Motrin is the brand name for the generic drug Ibuprofen and it is manufactured by Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals. It is an NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and it is available in tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, suspension and oral drops. The tablets come in 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg while the chewable ones are available in 50 mg and 100 mg. The capsules come in a 200 mg form while the oral drops are available in 40 mg. The suspension comes in 100 mg.
Indications
Motrin is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to reduce the pain and the swelling. As it is a pain reliever, it is also prescribed for backaches, headaches, injuries, menstrual pain, post-dental work pain and of course for all types of arthritis. As it also brings down fever, it is used in everyday cures for ailments like colds and flu.
Action
The action of this drug is useful in mild to moderate pain, fever and swelling. It acts on certain enzymes, decreasing their action and preventing them from producing prostaglandins. These are the chemicals that are responsible for inflammation and as soon as their production is curbed, the pain and fever as well as the swelling come down.
Side Effects
As with other NSAIDs, this drug too has its share of side effects which range from mild to moderate to serious. So you could experience stomach aches, diarrhea, nausea and maybe vomiting, acid reflux, headaches, dizzy spells, a rash on the skin, itchiness and weakness. There could be more than normal urination, stiff neck problems and ringing in the ears. The side effects could also be more serious and there could be intestinal ulcers and bleeding which could lead to dark colored stools, heart, liver and kidney complications, hypertension and blood clots. Vision impairment, hearing loss, shortness of breath and weight gain are also side effects that could occur.
Caution
If you find that stomach problems come on with this medication, you should eat something or drink milk before taking it. This minimizes the chances of diarrhea or constipation and also of ulcers. It should be drunk down with a glass full of water and it helps if you rest for half an hour after that. When this drug is used in arthritis, very often, it takes a couple of weeks for the relief to be felt to the full but there is a lot of difference in the pain. This drug should not be self prescribed, especially in young children. It should also be given under the doctor’s guidance when there is a history of allergies. Alcohol and tobacco should be avoided as far as possible, so should too much exposure to the sun. Sun lamps and tanning booths should also be avoided as the skin tends to become more sensitive.
Contraindications
This medication is contraindicated in patients who have heart, kidney or liver problems. It should also not be used for the pain after a bypass procedure. It should as far as possible be avoided by pregnant women and nursing mothers.