Brufen

What is it?

An NSAID used as an analgesic to treat a variety of disorders and available as tablets, granules and syrup containing propionic acid - ibuprofen: magenta-coloured, oval, sugar-coated tablets are available in 3 strengths; coded BRUFEN (200mg); coded BRUFEN 400 (400mg) and coded BRUFEN 600 (600mg). BRUFEN GRANULES are effervescent, orange-flavoured granules in sachet containing 600mg. BRUFEN SYRUP contains 100mg per 5ml and BRUFEN RETARD, contain 800mg as white, oval film-coated sustained release tablets marked with name.

Medical Uses

Pain and inflammation in such conditions as rheumatic disorders, joint pain, juvenile arthritis, periarticular disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthrosis, post-operative pain, period pain, soft tissue injuries.

Dosage

Adults, tablets and granules, 1200-1800mg each day in divided doses (after food) with a maximum daily dose of 2400mg. A maintenance dose in the region of 600-1200mg may be sufficient. Adults, Brufen Retard, 2 tablets taken in the early evening or 3, in divided dose, if condition is very severe. Children, over 7kg body weight, Brufen tablets, 20mg/kg of body weight each day in divided doses. Junior rheumatoid arthritis, up to 40mg/kg of body weight each day in divided doses. Children, over 7 kg body weight, syrup, age 1 to 2 years, 2.5ml; age 3 to 7 years, 5ml; age 8 to 12 years, 10ml, all repeated up to 3 times each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, nursing mothers, elderly persons, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, heart, liver or kidney disease, previous heart failure or high blood pressure. Patients on longterm therapy should receive monitoring of kidney function.

Avoid Use

Patients with known allergy to aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, those with peptic ulcer. Children under 7kg body weight.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Quinolones, anticoagulants, thiazide diuretics.

Known Side Effects

Gastro-intestinal upset and bleeding, rash, low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All cases of aseptic meningitis should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines.