About Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablet
Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablet contains Ibuprofen 400 mg. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and lower fever in conditions such as headache, toothache, period pain, muscle and joint pain, and arthritis. It is best taken with or after food, at the lowest dose that works, for the shortest time.
Uses of Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablet
- Fever
- Headache, toothache and period pain
- Muscle aches, sprains and strains
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Pain after minor surgery or dental work
Benefits
In pain and swelling
It eases pain and reduces swelling, which can make movement easier and help you rest.
In fever
It helps lower a high temperature and eases body aches.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Taking it with or after food can reduce stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if any side effect bothers you or does not go away.
Common
- Nausea
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
Get medical help if you notice
- Black or tarry stools, or vomiting blood — signs of stomach bleeding; stop and get medical help at once
- Passing much less urine or swelling of the legs — possible kidney problems; contact your doctor
- Chest pain, breathlessness, weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech — seek emergency care
- Worsening asthma or wheezing — stop and contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction or severe skin reaction: rash, blistering, swelling of the face — stop and seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, with or after food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
How it works
Ibuprofen blocks enzymes (COX enzymes) that make prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that cause pain, swelling and fever.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It raises the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy Unsafe
Avoid unless your doctor specifically advises it. It must not be used in the last three months of pregnancy and is generally avoided from 20 weeks, as it can harm the baby.
Breastfeeding Caution
Only very small amounts pass into breast milk. Short-term use is usually considered acceptable, but ask your doctor first.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
It can make kidney problems worse. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; it should not be used in severe kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease. It should not be used in severe liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you take it regularly and miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it with or after food.
- Do not take it with other NSAIDs such as aspirin or diclofenac unless your doctor advises.
- See a doctor if pain lasts more than a few days or fever more than 3 days.
- Tell your doctor if you have had stomach ulcers, asthma, or heart or kidney problems.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Propionic acid derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Pain relief / anti-inflammatory
- Action class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other NSAIDs, including aspirin | Higher risk of stomach bleeding; ibuprofen may also reduce the heart-protecting effect of low-dose aspirin |
| Blood thinners such as warfarin, and steroid tablets | Higher risk of bleeding |
| Blood pressure medicines and water tablets (diuretics) | Can make them work less well and raise the risk of kidney problems |
| Lithium and methotrexate | Ibuprofen can raise their levels in the blood |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Ibuprofen prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: ibuprofen). Pharmacist review pending.