Drug Factsheets

 Health Home >> Related Medications 

Apo-Ibuprofen

(ibuprofen)

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Ibuprofen work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Ibuprofen?
• What form(s) does Apo-Ibuprofen come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Ibuprofen?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Ibuprofen?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Ibuprofen?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Ibuprofen?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Apo-Ibuprofen work? What will it do for me?

Ibuprofen belongs to the class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain accompanied by inflammation. It can be used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can also help relieve pain from menstrual cramps, headaches, muscular aches and pain, and dental pain. Ibuprofen can also relieve fevers. In children under 12, ibuprofen is used for fever and pain due to colds, sore throat, immunization, and earache.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.

How should I use Apo-Ibuprofen?

The recommended adult dose of ibuprofen for mild to moderate pain and inflammation or menstrual cramps is 400 mg with food or milk, repeated as required every four to six hours. The maximum daily dose is 2,400 mg.

For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the usual starting dose is 1,200 mg daily with food or milk, divided into three or four equal doses. The dose can be adjusted upward or downward depending on the response, but the daily dose should not exceed 2,400 mg. Once the best relief has been obtained, the dose is usually reduced to 800 mg to 1,200 mg daily with food or milk, taken in divided doses.

The dose of ibuprofen for children is based on body weight. Ibuprofen pediatric suspension is often used for young children and for adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Always shake the suspension well before using. Acetaminophen should not be used at the same time as ibuprofen for relief of fevers.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as the severity of the condition, body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. A common side effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen is stomach upset. This can be minimized by taking the medication immediately after a meal, or with food or milk. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Apo-Ibuprofen come in?

Caplets

Each yellow, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet, identified "200" on one side, "IBU" on other side, contains ibuprofen 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminum lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide.

Tablets

200 mg
Each yellow, round, biconvex, film-coated (identified "IBU" over "200") tablet, contains ibuprofen 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose; film-coating: carnauba wax, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminum lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide.

300 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, film-coated (identified "APO" over "300") tablet, contains ibuprofen 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose; film-coating: hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide.

400 mg
Each orange, round, biconvex, film-coated (identified "APO" over "400") tablet, contains ibuprofen 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose; film-coating: FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminum lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide.

600 mg
Each light orange, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablet, identified "APO-600", contains ibuprofen 600 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose; film-coating: FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminum lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Apo-Ibuprofen?

This medication should not be used by anyone who:

• currently has or recently had an inflammatory disease of the stomach and intestines such as stomach or intestinal ulcer or ulcerative colitis
• is currently taking other NSAIDs
• is or may be allergic to ibuprofen or any of the ingredients of the medication
• has had nasal polyps, bronchospastic reactivity to ASA, or an allergic reaction to ASA or any other anti-inflammatory medications
• has systemic lupus erythematosus

Continued... 1 | 2 | Next

Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.