Analgesic

Antipyretic

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

PCP: Mild to moderate pain

ACP: Fever

Allergy to ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Active GI bleeding or ulcers

Pregnancy (first, second, or third trimesters)

Following oral administration:

• Analgesic effects:
  • Onset: 30 minutes
  • Peak: 1-2 hours
  • Duration: 4-6 hours
• Antipyretic effects:
  • Onset: 30 minutes to 2.5 hours
  • Peak: 2-4 hours
  • Duration: 6-8 hours

Ibuprofen is 80% absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, metabolised in the liver, and excreted in the urine.

The most common adverse reactions involve gastrointestinal upset, ranging from abdominal discomfort to gastric ulceration, bleeding, and perforation.  These events are unlikely following a single, prehospital dose of ibuprofen, but care should be exercised in patients with a recent history of NSAID use. 

The most common symptoms of NSAID overdose are gastrointestinal irritation and CNS depression.  Care is primarily supportive. 

Alternative treatment options should be considered in patients with a history of gastrointestinal, renal, or significant cardiovascular disease: ibuprofen, and all NSAIDs, have the potential to cause significant adverse reactions.  The risk appears to increase with dose, duration of therapy, and underlying risk factors.  

As a class of medications, NSAIDs may raise blood pressure, limiting the effectiveness of antihypertensives.