ibuprofen
Patient Counselling
- This medication is a non-steroid-anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication.
- One of the things it is used for is to ease painful period cycles. When used for this condition, this medication should be initiated just prior to menses or at the first sign of discomfort or bleeding.
- Adults: For maximum and continuous relief, take 200mg-400mg orally every 6 to 8 hours with onset of menstruation and continually for the first 2-3 days of menstrual flow (rather than taking it on an as needed basis)1. Alternatively, this medication can be initiated just prior to the expected onset of menses2. Maximum dose for self-medication is 1200mg/day3.
- Effective treatment should not be necessary for more than 2-3 days 4.
- In order to judge its efficacy, it should be tried for 3 cycles 2.
- It is best to take this medicine with food or milk so that it does not upset your stomach4.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you think about it. However if it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses 2.
- Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place (not in the bathroom). Protect from light 2.
- Abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, wheezing or tightness in the chest, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden change in eyesight, eye pain or irritation
- Very upset stomach
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Any bruising or bleeding
- A significant weight gain
References:
1. Dawood MY. Primary dysmenorrhea: advances in pathogenesis and management. Obstet Gynecol. 2006;108(2):428-441.
2. Ibuprofen. In: CareNotes® System. Greenwood Village, Colo: Thomson Healthcare. Updated periodically. http://www.thomsonhc.com/micromedex. Accessed July 9, 2013.
3. Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010 Chpt 81: Dysmenorrhea; Canadian Pharmacists Association 775-781.
4. Antao V, Black A, Burnett M ,et al. Primary Dysmenorrhea Consensus Guideline. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2005;169:1117-1130.
1. Dawood MY. Primary dysmenorrhea: advances in pathogenesis and management. Obstet Gynecol. 2006;108(2):428-441.
2. Ibuprofen. In: CareNotes® System. Greenwood Village, Colo: Thomson Healthcare. Updated periodically. http://www.thomsonhc.com/micromedex. Accessed July 9, 2013.
3. Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010 Chpt 81: Dysmenorrhea; Canadian Pharmacists Association 775-781.
4. Antao V, Black A, Burnett M ,et al. Primary Dysmenorrhea Consensus Guideline. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2005;169:1117-1130.