Motrin (ibuprofen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Below you will find all the necessary information about this drug. Share the article once you finish reading it.
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Properties and benefits of Motrin
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 injuries.
Motrin is used in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Motrin side effects
Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to Motrin: sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion; wheezing or trouble breathing; urticaria; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Seek emergency medical attention if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, leg swelling, lack of of breath.
Stop using Motrin and call your doctor at once if you have:
- changes in your vision;
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
- swelling or rapid weight gain;
- the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how smooth;
- signs of stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- liver problems – nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- kidney problems: little or no urination, painful urination or difficulty urinating, swelling of the feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
- low level of red blood cells (anemia): pale skin, feeling dizzy or short of breath, fast heartbeat, trouble concentrating; or
- severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning eyes, skin pain followed by a spreading red or purple skin rash (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common side effects of Motrin can include:
- upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea, vomiting;
- bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation;
- dizziness, headache, nervousness;
- mild itching or rash; or
- ringing in your ears
Important information about the motrin
Motrin can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long-term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Motrin can also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while using ibuprofen, especially in older adults.
Before taking this medicine
Motrin can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long-term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this drug.
Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Motrin can also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while using ibuprofen, especially in older adults.
You should not use Motrin if you are allergic to ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Motrin if you have:
- heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
- a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
- asthma;
- liver or kidney disease;
- fluid retention; or
- a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, or lupus.
Taking Motrin during the last 3 months of pregnancy can harm an unborn baby. Do not use ibuprofen without the advice of a doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk or if it could affect a nursing baby. Ask your doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding. Do not give Motrin to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Motrin is used when needed, you may not have 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 for a missed dose.
What if I have an 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.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.