What is Ibu: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Ibu

• Follow all the prescriber’s directions. Do not increase the dose or take IBU tablets more often than prescribed.

• Take IBU tablets only if they’re needed. IBU should be taken for the shortest time possible.

• Please read the NSAID Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.

• Take IBU tablets with food to avoid digestive system problems.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

• Store IBU tablets at room temperature in a closed container. Avoid excessive heat.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ibu

• Take a missed dose when remembered if symptoms persist.

• Taking a missed dose will reset the dosing clock. Depending on the prescriber's instructions, do not take another dose for four or six hours.

• Never take two or more IBU tablets to make up for a missed dose.

Ibu contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not take ibuprofen if you have had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, or any other NSAID.

• IBU and other NSAIDs should not be taken right before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Ibu warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• Your doctor will schedule regular appointments and blood tests to check the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Because of possible risks to an unborn child, NSAIDs should not be taken after the 20th week of pregnancy.

• Tell the prescriber if you smoke.

• Also, tell the prescriber if you have:

  • Heart disease

  • Heart failure

  • A recent heart attack

  • Blood circulation problems

  • Bleeding problems 

  • High blood pressure

  • A history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Asthma

  • Lupus

• The doctor will avoid IBU in anyone who is dehydrated because of the risk of side effects. 

• Ibuprofen increases the risk of:

  • Blood clots

  • Heart attack

  • Stroke

  • Heart failure

  • Fluid retention (edema) 

• Prescription ibuprofen can cause severe gastrointestinal problems, including:

  • Ulcers

  • Bleeding

  • Perforation 

• Ibuprofen can also cause:

  • Kidney damage

  • Liver damage

  • High blood pressure

  • High potassium

  • Anemia

• Ibuprofen can delay ovulation in women.

• Call the prescriber if symptoms get worse or don’t get better.

• Tell any doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professional who treats you that you are using this medicine, particularly before any medical procedure.

Ibu interactions

• Because of possible drug interactions, tell healthcare providers you are using this medicine.

• Avoid taking other NSAIDs such as aspirin or naproxen. The prescription NSAID ketorolac should never be combined with IBU or other ibuprofen products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol when taking ibuprofen. Having three or more drinks daily, along with regular ibuprofen doses, increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal side effects.

• Other medications that may cause problems with ibuprofen include:

  • Blood thinners

  • Blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors

  • Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

  • Corticosteroids

  • Certain types of antibiotics, called aminoglycoside antibiotics

  • Lithium, cyclosporine, digoxin, and methotrexate

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Find more information about ibuprofen interactions to avoid here.