What is Motrin?
Motrin is a proprietary name for ibuprofen, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief in a wide range of conditions, particularly where there is inflammation present, as well as for the symptomatic relief of various forms of arthritis, fever and dysmenorrhea. It is also marketed as Brufen, Nurofen, Advil and Nuprin. The World Health Organization has included ibuprofen in its list of essential medications for any basic healthcare system.
How does Motrin work?
Motrin blocks the effects of certain pain transmitting hormones and so can relieve mild and moderate pain. It is also a vasodilator which dilates coronary arteries and certain other blood vessels. It also has an antiplatelet effect but this is less efficient than aspirin or other blood thinning drugs.
What does Motrin look like?
Motrin is available in a large number of proprietary and generic presentations with strength ranging from 50 to 600 mg.
Motrin dosing and administration
The standard self-medication dosage for adults and children older than twelve is 200 mg every four to six hours as needed to relieve pain or reduce fever. This dose may be doubled if the lower dose does not provide relief. No more than 1200 mg of Motrin should be taken in any 24 hours unless prescribed by your doctor. Motrin should not be used for self-medication for more than ten days without medical consultation. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before giving Motrin to children under twelve years of age. For moderate pain or painful menstruation the standard starting dose is 400 mg every four to six hours, but this level of dosage should only be taken with prior medical advice. For relief of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis pain the usual dosage is between 1200 and 3200 mg daily divided into several smaller doses. It is important not to take a higher dose of Motrin than is necessary for pain relief in order to avoid the risk of side effects.
Common adverse effects from Motrin
The most common side effects of Motrin are nausea, stomach pain, dyspepsia, vertigo, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, headache, agitation, tinnitus, anorexia and swelling. More serious side effects are an elevated risk of heart attack or cerebrovascular accident and this risk may increase with long-term Motrin therapy. You should seek urgent medical assistance if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, isolated physical weakness or slurred speech. Other serious side effects of Motrin may include allergic reactions, perforated ulcer, liver or kidney damage, fluid retention or congestive heart failure. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have a nosebleed, melena, blood in the urine, bloody vomit or reddish-purple spots appear on the skin.
Interactions with Motrin
Motrin may have dangerous interaction with warfarin, other NSAIDs, aspirin, lithium, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, methotrexate, beta blockers, corticosteroids, and a number of herbal supplements including dong quai, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, feverfew, ginger and St John’s wart. Preparations containing fish oil may also interact with Motrin.