Ibuprofen comes in several dosages, suitable for treating different conditions and suitable for different ages. Treatment with ibuprofen is generally short, apart from its use in the treatment of chronic conditions, to avoid the occurrence of any side effects.
1. What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a drug belonging to the NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) family. Within the High Authority for Health, the transparency commission has issued an opinion on ibuprofen, which specifies that this molecule is classified as a non-opioid anti-nociceptive analgesic, like paracetamol and aspirin. Ibuprofen indeed has analgesic properties which can effectively combat mild to moderate acute pain. Ibuprofen is also one of the most prescribed first-line analgesics in France, along with paracetamol. Ibuprofen has antipyretic properties, meaning it helps fight fever.
Ibuprofen also has an anti-inflammatory role. This medication acts by blocking the action of certain body molecules responsible for inflammatory cascades, which has the effect of reducing edema and reducing pain and vasodilation.
However, ibuprofen is not without side effects, and should be administered with caution. Ibuprofen should never be taken in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. It should be avoided in case of history of gastric ulcer, liver, kidney or heart failure. The use of ibuprofen should also be avoided to treat certain infections, including chickenpox.
2. What is the dosage of ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen exists in several forms (syrups, tablets, injectable form) and in several dosages. In children, there are suitable doses. Generally between 3 months and 12 years, the recommended doses vary from 20 mg to 30 mg per kilogram per day, as Damien Malbos specifies in his article entitled Ibuprofen and paracetamol, promoting proper use. In adults, the recommended doses are generally 400 mg per dose. These doses can be repeated every 6 to 8 hours, and should not exceed 1,200 mg per day.
Generally, the minimum effective dose is preferred. The dosage may also vary slightly depending on the indication, as specified in the instructions for ibuprofen 400 mg in the public drug database. Indeed, in case of pain or fever, the recommended dose is 1 tablet per dose, and up to 3 tablets per day. In case of migraine, if a 400 mg tablet does not relieve the pain, a second dose should not be taken during the same attack. On the other hand, if the pain returns, a second dose can be administered, respecting the interval of 8 hours between doses. If you forget, you should definitely not double the doses. It is also recommended to ingest the tablets with a large glass of water during meals.
3. How long can you take ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is generally taken over a short period of time, varying from 3 to 5 days. Ibuprofen doses should always be spaced at least 6 hours apart. The duration of taking ibuprofen may vary depending on the conditions being treated. According to the instructions for ibuprofen 400 mg from the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), the duration of treatment depends on the doctor’s instructions. Generally, for an adolescent, treatment with ibuprofen should not exceed 3 days. In adults, treatment should also be limited to 3 days for fever and 5 days maximum for the treatment of pain. In the event of a migraine attack, ibuprofen should not be taken for more than 3 days. It is very important not to continue taking ibuprofen beyond these times.
If symptoms persist, if new symptoms appear or if symptoms worsen, you should contact your doctor so that he or she can adapt the drug treatment. It should be noted that ibuprofen can be prescribed as part of long-term treatment, and in particular for the treatment of chronic inflammation (chronic rheumatic diseases). Ibuprofen can then be administered over long periods, carefully monitoring kidney, liver and heart function regularly, and watching for possible side effects.
Sources
- High Authority of Health, Transparency Commission, Ibuprofen
- Damien Malbos, doctor of pharmacy, Ibuprofen and paracetamol, promoting proper use
- ANSM, IBUPROFENE ACCORD 400 mg, film-coated tablet
- Public drug database, IBUPROFENE EG 400 mg, film-coated tablet
- Rheumato.info, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Prescription conditions
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