be considered, is that any medication should not be taken along with alcohol. The respective doctor must be informed about the current medications, medical history, especially if it involves the following conditions.
- Liver disorders
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Heart disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
Also if the patient is pregnant, nursing, alcoholic, smoke addict or has had a heart surgery, then all such information must be passed on to the healthcare provider, before consuming the drug.
Standard Dosage of Ibuprofen
Medical Condition | For Adults | For Children |
Dysmenorrhea | 200 to 400 mg is the required dosage. | Doctor’s consultation is required. |
Rheumatoid arthritis | Patients are required to administer an amount of 400-800 mg every 6-8 hours. This is the initial dosage. It could be increased to 3200 mg daily. However, this depends on how the patient responds to the medication. | For children, the amount must be 30-50 mg/kg daily. It could be reduced to 20 mg/kg/day, in mild cases. |
Osteoarthritis | The dosage is same as that recommended for rheumatoid arthritis. That is, the patient has to consume 400-800 mg for the same interval of time, daily. The maximum amount should not exceed 3200 mg. | Doctor’s consultation required. |
Pain and aches | A dose of 200-400 mg is recommended, for every 4-6 hours. The amount consumed must not exceed 400 mg. | For children up to 11 years of age, the prescribed dose is 10 mg/kg, and 6-8 hours is the recommended interval. Maximum daily intake is 40 mg/kg. |
Fever | The dosage must be 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours. In case of intravenous administration of the drug, the initial dose must be 400 mg, and that must be given over an interval of 30 minutes. | If the temperature is below 39.2 °C, then 5 mg/kg, every 6-8 hours, is recommended. If the temperature is greater than 39.2 °C, then 10 mg/kg is the required dosage. |
Side Effects
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Poor appetite
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Digestion problems
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Anxiety
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Stomach cramps
To conclude with a few more words of precaution, the effects of the drug in children less than 18 years of age, have not been solidly established. So, in such patients, consulting a pediatrician is recommended so as to avoid Ibuprofen overdose. Also, the use of the medication has to be shunned if the affected child does not find relief within 24 hours from the start of the treatment. NSAIDs are reputed to cause serious complications in some people. So, whether it is for your child or for you, be on the safer side by consulting your doctor before resorting to this medication.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.