by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: June 05, 2010   Last Updated: July 01, 2010

Motrin® is a popular over the counter brand name of the generic drug Ibuprofen. It is used for reduction of pain, fever and inflammation. It can be used, especially in conditions such as painful joints, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Motrin is in the drug family called NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs). Main side effects are gastritis and gastric ulceration.

 Ibuprofen also comes as Brufen ®, Advil ®, and Nurofen ®.

 NSAIDS are drugs that inhibit Enzymes Cyclo Oxygenase (COX). There are two main types of enzymes. They are called COX1 and COX2. Ibuprofen inhibits both these enzymes. COX1 inhibition results in most of the side effects. COX2 inhibition relieves pain

 Ibuprofen was derived from propionic acid by Andrew RM Dunlop and patented in 1961.

 *Usage*

 It is used mainly in Rheumatic diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It can relieve mild to moderate pain. This medication also used in fever that is not responsive to acetaminophen. But this medication should not be used in fevers that are more than three days duration.

 This medication can also be used in pain following surgery. Migraine is another common indication. Dentists use this medication to kill pain after dental procedures. This medication can be used in fever that occurs following immunization of children.

 *Preparations*

 Motrin is available in tablet form, oral suspension form, and topical form for local application. Oral suspension should be dissolved up to the mark printed in bottle. It should shake well before use. Ibuprofen suspension is usually available in 100mg/5ml strength.

 *Dosage*

 Usual adult dose is 400mg three times a day. For children, 5mg – 7.5mg per kilogram body weight, three times a day is the usual dose. Oral suspension should be used to make smaller doses. Do not break or crush tablets, to make less than 200mg doses.

 Even though this is an over the counter medication, you should take medical advice, if the condition you are taking this medication persists for more than two days.

 Two main problems with NSAIDs are inhibition of blood clot formation by platelets and increased gastric acid secretion. Inhibition of blood clot formation can result in prolonged bleeding and aggravating existing bleeding problems. But it is relatively mild in ibuprofen (Compared to Aspirin).

 *Common side effects*

 Burning stomach pain, gastro intestinal discomfort,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>