Ibuprofen 400 mg film-coated tablets (PL 16363/0526)

Short-term symptomatic treatment of

Mild to moderate pain, such as headache including migraine headache, dental pain.

Primary dysmenorrhoea.

Fever.

Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.4).

This product is for short-term use only, in adults without medical advice not longer than 3 days in migraine headache and fever or not longer than 4 days in pain and dysmenorrhea. If symptoms persist or worsen a doctor should be consulted. If an adolescent requires this medicinal product for more than 3 days, or if symptoms worsen, a doctor should be consulted.

The ibuprofen dose depends on the patient's age and body weight.

The tablet should be swallowed with a glass of water during or after a meal. It is recommended, that patients with a sensitive stomach take ibuprofen during a meal.

Mild to moderate pain and fever

Adults and adolescents ≥ 40 kg body weight (12 years and above):

200-400 mg given as a single dose or 3-4 times a day with an interval of 6 hours as required. The dosage in migraine headache should be: 400 mg given as a single dose, if necessary 400 mg with intervals of 6 hours.

The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1200 mg.

Primary dysmenorrhoea

Adults and adolescents ≥ 40 kg body weight (12 years of age and above):

200-400 mg 1-3 times a day, with an interval of 6 hours, as needed. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1200 mg.

Paediatric population

Ibuprofen should not be given to children younger than 12 years.

Elderly

NSAIDs should be used with particular caution in elderly patients who are more prone to adverse events and are at increased risk of potentially fatal gastrointestinal haemorrhage, ulceration or perforation (see section 4.4). If treatment is considered necessary, the lowest dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms should be used. Treatment should be reviewed at regular intervals and discontinued if no benefit is seen or intolerance occurs.

Impaired renal function

In patients with mild or moderate reduction of renal function, the dose should be kept as low as possible for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms and renal function monitored. (For patients with severe renal failure see section 4.3).

Impaired liver function

In patients with mild or moderate reduction of liver function the dose should be kept as low as possible for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms and renal function monitored. (For patients with severe liver failure see section 4.3).

Ibuprofen is contraindicated in patients with:

- hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1

- previous hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. asthma, rhinitis, urticaria or angioedema) in response to acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs

- history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy

- active, or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding)

- severe renal failure or severe hepatic failure (see section 4.4).

- severe heart failure (NYHA Class IV)

- last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6)

- significant dehydration (caused by vomiting, diarrhoea or insufficient fluid intake)

- cerebrovascular or other active bleeding

- unclarified blood-formation disturbances

Ibuprofen is contraindicated in children younger than 12 years of age.

The use of Ibuprofen with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided due to the increased risk of ulceration or bleeding (see section 4.5).

Asthmatic patients are to seek their doctor's advice before using ibuprofen (see below).

Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.2, and GI and cardiovascular risks below). Patients treated with NSAIDs long term should undergo regular medical supervision to monitor for adverse events.

Ibuprofen should only be administered under strict consideration of the benefit-risk ratio in the following conditions:

- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or mixed connective tissue diseases.

- Congenital disturbance of porphyrin metabolism (e.g. acute intermittent porphyria)

- The first and second trimester of pregnancy

- Lactation

Special care has to be taken in the following cases:

- Gastrointestinal diseases including chronic inflammatory intestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)

- Cardiac insufficiency and hypertension

- Reduced renal function

- Hepatic dysfunction

- Disturbed haematopoiesis

- Blood coagulation defects

- Allergies, hay fever, chronic swelling of nasal mucosa, adenoids, chronic obstructive airway disease or bronchial asthma

- Immediately after major surgical interventions

Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation

GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events.

The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see section 4.3), and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available.

Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, or other medicinal products likely to increase gastrointestinal risk. (See below and section 4.5). Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of treatment.

Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as acetylsalicylic acid (see section 4.5).

When GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving Ibuprofen, the treatment should be withdrawn.

NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as their condition may be exacerbated. (See section 4.8).

Elderly

The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs, especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal (see section 4.2).

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects

Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and/or mild to moderate congestive heart failure as fluid retention, hypertension and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.

Clinical studies suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at a high doses (2400 mg/day) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). Overall, epidemiological studies do not suggest that low-dose ibuprofen (e.g. ≤ 1200 mg daily) is associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events.

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure (NYHA II III), established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with ibuprofen after careful consideration and high doses (2400 mg/day) should be avoided.

Careful consideration should also be exercised before initiating long-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking), particularly if high doses of ibuprofen (2400 mg/day) are required.

Kounis Syndrome

Cases of Kounis syndrome have been reported in patients treated with ibuprofen. Kounis syndrome has been defined as cardiovascular symptoms secondary to an allergic or hypersensitive reaction associated with constriction of coronary arteries and potentially leading to myocardial infarction.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), , including exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS Syndrome), and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported in association with the use of ibuprofen (see section 4.8). Most of these reactions occurred within the first month. If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear ibuprofen should be withdrawn immediately and an alternative treatment considered (as appropriate).

Exceptionally, varicella can be at the origin of serious cutaneous and soft tissues infectious complications. To date, the contributing role of NSAIDs in the worsening of these infections cannot be ruled out. Thus, it is advisable to avoid use of Ibuprofen in case of varicella.

Masking of symptoms of underlying infections

Ibuprofen can mask symptoms of infection, which may lead to delayed initiation of appropriate treatment and thereby worsening the outcome of the infection. This has been observed in bacterial community acquired pneumonia and bacterial complications to varicella. When Ibuprofen is administered for fever or pain relief in relation to infection, monitoring of infection is advised. In nonhospital settings, the patient should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Renal effect

Ibuprofen may cause the retention of sodium, potassium and fluid in patients who have not previously suffered from renal disorders because of its effect on renal perfusion. This may cause oedema or even lead to cardiac insufficiency or hypertension in predisposed patients.

Renal tubular acidosis and hypokalaemia may occur following acute overdose and in patients taking ibuprofen products over long periods at high doses (typically greater than 4 weeks), including doses exceeding the recommended daily dose.

As with other NSAIDs, the prolonged administration of ibuprofen to animals has resulted in renal papillary necrosis and other pathological renal changes. In humans, there have been reports of acute interstitial nephritis with haematuria, proteinuria and occasionally nephrotic syndrome. Cases of renal toxicity have also been observed in patients in whom prostaglandins play a compensatory role in the maintenance of renal perfusion. In these patients, administration of NSAIDs may cause a dose-dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and, secondarily, in renal blood flow, which may precipitate overt renal decompensation. Patients at greatest risk of suffering this reaction are those with renal dysfunction, heart failure, hepatic dysfunction, those taking diuretics and ACE inhibitors and the elderly. Discontinuation of NSAID treatment is generally followed by recovery to the pre-treatment state.

Hepatic:

Hepatic dysfunction (see sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.8).

SLE and mixed connective tissue disease

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue diseases there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis.

Aseptic meningitis

Symptoms of aseptic meningitis, such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation have been observed.

Aseptic meningitis has been observed on rare occasions in patients on ibuprofen therapy. Although it is probably more likely to occur in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and related connective tissue diseases, it has been reported in patients who do not have an underlying chronic disease.

Other precautions

Severe acute hypersensitivity reactions (for example anaphylactic shock) are observed very rarely. At the first signs of hypersensitivity reaction after taking/administering ibuprofen therapy must be stopped. Medically required measures, in line with the symptoms, must be initiated by specialist personnel.

Bronchospasm, urticaria or angioedema may be precipitated in patients suffering from or with a previous history of bronchial asthma, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, adenoids or allergic diseases. Ibuprofen may mask the signs or symptoms of an infection (fever, pain and swelling).

Prolonged use of any type of painkiller for headaches can make them worse. If this situation is experienced or suspected, medical advice should be obtained and treatment should be discontinued. The diagnosis of medication overuse headache (MOH) should be suspected in patients who have frequent or daily headaches despite (or because of) the regular use of headache medications.

In general the habitual intake of analgesics, particularly the combination use of different analgesic substances, may cause permanent renal damage and a risk of renal failure (analgesics nephropathy). Ibuprofen may temporarily inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong the bleeding time. Therefore, patients with coagulation defects or on anticoagulant therapy should be observed carefully.

In case of long-term treatment with ibuprofen a periodical monitoring of hepatic and renal function as well as the blood count is necessary, especially in high risk patients.

Consumption of alcohol should be avoided since it may intensify side effects of NSAIDs, especially if affecting the gastrointestinal tract or the central nervous system.

Patients on ibuprofen should report to their doctor signs or symptoms of gastro-intestinal ulceration or bleeding, blurred vision or other eye symptoms, skin rash, weight gain or oedema.

Paediatric population

There is a risk of renal impairment in dehydrated adolescents.

Excipient

Ibuprofen film-coated tablets contain sodium: This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 200 mg/ 400 mg film-coated tablets, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

Concomitant use of ibuprofen and the following substances should be avoided:

Acetylsalicylic acid:

“ Concomitant administration of ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects” . Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may competitively inhibit the effect of low dose acetylsalicylic acid on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. Although there are uncertainties regarding extrapolation of these data to the clinical situation, the possibility that regular, long-term use of ibuprofen may reduce the cardio protective effect of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid cannot be excluded.

No clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use (see section 5.1).

Other NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase- 2 selective inhibitors:

As a result of synergistic effects, the concurrent use of several NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and haemorrhage. Co-administration of ibuprofen with other NSAIDs should therefore be avoided (see section 4.4).

Anti-coagulants:

NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anticoagulants, such as warfarin or heparin (see section 4.4). In case of simultaneous treatment, monitoring of the coagulation state is recommended.

Methotrexate:

NSAID inhibits the tubular secretion of methotrexate and certain metabolic interactions can occur resulting in decreased clearance of methotrexate. The administration of Ibuprofen within 24 hours before or after the administration of methotrexate can lead to an elevated concentration of methotrexate and an increase in its toxic effects. Therefore, concomitant use of NSAIDs and high doses of methotrexate should be avoided. Also, the potential risk of interactions in low dose treatment with methotrexate should be considered, especially in patients with impaired renal function. In combined treatment, renal function should be monitored.

Ibuprofen (like other NSAIDs) should be taken only with caution in combination with the following substances:

Digoxin, phenytoin and lithium:

Co-administration of ibuprofen with digoxin, phenytoin or lithium preparations can increase the serum level of these medicinal products. Checking the serum lithium level, serum digoxin and serum phenytoin levels is generally not required on correct use (over 3 or 4 days maximum).

Diuretics and antihypertensives:

NSAIDs can reduce the effect of diuretics and antihypertensives, including ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers and angiotensin-II antagonists. In patients with reduced kidney function (e.g. dehydrated patients or elderly patients with reduced kidney function), the concomitant use of an ACE inhibitor, beta blocker or angiotension II antagonist with a cyclooxygenase-inhibiting medicinal product can lead to further impairment of kidney function and through to acute renal failure. This is usually reversible. Such combination should therefore only be used with caution, especially in elderly patients. The patients have to be instructed to drink sufficient liquid and periodic monitoring of the kidney values should be considered for the time immediately after the start of the combination therapy.

The concomitant administration of ibuprofen and potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE-inhibitors can result in hyperkalaemia. Careful monitoring of potassium levels is necessary.

Captopril:

Experimental studies indicate that ibuprofen counteracts the effect of captopril of increased sodium excretion.

Aminoglycosides:

NSAIDs can slow down the elimination of aminoglycosides and increase their toxicity.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4).

Ciclosporine:

The risk of kidney damage by ciclosporin is increased by the concomitant administration of certain NSAIDs. This effect cannot be ruled out for the combination of ciclosporine and ibuprofen, either.

Cholestyramine:

Concomitant treatment with cholestyramine and ibuprofen results in prolonged and reduced (25%) absorption of ibuprofen. The medicinal products should be administered with at least one hour interval.

Tacrolimus:

Elevated risk of nephrotoxicity.

Zidovudine:

There is evidence of an increased risk of haemarthrosis and haematoma in HIV positive haemophilia patients receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen. There may be an increased risk of haematotoxicity during concomitant use of zidovudine and NSAIDs. Blood counts 1-2 weeks after starting use together are recommended.

Ritonavir:

May increase the plasma concentrations of NSAIDs.

Mifepristone:

If NSAIDs are used within 8-12 days after mifepristone administration they can reduce the effect of mifepristone.

Probenecid or sulfinpyrazone:

May cause a delay in the elimination of ibuprofen. The uricosuric action of these substances is decreased.

Herbal extracts:

Ginkgo biloba may potentiate the risk of bleeding with NSAIDs.

CYP2C9 Inhibitors:

Concomitant administration of ibuprofen with CYP2C9 inhibitors may increase the exposure to ibuprofen (CYP2C9 substrate). In a study with voriconazole and fluconazole (CYP2C9 inhibitors) an increased S (+) ibuprofen exposure by approximately 80 to 100% has been shown. Reduction of the ibuprofen dose should be considered when potent CYP2C9 inhibitors are administered concomitantly, particularly when high-dose ibuprofen is administered with either voriconazole or fluconazole.

Quinolone antibiotics:

Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.

Sulphonylureas:

NSAIDs can increase the hypoglycemic effect of sulphonylureas. In the case of simultaneous treatment, monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended.

Corticosteroids:

Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (see section 4.4).

Anti-platelet aggregation agents (e.g. clopidogrel and ticlopidine):

Increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4).

Alcohol, bisphosphonates and oxpentifylline (pentoxyflline):

May potentiate the GI side-effects and the risk of bleeding and ulceration.

Baclofen:

Elevated baclofen toxicity.

Pregnancy

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis may adversely affect the pregnancy and/or the embryo/foetal development. Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and of cardiac malformation and gastroschisis after use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early pregnancy. The absolute risk for cardiovascular malformation was increased from less than 1%, up to approximately 1.5%. The risk is believed to increase with dose and duration of therapy. In animals, administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor has been shown to result in increased pre- and post- implantation loss and embryo-foetal lethality. In addition, increased incidences of various malformations, including cardiovascular, have been reported in animals given a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor during the organogenetic period. From the 20th week of pregnancy onward, ibuprofen use may cause oligohydramnios resulting from foetal renal dysfunction. This may occur shortly after treatment initiation and is usually reversible upon discontinuation. In addition, there have been reports of ductus arteriosus constriction following treatment in the second trimester, most of which resolved after treatment cessation. Therefore, during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, Ibuprofen should not be given unless clearly necessary. If Ibuprofen is used by a woman attempting to conceive, or during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible. Antenatal monitoring for oligohydramnios and ductus arteriosus constriction should be considered after exposure to ibuprofen for several days from gestational week 20 onward. Ibuprofen should be discontinued if oligohydramnios or ductus arteriosus constriction are found.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, all prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may expose the foetus to:

- cardiopulmonary toxicity (premature constriction/ closure of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension);

- renal dysfunction (see above);

the mother and the neonate, at the end of pregnancy to:

- possible prolongation of bleeding time, an anti-aggregating effect which may occur even at very low doses.

- inhibition of uterine contractions resulting in delayed or prolonged labour.

Consequently ibuprofen is contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy (see sections 4.3).

Breastfeeding

Ibuprofen is excreted in breast milk, but with therapeutic doses during short term treatment the risk for influence on infant seems unlikely. If, however, longer treatment is prescribed, early weaning should be considered.

Fertility

There is some evidence that medicinal products which inhibit cyclo- oxygenase/prostaglandin synthesis may cause impairment of female fertility by an affect on ovulation. This is reversible on withdrawal of treatment.

Ibuprofen generally has no adverse effects on the ability to drive and use machinery. However since at high dosage side effects such as fatigue, somnolence, vertigo (reported as common) and visual disturbances (reported as uncommon) may be experienced, the ability to take part actively in road traffic or operate machinery may be impaired in individual cases. This effect is potentiated by simultaneous consumption of alcohol.

With the following adverse drug reactions, it must be accounted for that they are predominantly dose- dependent and vary interindividually.

The most commonly observed adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature. Peptic ulcers, perforation or GI bleeding, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly, may occur (see section 4.4). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, melaena, heamatemesis, ulcerative stomatits, exacerbation of colitis and Crohn's disease (see section 4.4) have been reported following administration. Less frequently, gastritis has been observed.

Clinical studies suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at a high dose (2400 mg/day) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) (see section 4.4).

Oedema, hypertension, and cardiac failure, have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.

The list of the following undesirable effects comprises all undesirable effects that have become known under treatment with ibuprofen, also those under high-dose long-term therapy in rheumatism patients. The stated frequencies, which extend beyond very rare reports, refer to the short-term use of daily doses up to a maximum of 1,200 mg ibuprofen for oral dosage forms and a maximum of 1,800 mg for suppositories.

Assessment of adverse reactions is normally based on the following occurrence frequency:

Very common (≥ 1/10)

Common (≥ 1/100 to <1/10)

Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100)

Rare (≥ 1/10,000 to <1/1,000)

Very rare (<1/10,000)

Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

*Renal tubular acidosis and hypokalaemia have been reported in the post-marketing setting typically following prolonged use of the ibuprofen component at higher than recommended doses.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Symptoms

Most patients who have ingested clinically important amounts of NSAIDs will develop no more than nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, or more rarely, diarrhoea. Nystagmus, blurred vision, tinnitus, headache and gastrointestinal bleeding may also occur. In more serious poisoning, toxicity is seen in the central nervous system, manifesting as vertigo, dizziness, drowsiness, occasionally excitation and disorientation, loss of consciousness or coma. Occasionally patients develop convulsions. Children may also develop myoclonic cramps. In serious poisoning metabolic acidosis may occur, hypothermia and hyperkalaemia may also occur and the prothrombin time/INR may be prolonged, probably due to interference with the actions of circulating clotting factors. Acute renal failure, liver damage, hypotension, respiratory depression and cyanosis may occur. Exacerbation of asthma is possible in asthmatics.

Prolonged use at higher than recommended doses or overdose may result in renal tubular acidosis and hypokalaemia. Symptoms may include reduced level of consciousness and generalised weakness (see section 4.4 and section 4.8).

Treatment

Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive and include the maintenance of a clear airway and monitoring of cardiac and vital signs until stable. Gastric emptying or oral administration of activated charcoal is indicated if the patient presents within one hour of ingestion of more than 400 mg per kg of body weight. If ibuprofen has already been absorbed, alkaline substances should be administered to promote the excretion of the acid ibuprofen in the urine. If frequent or prolonged, convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam or lorazepam. Bronchodilators should be given for asthma. No specific antidote is available.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products, non-steroids; propionic acid derivatives. ATC code: M01AE01

Ibuprofen is a NSAID that possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity. Animal models for pain and inflammation indicate that ibuprofen effectively inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins. In humans, ibuprofen reduces pain possibly caused by inflammation or connected with it, swelling and fever. Ibuprofen exerts an inhibitory effect on prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting the activity of cyclo-oxygenase. In addition ibuprofen has an inhibitory effect on ADP (adenosine diphosphate) or collagen stimulated platelet aggregation.

Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may competitively inhibit the effect of low dose acetylsalicylic acid on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. Some pharmacodynamic studies show that when single doses of ibuprofen 400 mg were taken within 8 h before or within 30 min after immediate release acetylsalicylic acid dosing (81 mg), a decreased effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred. Although there uncertainties regarding extrapolation of these data to the clinical situation, the possibility that regular, long-term use of ibuprofen may reduce the cardioprotective effect of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid cannot be excluded.

No clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use (see section 4.5).

Ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the uterus, thereby reducing intrauterine rest and active pressure, the periodic uterine contractions and the amount of prostaglandins released into the circulation. These changes are assumed to explain the alleviation of menstrual pain. Ibuprofen inhibits renal prostaglandin synthesis which can lead to renal insufficiency, fluid retention and heart failure in risk patients (see section 4.3).

Prostaglandins are connected with ovulation and the use of medicinal products inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis may therefore affect the fertility of women (see section 4.4, 4.6 and 5.3).

Absorption

Ibuprofen is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, peak serum concentrations occurring 1-2 hours after administration.

Distribution

Ibuprofen is rapidly distributed throughout the whole body. The plasma protein binding is approximately 99%.

Biotransformation

Ibuprofen is metabolised in the liver (hydroxylation, carboxylation).

Elimination

The elimination half-life is approximately 2.5 hours in healthy individuals. Pharmacologically inactive metabolites are mainly excreted (90%) by the kidneys but also in bile.

As a well-established and widely used product, the pre-clinical safety of ibuprofen is well documented.

Ibuprofen's sub chronic and chronic toxicity was mainly shown by animal tests as gastric tract damage and ulcers.

The vitro and in vivo tests have not shown any clinically significant signs about ibuprofen's mutagenicity. Furthermore no carcinogenic effects have been observed in mice and rats.

Ibuprofen inhibits ovulation in rabbits and impairs implantation in various animal species (rabbit, rat, and mouse). In reproduction tests undertaken with rats and rabbits, ibuprofen passed across the placenta. When using doses toxic to the mother, malformations occur more frequently (i.e. ventricular septum defects).

Tablet core

Maize Starch

Starch, Pregelatinised (Maize starch)

Silica, colloidal anhydrous

Croscarmellose sodium

Talc

Stearic Acid

Film coating

Talc (E553b)

Polyvinyl alcohol

Macrogol 3350 (E1521)

Titanium dioxide (E171).

Not applicable.

3 years

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

Ibuprofen film-coated tablets are packaged in clear PVC– Aluminum foil blister pack.

Pack sizes:

Blisters: 10, 20, 24, 50, 56, 84 & 100 film-coated tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.