motrin

Motrin (ibuprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Motrin is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Motrin is used in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Do not use in children under 2 years of age without the supervison of a doctor.

Important information

Motrin may increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Motrin may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine.

Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. Use only the smallest amount of medication needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Motrin if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Motrin may increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Motrin may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Motrin.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;

• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• polyps in your nose;

• liver or kidney disease;

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

• if you smoke.

Taking Motrin during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using ibuprofen.

It is not known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give Motrin to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take Motrin?

Use Motrin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. The maximum dosage for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of Motrin needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.

A child"s dose of Motrin is based on the age and weight of the child. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with children"s Motrin for the age and weight of your child. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take Motrin with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you take Motrin for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a regular basis to make sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Motrin is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Motrin?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking Motrin if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the Motrin at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medicine. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to ibuprofen. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

Motrin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Motrin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Stop taking Motrin and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have:

• swelling or rapid weight gain;

• little or no urinating;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or

• severe headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure (convulsions).

Common Motrin side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea, vomiting;

• bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation;

• dizziness, headache, nervousness;

• mild itching or rash; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Motrin?

Ask your doctor before using Motrin if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are also using any of the following drugs:

• lithium;

• methotrexate;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• other NSAIDs--aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others; or

• heart or blood pressure medicine--benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ibuprofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.