Type of Drug
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory.

Prescribed for
Relief of pain and inflammation of joints and muscles, fever, arthritis, mild to moderate pain of menstrual cramps, dental surgery and extractions, and athletic injuries such as sprains and strains.

General Information
Ibuprofen is one of several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, or reduce fever. All NSAIDs share the same side effects and may be used by patients who cannot tolerate Aspirin because of its stomach-upsetting effect. Choice of one of these drugs over another depends on disease response, side effects seen in a particular patient, convenience of times to be taken, and cost. Different drugs or different doses of the same drug may be tried until the greatest effectiveness is seen with the fewest side effects (1).

A reduced-strength (200-milligram) Ibuprofen first became available without a prescription in 1984. These products (Advil, Nuprin, and others) are intended for the relief of mild to moderate pain and fever reduction, much the same way Aspirin is used. Ibuprofen is now far and away the most widely purchased over-the-counter drug in America (2).

Cautions and Warnings
Do not take Ibuprofen if you are allergic to this drug, Aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Ibuprofen may cause stomach ulcers. This drug should not be used by patients with severe kidney disease. (3)

Pregnancy /Breast -feeding
This drug crosses into the blood circulation of a developing baby. It has not been found to cause birth defects. Pregnant women, or those who might become pregnant while taking this drug, should not take it without their doctor’s approval. When the drug is considered essential by your doctor, the potential risk of taking the medicine must be carefully weighed against the benefit it might produce. Ibuprofen may also make labor longer. (4)

This drug passes into breast milk, but has caused no problems among breast-fed infants. You must consider the potential effect on the nursing infant if breast-feeding while taking this medicine.

Seniors
Older adults are more sensitive to the stomach, kidney, and liver effects of this drug. Some doctors recommend that persons 70 and older take half the usual dose. Follow your doctor’s directions and report any side effects at once.

Possible Side Effects
The most frequent side effects are stomach upset, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and ringing in the ears.

Other side effects include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas in the stomach, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, dark stool, nervousness, insomnia, depression, confusion, tremor, loss of appetite, fatigue, itching, rash, double vision, abnormal heart rhythm, anemia or other changes in the composition of the blood, changes in liver function, loss of hair, tingling in the hands and feet, fever, breast enlargement, lowered blood sugar, effects on the kidneys. If symptoms appear, stop taking the medicine and see your doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions
Ibuprofen increases the action of Phenytoin, sulfa drugs, antidiabetics, and anticoagulants. If you are taking any of these medicines, be sure to discuss it with your doctor, who will probably change the dose of the other drug.

An adjustment in the dose of Ibuprofen may be needed if you take Phenobarbital.

Food Interactions
Take with meals to reduce stomach upset. (5)

Usual Dose
800 to 1600 or even 3200 milligrams per day.

Overdosage
Symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, lethargy, tingling in the hands or feet, numbness, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, stomach pains, headache, ringing or buzzing in the ears, sweating and blurred vision. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room at once for treatment. Always bring the medicine bottle with you.

Special Information
Avoid Aspirin and alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.(6)

Comments

Common dosage of human drugs used on horses are dosed by horsemen usually about five times the human dosage. One has to remember that in the hospitals there is an 800 milligram pill available. I’ve seen people giving horses about 15 to 25 200mg pills.
If this is so, why don’t we share it with the horses more?
I would not use it in a horse that has or has had some kidney problems. All in all, you should ask your veterinarian for his opinion when using this drug on horses. However, he may be bound by certain protocols.
In comparison with Butazolidin it seems to be far less toxic.
Horses seem to eat Ibuprofen mixed with their food much better than Butazolidin.
Somewhat different in the “Special Information” section than the Butazolidin.

Noticed Effects

I have seen Ibuprofen used for the first time in the early 80s on a horse with severe navicular problems. The horse received five 800mg pills every morning before exercise for several weeks. I have not noticed then any unusual problems, side effects, nervousness, eating disorder etc. To this day I have seen mainly professionals use this drug. I have not noticed anything unusual in the horses.

Conclusion

I am not suggesting in any way, that you use this medication for horses. You should always contact your veterinarian and consult with him. However this product could prove to be very helpful in emergency situations where there is no vet on hand when needed, since Ibuprofen is available over the counter just about anywhere.

I believe that this drug should be made available for horses and legalized for the use on racehorses and other performance animals. Ibuprofen is much less abusive than Butazolidin and more effective for horses running sometimes in pain. Athletes take it, why not horses!

It will show in the blood test where horses are tested for performance enhancing drugs! Ibuprofen starts to have effect within 15 to 30 minutes as against Butazolidin needs several hours. However Butazolidin works well into the 16 hour range, while the Ibuprofen lasts only about four hours.