IBU is a brand-name version of ibuprofen, but it can only be purchased with a prescription. Each tablet contains high doses of ibuprofen, so healthcare professionals reserve its use for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other pain that can’t be adequately managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. IBU is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID that can have serious side effects, so high-dose IBU is prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
IBU (Rx), Caldolor (Rx)
Ibuprofen (Rx)
Treats rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, painful periods (primary dysmenorrhea), and mild to moderate pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), analgesic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, central nervous system agent
Tablet
By mouth
Healthcare professionals prescribe IBU to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It’s also FDA-approved to treat painful periods and moderate to mild pain.
Tablet
400 mg
600 mg
800 mg
For rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis: 400, 600, or 800 mg taken every four or six hours
For painful periods: 400 mg every four hours as needed
For mild to moderate pain: 400 mg every four or six hours as needed
Find more information about ibuprofen dosage, forms, and strengths here.
IBU
400mg tablet
IBU
600mg tablet
IBU
800mg tablet
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, bloody stools, black and tarry stools
Chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, severe headache, trouble seeing or talking, pain in your lower leg
Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain
Unusual bleeding and bruising
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Urinating more or less than usual
High blood pressure
Trouble seeing or other vision changes
Hearing loss
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Allergic reactions: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Heartburn
Gas
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Indigestion
Nausea
Ringing in the ears
Skin rash
Itching
Headache
Dizziness
Find more information about ibuprofen side effects here.
Caldolor ibuprofen drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
IBU ibuprofen tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine
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