Ibuprofen: Adverse Effects

ABSTRACT

Ibuprofen is the first member of the class propionic acid introduced in 1969. It is better-tolerated analgesic as compared to aspirin. All members belonging to propionic acid group inhibit prostaglandins, easily absorbed on oral administration, enter brain, synovial fluid and cross placenta, largely metabolized in liver by hydroxylation and glucuronic conjugation excreted in urine as well as in bile. It has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders. It is useful drug but cannot be considered free of adverse effects, the side effects comprise of milder gastric discomfort, nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurring of vision, tinnitus, depression, rashes, itching and other hypersensitive phenomena. Anaphylactic shock has also been reported, salt retention and hypertension has also been reported in elderly patients. In our study we noticed 10 male and 25 female patients developing gastric discomfort on prolonged use of ibuprofen. Two females patients have been noted developing analgesic headache. 5 male and 2 female observed nausea. 3 males and 2 females reported dizziness. 2 male patients were observed to have fixed drug eruptions