What is Motrin?
Motrin IB (ibuprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain. It is commonly used to treat various conditions such as headaches, toothaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and minor injuries. Motrin IB is prescribed for adults and children over the age of 12.
Motrin Uses
- Treats pain from headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and arthritis.
- Reduces fever and treats minor aches and pains caused by the common cold or flu.
- Works by inhibiting the production of certain natural substances in your body that cause inflammation, reducing swelling, pain, and fever.
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Get A Second OpinionHow to Use Motrin Oral
- For over-the-counter use: Follow all directions on the product package.
- For prescription use: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before beginning treatment and when you get a refill.
- Take orally every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters).
- Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.
- If stomach upset occurs, take with food, milk, or an antacid.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Take at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects.
- For children, the dose is determined by weight.
Missed Dose
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose.
- Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
Motrin Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Cloudy urine
- Decreased urine output
- Diarrhea
- Excess gas
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Itching skin
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pale skin
- Nausea
- Rash
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of face, fingers, hands
- Unusual bleeding
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention):
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Symptoms of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
- Symptoms of liver problems (such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin)
- Severe headache, dizziness, vision changes
- Symptoms of heart failure (such as swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain)
Precautions
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms.
- Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor instructs you.
- Ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of aspirin taken to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, which can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Older adults may be more likely to experience stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, or stroke.
- Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are of childbearing age, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Products that may interact with Motrin include aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril and lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan and valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), lithium, and "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide).
- Combining this medication with other drugs that cause bleeding increases the risk of bleeding. Examples include antiplatelet drugs (such as clopidogrel) and "blood thinners" (such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin).
Storage
- Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
- Keep out of the bathroom.
- Keep all medications out of the reach of children.
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Book an AppointmentMotrin vs. Advil
Motrin:
- An NSAID that lowers hormones causing inflammation and pain.
- Used to treat pain from various conditions such as headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, arthritis, fever, and minor aches and pains from the common cold or flu.
- Prescribed for adults and children over 12.
Advil:
- An NSAID that works similarly by lowering hormones causing inflammation and pain.
- Used to treat pain and inflammation from various conditions including headaches, toothaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and minor injuries.
- Prescribed for adults and children over the age of two. Consult a doctor if your child is under two years old.
