Does your little one suddenly have a fever or cry because his body hurts? In such cases, a medicine called Ibuprofen is often given by the doctor. You probably have this at home too. So today we will talk about what to be careful about when giving this, how to give it correctly, and what side effects it may cause. This will be very important for you.
What is this medicine called Ibuprofen?
Simply put, Ibuprofen is a medicine that is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and arthritis. It is also very useful in reducing fever. This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) . You may have seen it at the pharmacy under names like `Advil Children's`, `Motrin Children's`, `PediaCare Children's Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB`. However, it is not limited to these names, but it can also come under various other brand names. But all of them contain Ibuprofen. Sometimes doctors use it for other things as well, so if you have any questions about it, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medication
Okay, now this is the most important part. Before you start giving this Ibuprofen syrup to yourself or your baby, there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor or nurse. Because, you need to be very careful when giving this to people with certain medical conditions, or else problems can arise.
Consider whether you or the person taking the medication has any of the following conditions:
- Do you have a bleeding disorder ? That is, a problem where the blood does not clot easily.
- Are you dehydrated ? Are you experiencing diarrhea or vomiting?
- Have you had a heart attack before? Or do you have any other heart disease or heart failure ?
- High blood pressure?
- Do you have kidney disease or liver disease ?
- Do you have a lung disease, such as asthma ?
- Are you continuing to use steroids such as `Dexamethasone` or `Prednisone`?
- Do you have stomach ulcers , other intestinal problems, or previous stomach bleeding ?
- Have you had a stroke before?
- Are you taking a medication like `Warfarin` that prevents blood clots?
- Do you have an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin, other NSAIDs, any other medications, foods, dyes, or other substances?
- Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
- Are you a breastfeeding mother?
If there are things like this, you definitely need to tell the doctor , understand? Then the doctor will decide whether this medicine is right for you or not, how much to give, and how to be careful.
How do you use this properly?
This medicine is to be taken orally. You should follow the instructions on the packet or bottle exactly.
- Don't forget to shake well before using .
- Use a special plastic oral syringe, measuring spoon, or dropper to measure the medicine. Ask at the pharmacy if you can't find one. Don't measure with teaspoons or tablespoons at home, as they won't give you an accurate measurement.
- This medicine can be taken with or without food. However , if you feel upset stomach, it is best to take it with some food.
- Another thing, this medicine can come in different strengths. This means that the amount of medicine in one milliliter can vary (e.g. 100mg/5mL, 200mg/5mL). So , check carefully to make sure you are getting the correct dose for the bottle you are using. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Giving the wrong dose can cause problems.
When giving this to young children, especially those under two years of age , it should be given only as directed by the doctor. Although it is recommended for young children in some special cases, there are some things to be careful about. Do not give more than the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
What happens if you take too much? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call a poison control center immediately . Don't waste time.
What if I miss a dose?
If you are a person who takes this medicine at the same time every day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g. within 1-2 hours), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses. Doing so may cause side effects.
Other medicines that are incompatible with this medicine, that is, should not be used
Now this is very important. Never take Ibuprofen with these medications:
- `Cidofovir`
- `Ketorolac` (this is also an NSAID)
- Methotrexate (especially if taken in high doses)
- `Pemetrexed`
Taking these together can cause serious problems. Therefore, if you are taking any of these medications, you should tell your doctor before taking Ibuprofen.
What may interact with this medication?
Also, there are some other things that can interact with this medication. That means the effects of each may be different.
- Alcohol: Taking this with alcohol may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Aspirin: Do not take with aspirin unless specifically advised by a doctor.
- Diuretics (e.g. Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
- `Lithium` (a medicine for mental illness)
- Other medications that reduce swelling , for example steroids like Prednisone.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners
- Some blood pressure medications
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the medications (over-the-counter, over-the-counter), vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements you are taking. Tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs, as some things can interact with this medicine.
Things to consider when taking medication
There are several things to be careful about when using the medicine.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, see your doctor. Always go for check-ups as your doctor recommends.
If you have a sore throat...
Sometimes a severe sore throat can be accompanied by fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. These can be signs of a serious infection. If this happens, call your doctor right away. Do not use this medicine for fever for more than two days unless your doctor tells you to. Do not give it to children under 3 years of age unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not take with other painkillers!
Do not take this medicine with aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen (unless specifically directed by your doctor). Doing so may increase the risk of side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and stomach ulcers. When buying medicine from the pharmacy , read the label carefully to see if it contains these ingredients.
Be careful of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. Sometimes this can happen without any symptoms. People who smoke, drink alcohol, are older, and have a weak immune system are at higher risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, vomit blood (like coffee grounds), or have blood in your stool (black, tarry stools).
Heart attack and stroke risk
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, using this medicine may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. This risk is especially high with long-term use and in people with heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk to your doctor about using ibuprofen.
Serious skin reactions
Although rare, serious skin reactions may occur within a few weeks or months of starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you get a rash with symptoms similar to a fever or cold . This rash may turn red or purple and then blister and peel. Or you may get a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Pregnant and nursing mothers should be especially careful.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the baby. Therefore, your doctor will monitor you carefully if necessary. Do not take this medicine after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
It is best for nursing mothers to consult a doctor before taking this medication.
Drowsiness, dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up suddenly, especially if you are elderly. This will reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
In matters related to teeth
Be careful when brushing your teeth, flossing, and using a toothpick. This can easily cause bleeding gums and infections. If you are having any dental work, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Affects fertility?
This medicine may affect fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
What are the side effects?
Okay, now let's look at the possible side effects of this medication. Not everyone gets side effects, but some people do.
Side effects that should be reported to a doctor immediately:
If you experience any of these symptoms , you should tell your doctor or midwife as soon as possible :
- Allergic reactions — skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Bleeding symptoms — Blood in the stool or black tarry stools, vomiting blood or a brown substance that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on the skin, unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Heart attack symptoms — pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, fainting.
- Heart failure symptoms — shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, and feeling unusually tired or weak.
- Increase in blood pressure .
- Symptoms of kidney injury — decreased urine output, swelling in the ankles, hands, or feet.
- Symptoms of liver injury — pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and feeling unusually tired or weak.
- Skin rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes .
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin , even inside the mouth.
- Stroke symptoms — sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, changes in vision.
Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported if they persist:
These things are usually not that serious. But if they persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor:
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Upset stomach, bloating
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else that is not normal, ask your doctor.
How do you store the medicine? How do you remove it?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius / 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not expose to extreme heat or cold.
Do not use expired medications , they should be disposed of properly.
How to dispose of unused, expired medications:
- If possible, ask the pharmacy or government agency if they have a medication take-back program .
- If you can't hand it over like that, check the medicine label or the paper inside to see if it should be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. If you're not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you can throw it in the trash, take the medicine out of the bottle, mix it well with something that no one will ever use again, such as cat litter, soil, or used coffee grounds, put it in a plastic bag or container that can be sealed tightly, and throw it in the trash.
Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so here are some things you need to remember from what we've talked about:
Although ibuprofen is a good and useful medicine for fever and pain, it is very important to follow the instructions exactly, to tell the doctor what you need to know, and to be aware of the side effects. Be especially careful when giving it to young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with other medical conditions.
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Whenever you have a doubt, even a small one, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Your health is the most important thing.
I hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy!
` ibuprofen, ibuprofen suspension, fever, pain, painkillers, side effects, children's health, NSAID
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