DESCRIPTION
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
CONTRAINDICATIONS
WARNINGS
PRECAUTIONS
ADVERSE REACTIONS
OVERDOSAGE
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
HOW SUPPLIED
DESCRIPTION: IBU (Ibuprofen Tablets, USP) is (±)-2-(p-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid. It is a white powder with a
melting point of 74-77o C and is very slightly soluble in water (<1 mg/mL) and readily soluble in organic solvents such as
ethanol and acetone.
Its structural formula is:
IBU is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. It is available in 400, 600 and 800 mg tablets for oral administration.
Inactive Ingredients: 400 mg and 600 mg–colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Opaspray® M-1-
7111-B, pregelatinized starch, starch, stearic acid, talc, 2202C Fine Black Ink (carbon black), or shellac, black iron oxide,
lecithin and imethicone.
800 mg-croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose
monohydrate, magnesium stearate, propylene glycol, 2202C Fine Black Ink (carbon black) or shellac, black iron oxide, lecithin and simethicone.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: IBU is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent that possesses analgesic and antipyretic
activities. Its mode of action, like that of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, is not completely understood, but
may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition.
In clinical studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, IBU has been shown to be comparable to aspirin
in controlling pain and inflammation and to be associated with a statistically significant reduction in the milder
gastrointestinal side effects (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). IBU may be well tolerated in some patients who have had
gastrointestinal side effects with aspirin, but these patients when treated with IBU should be carefully followed for signs
and symptoms of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
Although it is not definitely known whether ibuprofen causes less peptic ulceration than aspirin, in one study involving
885 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated for up to one year, there were no reports of gastric ulceration with ibuprofen
whereas frank ulceration was reported in 13 patients in the aspirin group (statistically significant p<.001).
Gastroscopic studies at varying doses show an increased tendency toward gastric irritation at higher doses. However, at
comparable doses, gastric irritation is approximately half that seen with aspirin. Studies using 51Cr-tagged red cells
indicate that fecal blood loss associated with ibuprofen in doses up to 2400 mg daily did not exceed the normal range,
and was significantly less than that seen in aspirin-treated patients.
In clinical studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ibuprofen has been shown to be comparable to indomethacin in
controlling aforementioned signs and symptoms of disease activity and to be associated with a statistically significant
reduction of the milder gastrointestinal (see ADVERSE REACTIONS) and CNS side effects.
IBU may be used in combination with gold salts and/or corticosteroids.
Controlled studies have demonstrated that ibuprofen is a more effective analgesic than propoxyphene for the relief of
episiotomy pain, pain following dental extraction procedures, and for the relief of the symptoms of primary
dysmenorrhea.
In patients with primary dysmenorrhea, ibuprofen has been shown to reduce elevated levels of prostaglandin activity in
the menstrual fluid and to reduce resting and active intrauterine pressure, as well as the frequency of uterine
contractions. The probable mechanism of action is to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis rather than simply to provide
analgesia.
Pharmacokinetics: IBU is rapidly absorbed when administered orally. Peak serum ibuprofen levels are generally
attained one to two hours after administration. With single doses up to 800 mg, a linear relationship exists between the
amount of drug administered and the integrated area under the serum drug concentration vs. time curve. Above 800 mg,
however, the area under the curve increases less than proportional to increases in dose. There is no evidence of drug
accumulation or enzyme in action.
The administration of IBU tablets either under fasting conditions or immediately before meals yields quite similar serum
ibuprofen concentration-time profiles. When IBU is administered immediately after a meal, there is a reduction in the
rate of absorption but no appreciable decrease in the extent of absorption. The bioavailability of ibuprofen is minimally
altered by the presence of food.
A bioavailability study has shown that there was no interference with the absorption of ibuprofen when given in
conjunction with an antacid containing both aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.
Ibuprofen is rapidly metabolized and eliminated in the urine. The excretion of ibuprofen is virtually complete 24 hours
after the last dose. The serum half-life is 1.8 to 2.0 hours.
Studies have shown that following ingestion of the drug 45% to 79% of the dose was recovered in the urine within 24
hours as metabolite A (25%), (+)-2-4′-(2 hydroxy-2-methyl-propyl)-phenyl propionic acid and metabolite B (37%), (+)-2-4′-
(2 carboxypropyl) phenyl propionic acid; the percentages of free and conjugated ibuprofen were approximately 1% and
14% respectively.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: IBU is indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis.
IBU is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain.
IBU is also indicated for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
Since there have been no controlled trials to demonstrate whether there is any beneficial effect or harmful interaction
with the use of IBU in conjunction with aspirin, the combination cannot be recommended (see Drug Interactions).
Controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of IBU in children have not been conducted.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: IBU tablets should not be used in patients who have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to it,
or in individuals with all or part of the syndrome of nasal polyps, angioedema and bronchospastic reactivity to aspirin or
other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in such patients.
WARNINGS: Risk of GI Ulceration, Bleeding and Perforation with NSAID Therapy: Serious gastrointestinal
toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms, in patients
treated chronically with NSAID therapy. Although minor upper gastrointestinal problems, such as dyspepsia, are
common, usually developing early in therapy, physicians should remain alert for ulceration and bleeding in patients
treated chronically with NSAlDs even in the absence of previous GI tract symptoms. In patients observed in clinical trials
of several months to two years duration, symptomatic upper GI ulcers, gross bleeding or perforation appear to occur in
approximately 1% of patients treated for 3-6 months, and in about 2-4% of patients treated for one year. Physicians
should inform patients about the signs and/or symptoms of serious GI toxicity and what steps to take if they occur.
Studies to date have not identified any subset of patients not at risk of developing peptic ulceration and bleeding. Except
for a prior history of serious GI events and other risk factors known to be associated with peptic ulcer disease, such as
alcoholism, smoking, etc., no risk factors (e.g., age, sex) have been associated with increased risk. Elderly or debilitated
patients seem to tolerate ulceration or bleeding less well than other individuals and most spontaneous reports of fatal GI
events are in this population. Studies to date are inconclusive concerning the relative risk of various NSAIDs in causing
such reactions. High doses of any NSAID probably carry a greater risk of these reactions, although controlled clinical
trials showing this do not exist in most cases. In considering the use of relatively large doses (within the recommended
dosage range), sufficient benefit should be anticipated to offset the potential increased risk of GI toxicity.
PRECAUTIONS General: Blurred and/or diminished vision, scotomata, and/or changes in color vision have been
reported. If a patient develops such complaints while receiving IBU, the drug should be discontinued and the patient
should have an ophthalmologic examination which includes central visual fields and color vision testing.
Fluid retention
and edema have been reported in association with IBU therefore, the drug should be used with caution in patients with a
history of cardiac decompensation or hypertension.
IBU like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, can inhibit platelet aggregation but the effect is quantitatively less
and of shorter duration than that seen with aspirin. lbuprofen has been shown to prolong bleeding time (but within the
normal range) in normal subjects. Because this prolonged bleeding effect may be exaggerated in patients with
underlying hemostatic defects, IBU should be used with caution in persons with intrinsic coagulation defects and those on
anticoagulant therapy.
Patients on IBU should report to their physicians signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, blurred
vision or other eye symptoms, skin rash, weight gain, or edema.
In order to avoid exacerbation of disease or adrenal insufficiency, patients who have been on prolonged corticosteroid
therapy should have their therapy tapered slowly rather than discontinued abruptly when IBU is added to the treatment
program.
The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of ibuprofen may reduce fever and inflammation, thus diminishing their
utility as diagnostic signs in detecting complications of presumed noninfectious, noninflammatory painful conditions.
Liver Effects: As with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, borderline elevations of one or more liver function
tests may occur in up to 15% of patients. These abnormalities may progress, may remain essentially unchanged, or may
be transient with continued therapy. The SGPT (ALT) test is probably the most sensitive indicator of liver dysfunction.
Meaningful (3 times the upper limit of normal) elevations of SGPT or SGOT (ALT) occurred in controlled clinical trials in
less than 1% of patients. A patient with symptoms and/or signs suggesting liver dysfunction, or in whom an abnormal
liver test has occurred, should be evaluated for evidence of the development of more severe hepatic reactions while on
therapy with ibuprofen. Severe hepatic reactions, including jaundice and cases of fatal hepatitis, have been reported with
ibuprofen as with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although such reactions are rare, if abnormal liver tests
persist or worsen, if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or if systemic manifestations
occur (e.g., eosinophilia, rash, etc.), IBU should be discontinued.
Hemoglobin Levels: In cross-study comparisons with doses ranging from 1200 mg to 3200 mg daily for several weeks,
a slight dose-response decrease in hemoglobin/hematocrit was noted. This has been observed with other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs; the mechanism is unknown. However, even with daily doses of 3200 mg, the total decrease in
hemoglobin usually does not exceed 1 gram; if there are no signs of bleeding, it is probably not clinically important.
In two postmarketing clinical studies the incidence of a decreased hemoglobin level was greater than previously
reported. Decrease in hemoglobin of 1 gram or more was observed in 17.1% of 193 patients on 1600 mg ibuprofen daily
(osteoarthritis), and in 22.8% of 189 patients taking 2400 mg of ibuprofen daily (rheumatoid arthritis). Positive stool
occult blood tests and elevated serum creatinine levels were also observed in these studies.
Aseptic Meningitis: Aseptic meningitis with fever and coma has been observed on rare occasions in patients on
ibuprofen therapy. Although it is probably more likely to occur in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and related
connective tissue diseases, it has been reported in patients who do not have an underlying chronic disease. If signs or
symptoms of meningitis develop in a patient on IBU, the possibility of its being related to ibuprofen should be considered.
Renal Effects: As with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, long-term administration of ibuprofen to animals has
resulted in renal papillary necrosis and other abnormal renal pathology. In humans, there have been reports of acute
interstitial nephritis with hematuria, proteinuria, and occasionally nephrotic syndrome.
A second form of renal toxicity has been seen in patients with prerenal conditions leading to a reduction in renal blood
flow or blood volume, where the renal prostaglandins have a supportive role in the maintenance of renal perfusion. In
these patients administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, may cause a dose dependent reduction in
prostaglandin formation and may precipitate overt renal decompensation. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are
those with impaired renal function, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics and the elderly. Discontinuation
of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy is typically followed by recovery to the pretreatment state.
Those patients at high risk who chronically take IBU should have renal function monitored if they have signs or
symptoms which may be consistent with mild azotemia, such as malaise, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. Occasional
patients may develop some elevation of serum creatinine and BUN levels without signs or symptoms.
Since ibuprofen is eliminated primarily by the kidneys, patients with significantly impaired renal function should be closely
monitored and a reduction in dosage should be anticipated to avoid drug accumulation. Prospective studies on the
safety of ibuprofen in patients with chronic renal failure have not been conducted.
Information for Patients: lbuprofen, like other drugs of its class, is not free of side effects. The side effects of these
drugs can cause discomfort and, rarely, there are more serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, which may
result in hospitalization and even fatal outcomes.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are often essential agents in the management of arthritis and have a
major role in the treatment of pain, but they also may be commonly employed for conditions which are less serious.
Physicians may wish to discuss with their patients, the potential risks (see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE
REACTIONS sections) and likely benefits of NSAID treatment, particularly when the drugs are used for less serious
conditions where treatment without NSAIDs may represent an acceptable alternative to both the patient and physician.
Laboratory Tests: Because serious GI tract ulceration and bleeding can occur without warning symptoms, physicians
should follow chronically treated patients for the signs and symptoms of ulceration and bleeding and should inform them
of the importance of this follow-up (see WARNINGS).
Drug Interactions: Coumarin-type anticoagulants: Several short-term controlled studies failed to show that ibuprofen
significantly affected prothrombin times or a variety of other clotting factors when administered to individuals on
cournarin-type anticoagulants. However, because bleeding has been reported when IBU® (Ibuprofen Tablets, USP) and
other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents have been administered to patients on coumarin-type anticoagulants, the
physician should be cautious when administering IBU to patients on anticoagulants.
Aspirin: Animal studies show that aspirin given with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, including ibuprofen, yields a
net decrease in anti-inflammatory activity with lowered blood levels of the non-aspirin drug. Single dose bioavailability
studies in normal volunteers have failed to show an effect of aspirin on ibuprofen blood levels. Correlative clinical
studies have not been done.
Methotrexate: Ibuprofen, as well as other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, has been reported to competitively
inhibit methotrexate accumulation in rabbit kidney slices. This may indicate that ibuprofen could enhance the toxicity of
methotrexate. Caution should be used if IBU is administered concomitantly with methotrexate.
H-2 Antagonists: In studies with human volunteers, coadministration of cimetidine or ranitidine with ibuprofen had no
substantive effect on ibuprofen serum concentrations.
Furosemide: Clinical studies, as well as random observations, have shown that ibuprofen can reduce the natriurefic
effect of furosemide and thiazides in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal
prostaglandin synthesis. During concomitant therapy with ibuprofen, the patient should be observed closely for signs of
renal failure (see PRECAUTIONS: Renal Effects), as well as to assure diuretic efficacy.
Lithium: Ibuprofen produced an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium clearance in a study of
eleven normal volunteers. The mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15% and the renal clearance of lithium
was decreased by 19% during this period of concomitant drug administration.
This effect has been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by ibuprofen. Thus, when ibuprofen and
lithium are administered concurrently, subjects should be observed carefully for signs of lithium toxicity. (Read circulars
for lithium preparation before use of such concurrent therapy.)
Pregnancy: Reproductive studies conducted in rats and rabbits at doses somewhat less than the maximal clinical dose
did not demonstrate evidence of developmental abnormalities. However, animal reproduction studies are not always
predictive of human response. As there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, this drug should
be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because of the known effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus arterlosus), use during late pregnancy should be avoided. As with
other drugs known to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, an increased incidence of dystocia and delayed parturition occurred
in rats. Administration of IBU is not recommended during pregnancy.
Nursing Mothers: In limited studies, an assay capable of detecting 1 mcg/mL did not demonstrate ibuprofen in the milk
of lactating mothers. However, because of the limited nature of the studies and the possible adverse effects of
prostaglandin-inhibiting drugs on neonates, IBU is not recommended for use in nursing mothers.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most frequent type of adverse reaction occurring with ibuprofen is gastrointestinal. In controlled clinical trials, the percentage of patients reporting one or more gastrointestinal c
omplaints ranged from 4% to 16%.
In controlled studies when ibuprofen was compared to aspirin and indomethacin in equally effective doses, the
overall incidence of gastrointestinal complaints was about half that seen in either the aspirin- or indomethacin-treated
patients.
Adverse reactions observed during controlled clinical trials at an incidence •®Ô=ter than 1% are listed in the following
paragraphs. Those reactions listed under the heading, Incidence Greater Than 1% (but less than 3%) Probable Causal
Relationship, encompass observations in approximately 3,000 patients. More than 500 of these patients were treated for
periods of at least 54 weeks.
Still other reactions occurring less frequently than 1 in 100 were reported in controlled clinical trials and from marketing
experience. These reactions have been divided into two categories: Precise Incidence Unknown (but less than 1%)
Probable Causal Relationship lists reactions with ibuprofen therapy where the probability of a causal relationship exists;
Precise Incidence Unknown (but less than 1%) Causal Relationship Unknown lists reactions with ibuprofen therapy where
a causal relationship has not been established.
Reported side effects were higher at doses of 3200 mg/day than at doses of 2400 mg or less per day in clinical trials of
patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The increases in incidence were slight and still within the ranges reported in the
following paragraphs.
(but less than 3%)
Probable Causal Relationship
Gastrointestinal: nausea*, epigastric pain*, heartburn*, diarrhea, abdominal distress, nausea and vomiting, indigestion,
constipation, abdominal cramps or pain, fullness of GI tract (bloating and flatulence).
Central Nervous System: dizziness*, headache, nervousness.
Dermatologic: rash* (including maculopapular type), pruritus.
Special Senses: tinnitus.
Metabolic/Endocrine: decreased appetite.
Cardiovascular: edema, fluid retention (generally responds promptly to drug discontinuation) (see PRECAUTIONS).
(but less than 1%)
Probable Causal Relationship**
Gastrointestinal: gastric or duodenal ulcer with bleeding and/or perforation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, pancreatitis,
melena, gastritis, hepatitis, jaundice, abnormal liver function tests.
Central Nervous System: depression, insomnia, confusion, emotional lability, somnolence, aseptic meningitis with fever
and coma (see Precautions).
Dermatologic: vesiculobullous eruptions, urticara, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, alopecia.
Special Senses: hearing loss, amblyopia (blurred and/or diminished vision, scotomata and/or changes in color vision)
(see PRECAUTIONS).
Hematologic: neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia (sometimes Coombs positive),
thrombocytopenia with or without purpura, eosinophilia, decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit (see PRECAUTIONS).
Cardiovascular: congestive heart failure in patients with marginal cardiac function, elevated blood pressure, palpitations.
Allergic: syndrome of abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, anaphylaxis, bronchospasm (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Renal: acute renal failure in patients with pre-existing significantly impaired renal function (see
PRECAUTIONS), decreased creatinine clearance, polyuria, azotemia, cystitis, hematuria.
Miscellaneous: dry eyes and mouth, gingival ulcer, rhinitis.
(but less than 1%)
Causal Relationship Unknown**
Central Nervous System: paresthesias, hallucinations, dream abnormalities, pseudotumor cerebri.
Dermatologic: toxic epidermal necrolysis, photoallergic skin reactions.
Special Senses: conjunctivitis, diplopla, optic neuritis, cataracts.
Hematologic: bleeding episodes (e.g., epistaxis, menorrhagia).
Metabolic/Endocrine: gynecomastia, hypoglycemic reaction, acidosis.
Cardiovascular: arrhythmias (sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia).
Allergic: serum sickness, lupus erythernatosus syndrome, Henoch-Schonlein vasculitis, angioedema.
Renal: renal papillary necrosis.
-
*Reactions occurring in 3% to 9% of patients treated with Ibuprofen. (Those reactions occurring in less than 3% of the patients, are unmarked.)
**Reactions are classified under “Probable Causal Relationship (PCR)”, if there has been one positive rechallenge or if three or more cases occur which might be causally related.
Reactions are classified under “Causal Relationship Unknown” if seven or more events have been reported but the criteria for PCR have not been met.
OVERDOSAGE: Approximately 1 1/2 hours after the reported ingestion of from 7 to 10 ibuprofen tablets (400 mg), a 19-
month old child weighing 12 kg was seen in the hospital emergency room, apneic and cyanotic, responding only to
painful stimuli. This type of stimulus, however, was sufficient to induce respiration. Oxygen and parenteral fluids were
given, a greenish-yellow fluid was aspirated from the stomach with no evidence to indicate the presence of ibuprofen.
Two hours after ingestion the child’s condition seemed stable, she still responded only to painful stimuli and continued to
have periods of apnea lasting from 5 to 10 seconds. She was admitted to intensive care and sodium bicarbonate was
administered as well as infusions of dextrose and normal saline. By four hours post-ingestion she could be aroused
easily, sit by herself and respond to spoken commands. Blood level of ibuprofen was 102.9 mcg/mL approximately 8 1/2
hours after accidental ingestion. At 12 hours she appeared to be completely recovered.
In two other reported cases where children (each weighing approximately 10 kg) accidentally, acutely ingested
approximately 120 mg/kg, there were no signs of acute intoxication or late sequelae. Blood level in one child 90 minutes
after ingestion was 700 mcg/mL, about 10 times the peak levels seen in absorption-excretion studies.
A 19-year old male who had taken 8,000 mg of ibuprofen over a period of a few hours complained of dizziness, and
nystagmus was noted. After hospitalization, parenteral hydration and three days bed rest, he recovered with no reported
sequelae.
In cases of acute overdosage, the stomach should be emptied by vomiting or lavage, though little drug will likeIy be
recovered if more than an hour has elapsed since ingestion. Because the drug is acidic and is excreted in the urine, it is
theoretically beneficial to administer alkali and induce diuresis. In addition to supportive measures, the use of oral
activated charcoal may help reduce the absorption and reabsorption of ibuprofen.
The commercial availability of multiple strengths facilitates dosage adjustment.
Mild to moderate pain: 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as necessary for the relief of pain.
HOW SUPPLIED: IBU® (Ibuprofen Tablets, USP):
400 mg: elongated, smooth-textured, white, film-coated tablet with “IBU 400” printed in black on one face.
Bottles of 100 NDC 0044-0165-01
Bottles of 500 NDC 0044-0165-05
600 mg: elongated, smooth-textured, white, film-coated tablet with “IBU 600” printed in black on one face.
Bottles of 100 NDC 0044-0162-01
Bottles of 500 NDC 0044-0162-05
800 mg: elongated, smooth-textured, white, film-coated tablet with “IBU 800” printed in black on one face.
Bottles of 100 NDC 0044-0173-01
Bottles of 500 NDC 0044-0173-05
Store at controlled room temperature 15o-30oC (59o-86oF).
CAUTION: Federal (USA) law prohibits dispensing without prescription.
