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IBUPROFEN (eye BYOO proe fen) treats mild to moderate pain, inflammation, or arthritis. It may also be used to reduce fever. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Advil Children's, Advil Children's Fever, Children's Ibuprofen, ElixSure IB, Motrin, Motrin Children's, PediaCare Children's Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.
This medication comes in more than one strength. Make sure you are taking or giving the right dose of medication based on the strength that you have. Ask your care team if you have questions.
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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you take this medication on a regular basis, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 2 days, talk to your care team.
Talk to your care team right away if you have a painful sore throat or a sore throat with high fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting. These may be signs of a serious infection.
Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, while you are taking this medication. Side effects, such as upset stomach, nausea, and ulcers, may be more likely to occur. Many over-the-counter medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. It is important to read labels carefully. Talk to your care team about all the medications you take. They can tell you what is safe to take together.
This medication can cause serious bleeding, ulcers, or tears in the stomach. These problems can occur at any time and with no warning signs. They are more common with long-term use. Talk to your care team right away if you have stomach pain, bloody or black, tar-like stools, or vomit blood that is red or looks like coffee grounds.
This medication increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. These events can occur at any time. They are more common with long-term use and in those who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, talk to your care team. They can help you find an option that works for you.
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This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Taking this medication after 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause serious birth defects. Use of this medication after 30 weeks of pregnancy is not recommended.
This medication may cause infertility. It is usually temporary. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).
Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.