Medications Containing Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is categorized as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and is found in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications. People who use NSAIDs on a regular basis increase their chances of heart attack or stroke. Most surgical procedures restrict use of NSAIDs prior to the day of surgery; check with your doctor when considering taking any medications.

Uses and Doses

• Ibuprofen is often utilized due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Common ailments that can be relieved by use of ibuprofen include arthritis, menstrual cramps, muscle aches and headaches. Many forms of ibuprofen are available over the counter, but particularly high doses are administered by prescription only. Children under four should never be given ibuprofen; talk to your doctor or pharmacist before giving it to children under 11. Never exceed the recommended dose as written on the medication's packaging.

Brand Names

• There are several ibuprofen medications that are marketed under brand names that are not instantly recognizable. For example, Advil is a medication that is commonly used for pain relief, but many people associate pain relief with medications other than ibuprofen. Brand name medications that contain ibuprofen include Addaprin, Advil, IB Pro, Midol, Motrin, Nuprin, Rufen, Samson, and Wal-Profen.

Combinations

• Some medications contain ibuprofen in combination with one or more other drugs. This is potentially harmful because you may take these medications for an ailment that is treatable by the non-NSAID drug, but you will ingest quantities of ibuprofen for no medical reason. Common names for these drugs include Advil Allergy Sinus, Advil Cold and Sinus, Advil PM, Dayquil, Dimetapp, Motrin PM, and Reprexain. These are over-the-counter medications that do not require prescriptions, but you should still discuss them with your doctor to determine if they are appropriate for you to use.

Topical Medications

• There are some topical medications on the market that contain ibuprofen; however, the FDA has not approved ibuprofen for topical use. It is unlikely that these treatments would provide as high a dose of ibuprofen to your system as would oral medications; you should avoid these drugs altogether until the FDA deems them safe. Brand names include Emuprofen, BioEntopic 15% Ibuprofen Crème, Ibunex Topical Ibuprofen, LoPain AF 15% Ibuprofen Crème, IB-RELIEF, Profen HP,IbuPRO-10 Plus, and IBU-RELIEF 12.