Motrin
Ibuprofen
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Motrin
Motrin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic medicine. Its mechanism of action lies in inhibiting prostaglandins. Also, the drug inhibits the mobility of leucocytes and phagocytosis.
Motrin influences the functioning of immune system, as it blocks the functioning of leucocyte’s and thymocyte’s receptors, which lies in recognizing specific signals. The effect appears by the end of the first week of treatment. The drug reduces dramatically or eliminates sensitivity, joint pain, improves joint movement, reduces morning stiffness and swelling.
Motrin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract shortly after intake. Maximum plasma concentration is reached after 1-2 hours. The drug is 99 percent bound to plasma proteins and is metabolized hepatically. Elimination half-life for Motrin is about 2 hours.
Therapeutic Uses of Motrin
Ibuprofen is used for treatment of symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis (including juvenile arthritis), rheumatism, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankilozing spondylitis, bursitis, tendinitis, radiculitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), etc.
Not uncommonly, Motrin is used to treat toothache and toothache.
Motrin can be useful during severe menstrual bleeding in patients using intrauterine contraceptives.
Motrin should be used with great care and under direct supervision of a qualified physician, especially if the drug is used in children.
Direction of use of Motrin
Motrin is a prescription medicine, and it is available in the form of a flavored suspension in bottles of 120 ml or 480 ml.
Motrin can be taken with or without food. Shake well before use. Do not use Motrin without prescription.
Please, follow your doctors’ recommendations and keep him/her informed about your condition. If you have any side effects or no effect is observed, stop taking Motrin and notify him/her immediately. Joint problems often require long-term treatment, and it may take months for your body to show signs of improvement.
Dose of Motrin, if Missed
Dosage depends on patients’ age, sex, general condition and a number of individual characteristics mentioned in health records. For adults, the following dosage scheme is most commonly used:
Should any signs of primary dysmenorrhea appear, a dose of 400 mg of Motrin per 4 hours is usually prescribed
For rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, it is recommended to take 1200-3200 mg each day, depending on the degree of response.
If used in children, dosage must be outlined in accordance with body temperature level and individual sensitivity to ibuprofen.
Once the dosage pattern is defined, it is absolutely imperative that you follow it. If you suddenly realized that you have missed a dose, do not take a double dose and wait until it is time to take another one.
How to Store Motrin
Motrin should be stored in a dark and dry place with temperature ranging from 15º to 30ºC (59º to 86ºF). Do not pour the drug down the drain or flush it down the toilet. Contact your local pharmacist or waste disposal organization. Keep the drug safely away from children. Do not use it if the drug’s term of use has expired.
More Information About Motrin
If you have chronic gastrointestinal, kidney or liver diseases, you should use Motrin with extreme caution and under the direction of a qualified doctor. The risk of aggravations increases in cases whereby patients have a history of heart disorders and vision problems.
Combined use of acetylcalicylic acid and Motrin may reduce the drug plasma concentration and therefore mute its anti-inflammatory action. Simultaneous use of Motrin with anticoagulants does not usually cause any serious interactions. However, in this case, it is strongly recommended that you take the drugs under your doctor’s direct supervision.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Motrin
Should your condition suddenly deteriorate due to underlying kidney, liver or heart problems, stop using Motrin and turn to a doctor immediately. He/she may either prescribe a smaller dose or cancel the use of Motrin. Usually, it takes a little while for the aggravations to disappear after you stop taking Ibuprofen.
Like most other NSAIDs, Motrin can inhibit the aggregation of trombocytes and therefore block the process of blood coagulation. Due to its pain-killing and antipyretic effect, it may be difficult to diagnose other diseases, if any.
If you have blurred vision, stop using Motrin and turn to an oculist.
Ibuprofen is more likely to cause aggravations in elderly people. It is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.
Possible Adverse Effects
Most commonly, Motrin triggers gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ulceration, intestinal bleeding, etc. There have been cases of hepatic and renal dysfunction. Sometimes, Motrin triggers allergic reactions, such as hives, Quincke’s edema and allergic asthma.
