Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter medication frequently used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and alleviate inflammation. While readily available, it’s crucial to use it responsibly to ensure safety and effectiveness. Pharmacists play a vital role in guiding individuals on the appropriate use of medications like ibuprofen. As Danyelle Cristine Marini, director of CRF-SP (Regional Council of Pharmacy of São Paulo), emphasizes, pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can provide essential guidance, identify potential risks, and direct patients to medical doctors when necessary.
To ensure the safe and effective use of ibuprofen at home, consider these essential guidelines:
Safe Use of Ibuprofen at Home
- Check the Expiration Date: Always be mindful of the medication’s expiration date, typically 24 months from manufacturing. Once opened, the medication’s shelf life may shorten.
- Read the Label and Instructions: Carefully review the package insert or instructions for proper usage and dosage.
- Swallow Tablets Whole: Ingest ibuprofen tablets whole. Avoid crushing or cutting them, as this could potentially cause irritation to your mouth or throat.
- Limit Prolonged Use: Avoid extended use of ibuprofen, especially if you have gastritis or ulcers. Unless specifically directed by a doctor for prolonged use, limit self-medication to a maximum of 5 days. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice promptly to investigate the underlying cause.
- Purchase Appropriate Quantities: Opt to buy medication in quantities that match your intended use to minimize leftover medication.
- Respect Daily Dosage Limits: Adhere to the daily dosage limits indicated on the packaging or as advised by a healthcare professional.
- Store Properly: Store ibuprofen in a location protected from light and humidity. Kitchens and bathrooms are generally not ideal due to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Maintain a room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).
- Store Out of Reach of Children: Keep medications in high or secured compartments to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
- Dispose of Unused Medication Properly: Inquire about medication disposal programs at local pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies. Many offer collection programs for unused medicines.
- Avoid Improper Disposal: Do not dispose of medications in household trash or toilets. Empty glass and plastic containers, as well as cardboard packaging, can typically be recycled through regular recycling programs.
For more comprehensive information, consult resources from reputable health organizations. The Ministry of Health provides guidelines on the rational use of medications, and organizations like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) offer detailed information on ibuprofen and other drugs.
Sources: Fernanda Cristina Ostrowski Sales, pharmacist, biochemist, Master in Health Technology from PUC-PR (Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná); Danyelle Cristine Marini, director of CRF-SP (Regional Council of Pharmacy of São Paulo); Marco Aurélio Janaudis, general practitioner and family doctor, director of Sobramfa (Medical Education and Humanism).
Technical Review: Danyelle Cristine Marini.
References: Ministry of Health; Cartilha para a promoção do uso racional de medicamentos. Ministry of Health. 2015; FDA (Food and Drug Administration); Rabia Bushra and Nousheen Aslam. An Overview of Clinical Pharmacology of Ibuprofen. OMJ. 2010; Vincent Trung H. Ngo; Tushar Bajaj. Ibuprofen. Stat Pearls. NCBI. 2019.
