Motrin should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding․ Motrin can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy․ It can also pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby․
How Motrin Works in the Body
When Motrin is taken orally, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body․ Motrin works by binding to and inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX)․ COX is responsible for the production of prostaglandins․ By inhibiting COX, Motrin reduces the production of prostaglandins, which in turn reduces pain, inflammation, and fever․
Motrin is a non-selective COX inhibitor, which means that it inhibits the activity of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes․ COX-1 is responsible for the production of prostaglandins that are involved in normal physiological processes, such as the protection of the stomach lining and the regulation of blood flow․ COX-2 is responsible for the production of prostaglandins that are involved in pain, inflammation, and fever․
The non-selective inhibition of COX by Motrin can lead to side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation․ These side effects are more common with higher doses of Motrin and with prolonged use․
Motrin and Other Pain Relievers
Motrin belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)․ Other NSAIDs include aspirin, naproxen, and celecoxib․ NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain, inflammation, and fever․
NSAIDs are effective in relieving mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps․ They are also effective in reducing fever․ NSAIDs are not effective in relieving severe pain, such as that caused by a broken bone or a major injury․
NSAIDs can cause side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation․ More serious side effects, such as bleeding, ulcers, and kidney problems, are rare․
It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of NSAIDs before taking them․
Dosage and Administration
Motrin is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms․ OTC Motrin is available in 200-mg and 400-mg tablets, as well as in liquid and gelcap forms․ Prescription Motrin is available in 600-mg and 800-mg tablets, as well as in injection form․
The recommended dosage of Motrin varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient․ For adults, the usual dosage is 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain or fever․ The maximum daily dosage is 1,200 mg․
For children, the usual dosage is 5 to 10 mg/kg of body weight every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain or fever․ The maximum daily dosage is 40 mg/kg of body weight․
Motrin can be taken with or without food․ However, it is best to take Motrin with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset․
Motrin Tablets
Motrin tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water․ Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets․
Motrin Liquid
Motrin liquid can be taken with or without food․ Shake the bottle well before each use․ Measure the dose carefully using the dosing cup provided․
Motrin Gelcaps
Motrin gelcaps should be swallowed whole with a glass of water․ Do not crush, chew, or break the gelcaps․
Motrin Injection
Motrin injection is given by a healthcare professional․ It is usually given as a single injection into a muscle or vein․
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Motrin, take it as soon as you remember․ However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time․ Do not take double doses of Motrin․
Overdose
If you overdose on Motrin, call your doctor or poison control center immediately․ Symptoms of a Motrin overdose may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion․
Storage
Store Motrin at room temperature away from light and moisture․ Do not freeze Motrin․
Important Safety Information
Motrin should not be taken by people who are allergic to it, or who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․ It should also be used with caution by people who have asthma, heart disease, or kidney disease․
Motrin can interact with other medications, such as blood thinners, anticoagulants, and diuretics․ It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting Motrin․
Motrin should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding․ Motrin can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy․ It can also pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby․
Side Effects of Motrin
Motrin is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects, such as⁚
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
More serious side effects, such as bleeding, ulcers, and kidney problems, are rare․
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset is the most common side effect of Motrin․ It can occur in up to 25% of people who take Motrin․ Symptoms of stomach upset can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation․
To reduce the risk of stomach upset, it is best to take Motrin with food․ You should also avoid taking Motrin on an empty stomach․
Nausea
Nausea is another common side effect of Motrin․ It can occur in up to 10% of people who take Motrin․ Symptoms of nausea can include feeling sick to your stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite․
To reduce the risk of nausea, it is best to take Motrin with food․ You should also avoid taking Motrin on an empty stomach․
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a less common side effect of Motrin․ It can occur in up to 5% of people who take Motrin․ Symptoms of diarrhea can include loose stools, watery stools, and frequent bowel movements․
To reduce the risk of diarrhea, it is best to take Motrin with food․ You should also drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated․
Constipation
Constipation is a less common side effect of Motrin․ It can occur in up to 5% of people who take Motrin․ Symptoms of constipation can include difficulty passing stools, hard stools, and infrequent bowel movements․
To reduce the risk of constipation, it is best to drink plenty of fluids and eat a diet high in fiber․ You should also avoid taking Motrin on an empty stomach․
Headache
Headache is a less common side effect of Motrin․ It can occur in up to 5% of people who take Motrin․ Symptoms of a headache can include pain in the head, throbbing pain, and sensitivity to light and sound․
To reduce the risk of a headache, it is best to take Motrin with food․ You should also avoid taking Motrin on an empty stomach․
Dizziness
Dizziness is a less common side effect of Motrin․ It can occur in up to 5% of people who take Motrin․ Symptoms of dizziness can include feeling lightheaded, faint, or unsteady․
To reduce the risk of dizziness, it is best to take Motrin with food․ You should also avoid taking Motrin on an empty stomach․
Drowsiness
Drowsiness is a less common side effect of Motrin․ It can occur in up to 5% of people who take Motrin․ Symptoms of drowsiness can include feeling sleepy, tired, or fatigued․
To reduce the risk of drowsiness, it is best to take Motrin at bedtime․ You should also avoid taking Motrin during the day if you need to be alert․
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Motrin are rare, but they can occur․ These side effects can include⁚
- Bleeding
- Ulcers
- Kidney problems
Bleeding
Motrin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people who are taking blood thinners or anticoagulants․ Symptoms of bleeding can include bruising, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums․
Ulcers
Motrin can increase the risk of ulcers, especially in people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․ Symptoms of an ulcer can include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss;
Kidney problems
Motrin can increase the risk of kidney problems, especially in people who have kidney disease․ Symptoms of kidney problems can include swelling in the hands and feet, decreased urination, and fatigue․
If you experience any serious side effects from Motrin, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately․
Drug Interactions
Motrin can interact with other medications, including⁚
- Blood thinners
- Anticoagulants
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Ciclosporin
- Tacrolimus
Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants
Motrin can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners or anticoagulants․ Blood thinners and anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood clots․ Examples of blood thinners and anticoagulants include warfarin, heparin, and aspirin․
Diuretics
Motrin can reduce the effectiveness of diuretics․ Diuretics are medications that help to remove excess fluid from the body․ Examples of diuretics include furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and spironolactone․
Lithium
Motrin can increase the levels of lithium in the blood․ Lithium is a medication that is used to treat bipolar disorder․ High levels of lithium in the blood can be dangerous and can lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures․
Methotrexate
Motrin can increase the levels of methotrexate in the blood․ Methotrexate is a medication that is used to treat cancer and rheumatoid arthritis․ High levels of methotrexate in the blood can be dangerous and can lead to side effects such as bone marrow suppression, hair loss, and mouth sores․
Ciclosporin and Tacrolimus
Motrin can increase the levels of ciclosporin and tacrolimus in the blood․ Ciclosporin and tacrolimus are medications that are used to suppress the immune system․ High levels of ciclosporin and tacrolimus in the blood can be dangerous and can lead to side effects such as kidney damage, liver damage, and high blood pressure․
It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting Motrin․ Your doctor can tell you if Motrin is safe to take with your other medications․
Precautions
Motrin should be used with caution in people who have⁚
- A history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention
History of Stomach Ulcers or Bleeding
Motrin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding, especially in people who have a history of these conditions․ Symptoms of a stomach ulcer or bleeding can include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and black or tarry stools․
Asthma
Motrin can worsen asthma symptoms in some people․ Symptoms of asthma can include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath․
Heart Disease
Motrin can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people who have heart disease․ Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain in the arm, neck, or back․ Symptoms of a stroke can include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and vision problems․
Kidney Disease
Motrin can worsen kidney function in people who have kidney disease․ Symptoms of kidney disease can include swelling in the hands and feet, decreased urination, and fatigue․
Liver Disease
Motrin can worsen liver function in people who have liver disease․ Symptoms of liver disease can include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and fatigue․
High Blood Pressure
Motrin can increase blood pressure in some people․ High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease․
Fluid Retention
Motrin can cause fluid retention in some people․ Symptoms of fluid retention can include swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles․
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor before taking Motrin․ Your doctor can tell you if Motrin is safe for you to take and can monitor you for side effects․
Contraindications
Motrin is contraindicated in people who are allergic to it or to any of its ingredients․ Motrin is also contraindicated in people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․
Allergic Reaction
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Motrin can include⁚
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening․ If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction to Motrin, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately․
Stomach Ulcers or Bleeding
Motrin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding, especially in people who have a history of these conditions․ Symptoms of a stomach ulcer or bleeding can include⁚
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Black or tarry stools
If you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, do not take Motrin․
Other Contraindications
Motrin is also contraindicated in people who have⁚
- Severe heart failure
- Severe kidney disease
- Severe liver disease
If you have any of these conditions, do not take Motrin․
Overdose
An overdose of Motrin can be dangerous and can lead to serious side effects, including death․ Symptoms of a Motrin overdose can include⁚
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
If you overdose on Motrin, call your doctor or poison control center immediately․
Treatment for a Motrin Overdose
The treatment for a Motrin overdose will depend on the severity of the overdose․ Treatment may include⁚
- Activated charcoal
- Gastric lavage
- Intravenous fluids
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Hemodialysis
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a medication that can bind to Motrin and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream․
Gastric lavage
Gastric lavage is a procedure that involves pumping the stomach to remove its contents․
Intravenous fluids
Intravenous fluids can help to flush Motrin out of the body and prevent dehydration;
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is a medication that can help to neutralize the stomach acid and prevent further absorption of Motrin․
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a procedure that involves using a machine to filter the blood and remove Motrin from the body․
Prevention of a Motrin Overdose
The best way to prevent a Motrin overdose is to take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor․ Do not take more Motrin than prescribed and do not take Motrin for longer than prescribed․
If you have any questions about how to take Motrin safely, talk to your doctor or pharmacist․
Storage and Handling
Motrin should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture․ Do not freeze Motrin․
Motrin tablets and gelcaps should be stored in their original container․ Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets or gelcaps․
Motrin liquid should be stored in a tightly closed container․ Do not freeze Motrin liquid․
Keep Motrin out of the reach of children and pets․
Do not use Motrin if the expiration date has passed․
Proper Disposal of Motrin
Expired or unused Motrin should be disposed of properly․ Do not flush Motrin down the toilet or pour it down the drain․
To dispose of Motrin, follow these steps⁚
Remove the Motrin from its original container․
Place the Motrin in a sealable plastic bag․
Dispose of the plastic bag in the trash․
Do not dispose of Motrin in compost or recycling bins․
Availability and Cost
Motrin is available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription․ OTC Motrin is available in 200-mg and 400-mg tablets, as well as in liquid and gelcap forms․ Prescription Motrin is available in 600-mg and 800-mg tablets, as well as in injection form․
The cost of Motrin varies depending on the dosage and form of the medication․ OTC Motrin typically costs between $5 and $10 for a bottle of 100 tablets․ Prescription Motrin typically costs between $20 and $40 for a bottle of 100 tablets․
Motrin is also available in generic form; Generic Motrin is just as effective as brand-name Motrin, but it is typically less expensive․
Financial Assistance
If you cannot afford to pay for your Motrin prescription, you may be eligible for financial assistance․ There are a number of programs available to help low-income individuals and families pay for their medications․
To learn more about financial assistance programs, contact your local health department or social services agency․ You can also find information about financial assistance programs online at the following websites⁚
- NeedyMeds⁚ https://www․needymeds․org/
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance⁚ https://www․pparx․org/
- RxAssist⁚ https://www․rxassist․org/
Patient Assistance Programs
Motrin is also available through patient assistance programs․ Patient assistance programs are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and provide free or low-cost medications to eligible patients․
To learn more about patient assistance programs, contact the manufacturer of Motrin, Johnson & Johnson․ You can also find information about patient assistance programs online at the following website⁚
- Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation⁚ https://www․jnj․com/caring-for-the-world/patient-assistance-programs
Generic Motrin
Motrin is a brand name for the medication ibuprofen․ Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)․ NSAIDs are used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever․
Motrin is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms․ OTC Motrin is available in 200-mg and 400-mg tablets, as well as in liquid and gelcap forms․ Prescription Motrin is available in 600-mg and 800-mg tablets, as well as in injection form․
Generic Motrin is also available․ Generic medications are just as effective as brand-name medications, but they are typically less expensive․ Generic Motrin is available in the same dosages and forms as brand-name Motrin․
Benefits of Generic Motrin
There are several benefits to taking generic Motrin instead of brand-name Motrin⁚
- Cost⁚ Generic Motrin is typically less expensive than brand-name Motrin․
- Effectiveness⁚ Generic Motrin is just as effective as brand-name Motrin in relieving pain, inflammation, and fever․
- Safety⁚ Generic Motrin is made with the same active ingredients as brand-name Motrin and has the same safety profile․
When to Choose Generic Motrin
Generic Motrin is a good choice for people who are looking for an effective and affordable way to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever․ Generic Motrin is just as effective as brand-name Motrin, but it is typically less expensive․
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are considering taking generic Motrin, talk to your doctor․ Your doctor can help you decide if generic Motrin is right for you․
Alternatives to Motrin
There are a number of other medications that can be used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever․ Some of these medications are available over-the-counter (OTC), while others require a prescription․
OTC Alternatives to Motrin
Some OTC alternatives to Motrin include⁚
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Aspirin
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Ketoprofen (Orudis KT)
- Fenoprofen calcium (Nalfon)
Prescription Alternatives to Motrin
Some prescription alternatives to Motrin include⁚
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
- Valdecoxib (Bextra)
- Etodolac (Lodine)
Choosing the Right Alternative to Motrin
The best alternative to Motrin for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences․ If you are not sure which alternative is right for you, talk to your doctor․
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer․ It is available in both OTC and prescription forms․ Acetaminophen is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or for long periods of time․
Aspirin
Aspirin is a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory medication․ It is available in both OTC and prescription forms․ Aspirin can cause stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers․ It should not be taken by people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․
Naproxen sodium
Naproxen sodium is a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory medication․ It is available in both OTC and prescription forms․ Naproxen sodium can cause stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers․ It should not be taken by people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․
Ketoprofen
Ketoprofen is a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory medication․ It is available in both OTC and prescription forms․ Ketoprofen can cause stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers․ It should not be taken by people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․
Fenoprofen calcium
Fenoprofen calcium is a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory medication․ It is available in both OTC and prescription forms․ Fenoprofen calcium can cause stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers․ It should not be taken by people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․
Celecoxib
Celecoxib is a prescription pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication․ It is used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute pain․ Celecoxib can cause stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers․ It should not be taken by people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․
Meloxicam
Meloxicam is a prescription pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication․ It is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis․ Meloxicam can cause stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers․ It should not be taken by people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․
Rofecoxib
Rofecoxib is a prescription pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication․ It was used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis․ Rofecoxib was withdrawn from the market in 2004 due to concerns about an increased risk of heart attack and stroke․
Valdecoxib
Valdecoxib is a prescription pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication․ It was used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis․ Valdecoxib was withdrawn from the market in 2005 due to concerns about an increased risk of heart attack and stroke․
Etodolac
Etodolac is a prescription pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication․ It is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis․ Etodolac can cause stomach upset, bleeding, and ulcers․ It should not be taken by people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․
Motrin is a safe and effective medication for the relief of pain, inflammation, and fever․ It is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms․ OTC Motrin is available in 200-mg and 400-mg tablets, as well as in liquid and gelcap forms․ Prescription Motrin is available in 600-mg and 800-mg tablets, as well as in injection form․
Motrin works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain, inflammation, and fever․ Motrin is effective in relieving mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps․ It is also effective in reducing fever․
Motrin is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation․ More serious side effects, such as bleeding, ulcers, and kidney problems, are rare․
Motrin should not be taken by people who are allergic to it, or who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․ It should also be used with caution by people who have asthma, heart disease, or kidney disease․
Motrin can interact with other medications, such as blood thinners, anticoagulants, and diuretics․ It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting Motrin․
Motrin is a safe and effective medication when used as directed․ However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns․
Additional Resources
For more information about Motrin, you can visit the following websites⁚
- Motrin website⁚ https://www․motrin․com/
- Ibuprofen (Motrin) patient information⁚ https://www․patient․info/medicine/ibuprofen-oral-tablets-and-liquid
- National Institute of Health⁚ Ibuprofen⁚ https://www․nichd․nih․gov/health/topics/ibuprofen/conditioninfo/Pages/default․aspx
You can also talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information about Motrin․