Ibuprofen 400mg Tablets
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Ibuprofen 400mg Tablets BP
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each tablet contains Ibuprofen BP 400mg Also contains lactose, sucrose and sunset yellow.
For excipients see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Tablets
Pink, shiny, biconvex, circular, sugar-coated tablets
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Rheumatic or muscular pain, backache, neuralgia, migraine, headache, dental pain, dysmenorrhoea, feverishness, symptoms of colds and influenza.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: 1 tablet to be taken every four hours if necessary, up to three times a day, with or after food. Tablets should be swallowed with water. The dosage should not be repeated more frequently than every four hours and no more than 3 tablets should be taken in any 24 hour period.
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.4).
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the constituents.
Should not be used in patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. asthma, urticaria, angioedema or rhinitis) after taking ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Also contraindicated in patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAID therapy.
Should not be used in patients with active, or history of, recurrent peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).
Should not be given to patients with conditions involving an increased tendency to bleeding.
Contraindicated in patients with severe heart failure (NYHA Class IV), hepatic failure and renal failure (see section 4.4).
Contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6).
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see GI and cardiovascular risks below).
As with other NSAIDs, ibuprofen may mask the signs of infection.
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).
Respiratory disorders
Caution is required if Ibuprofen is administered to patients suffering from, or with a previous history of, bronchial asthma since NSAIDs have been reported to precipitate bronchospasm in such patients.
Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at anytime 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 aspirin, or other drugs likely to increase gastrointestinal risk (see below and section 4.5).
Patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially gastrointestinal 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, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or antiplatelet agents such as aspirin (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 ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease as these conditions may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).
Cardiovascular, renal and hepatic impairment
The administration of an NSAID may cause a dose dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and precipitate renal failure. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function, cardiac impairment, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics and the elderly. Renal function should be monitored in these patients (see also section 4.3).
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). Overall, epidemiological studies do not suggest that low dose ibuprofen (e.g. < 1200 mg/day) 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.
Ibuprofen should be given with care to patients with a history of heart failure or hypertension since oedema has been reported in association with ibuprofen administration.
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).
Paediatric population
There is a risk of renal impairment in dehydrated children and adolescents. Renal effects
Caution should be used when initiating treatment with ibuprofen in patients with considerable dehydration.
As with other NSAIDs, long-term administration of ibuprofen has resulted in renal papillary necrosis and other renal pathologic changes. Renal toxicity has also been seen in patients in whom renal prostaglandins have a compensatory role in the maintenance of renal perfusion. In these patients, administration of an NSAID 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 this reaction are those with impaired renal function, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics and ACE inhibitors and the elderly. Discontinuation of NSAID therapy is usually followed by recovery to the pre-treatment state.
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 and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy. Epidemiological data suggest that use of ibuprofen,
particularly at high a doses (2400mg daily) and in long-term treatment may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction or stroke). Overall, epidemiological studies do not suggest that low dose ibuprofen (e.g. < 1200mg daily) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction.
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with ibuprofen after careful consideration.
Similar consideration should be made before initiating longer-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).
SLE and mixed connective tissue disease
In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disorders there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see below and section 4.8).
Dermatological effects
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk of these reactions early in the course of therapy, the onset of the reaction occurring within the first month of treatment in the majority of cases. Ibuprofen should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Haematological effects
Ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs, can interfere with platelet aggregation and has been shown to prolong bleeding time in normal subjects.
Aseptic meningitis
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.
Impaired female fertility
The use of Ibuprofen may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of Ibuprofen should be considered.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactase malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Care should be taken in patients treated with any of the following drugs as interactions have been reported in some patients.
Antihypertensives, beta-blockers and diuretics: NSAIDs may reduce the effect of anti-hypertensives, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics.
Diuretics can also increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.
Cardiac glycosides: NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma cardiac glycoside levels.
Cholestyramine; The concomitant administration of ibuprofen and cholestyramine may reduce the absorption of ibuprofen in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the clinical significance is unknown.
Lithium: Decreased elimination of lithium.
Methotrexate: NSAIDs may inhibit the tubular secretion of methotrexate and reduce clearance of methotrexate.
Ciclosporin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Mifepristone: A decrease in the efficacy of the medicinal product can theoretically occur due to the antiprostaglandin properties of NSAIDs. Limited evidence suggests that coadministration of NSAIDs on the day of prostaglandin administration does not adversely influence the effects of mifepristone or the prostaglandin on cervical ripening or uterine contractility and does not reduce the clinical efficacy of medicinal termination of pregnancy. NSAIDs should not be used for 8-12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.
Other analgesics and cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs, including Cox-2 inhibitors, as this may increase the risk of adverse effects (see section 4.4).
Acetylsalicylic acid As with other products containing NSAIDs, 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 cardioprotective effect of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid cannot be excluded. No clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional use (see section 5.1).
Corticosteroids: Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding with NSAIDs (see section 4.4).
Anticoagulants: NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anticoagulants, such as warfarin (see section 4.4).
Quinolone antibiotics: Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.
Sulfonylureas: NSAIDs may potentiate the effects of sulfonylurea medications. There have been rare reports of hypoglycaemia in patients on sulfonylurea medications receiving ibuprofen.
Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with NSAIDs (see section 4.4).
Tacrolimus: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus.
Zidovudine: Increased risk of haematological toxicity when NSAIDs are given with zidovudine. There is evidence of an increased risk of haemarthroses and haematoma in HIV(+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.
Aminoglycosides: NSAIDs may decrease the excretion of aminoglycosides.
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.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis may adversely affect the pregnancy and/or embryo/foetal development. Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and of cardiac malformation and gastroschisis after the use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early pregnancy. In animals, the administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor has been shown to result in increased pre- and post-implantation losses 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.
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 or second trimester of pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, all prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may expose the foetus to the following:
• Cardiopulmonary toxicity (with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension)
• Renal dysfunction, which may progress to renal failure with oligohydramnios.
At the end of pregnancy, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may expose the mother and the neonate to the following:
• Possible prolongation of bleeding time
• Inhibition of uterine contractions, which may result in delayed or prolonged labour.
Consequently, Ibuprofen is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Lactation
In the limited studies so far available, NSAIDs can appear in the breast milk in very low concentrations. NSAIDs should, if possible, be avoided when breastfeeding.
See section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use, regarding female fertility.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Undesirable effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue and visual disturbances are possible after taking NSAIDs. If affected, patients should not drive or operate machinery.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Gastrointestinal: 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, haematemesis, ulcerative stomatitis, exacerbation of colitis and Crohn's disease (see section 4.4) have been reported following ibuprofen administration. Less frequently, gastritis has been observed. Gastrointestinal perforation has been rarely reported with ibuprofen use. Pancreatitis has also been reported very rarely.
Epidemiological data indicate that of the seven most widely-used oral non-aspirin NSAIDs, ibuprofen presents the lowest risk of gastrointestinal toxicity.
Cardiovascular: Oedema, hypertension, and cardiac failure have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.
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).
Renal: papillary necrosis which can lead to renal failure.
Other adverse events reported less commonly and for which causality has not necessarily been established include:
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia and haemolytic anaemia.
Psychiatric disorders: Insomnia, anxiety, depression, confusional state, hallucination
Nervous system disorders: Optic neuritis, headache, paraesthesia, dizziness, somnolence, drowsiness
Infections and infestations: Rhinitis and aseptic meningitis (especially in patients with existing autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease) with symptoms of stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation (see section 4.4).
Eye disorders: Visual impairment and toxic optic neuropathy
Ear and labyrinth disorders: Hearing impaired, tinnitus and vertigo
Hepatobiliary disorders: Abnormal liver function, hepatic failure, hepatitis and jaundice
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Bullous reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (very rare), and photosensitivity reaction
Renal and urinary disorders: Impaired renal function and toxic nephropathy in various forms, including interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and renal failure
General disorders and administration site conditions: Malaise, fatigue.
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen. These may consist of (a) non-specific allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, (b) respiratory tract reactivity comprising of asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm or dyspnoea, or (c) assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritis, urticaria, purpura, angiodema and, less commonly, bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
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
4.9 Overdose
Toxicity
Signs and symptoms of toxicity have generally not been observed at doses below 100mg/kg in children or adults. However, supportive care may be needed in some cases. Children have been observed to manifest signs and symptoms of toxicity after ingestion of 400mg/kg or greater.
Symptoms
Most patients who have ingested significant amounts of ibuprofen will manifest symptoms within 4 to 6 hours.
The most frequently reported symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy and drowsiness. Central nervous system (CNS) effects include headache, tinnitus, dizziness, convulsion, and loss of consciousness. Nystagmus, metabolic acidosis, hypothermia, renal effects, gastrointestinal bleeding, coma, apnoea, diarrhoea and depression of the CNS and respiratory system have also been rarely reported. Disorientation, excitation, fainting and cardiovascular toxicity, including hypotension, bradycardia and tachycardia have been reported. In cases of significant overdose, renal failure and liver damage are possible. Large overdoses are generally well tolerated when no other drugs are being taken.
Therapeutic measures
Patients should be treated symptomatically as required. Within one hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount, activated charcoal should be considered. Alternatively, in adults, gastric lavage should be considered within one hour of ingestion of a potentially life-threatening overdose.
Good urine output should be ensured.
Renal and liver function should be closely monitored.
Patients should be observed for at least four hours after ingestion of potentially toxic amounts.
Frequent or prolonged convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam. Other measures may be indicated by the patient's clinical condition.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties ATC Code: M01AE01
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiinflammatory and antirheumatic product, non steroid, propionic acid derivative
Ibuprofen has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties Ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
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 a single dose of ibuprofen 400mg were taken within 8 hours before or within 30 minutes after immediate release acetylsalicylic acid dosing (81mg), a decreased effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred. 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 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).
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Ibuprofen is rapidly absorbed following administration and is rapidly distributed throughout the whole body. The excretion is rapid and complete via the kidneys.
Maximum plasma concentrations are reached 45 minutes after ingestion if taken on an empty stomach. When taken with food peak levels are observed after 1 to 2 hours.
The half-life of Ibuprofen is about 2 hours.
In limited studies Ibuprofen appears in the breast milk in very low concentrations.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
There is no pre-clinical data of relevance to a prescriber which is additional to that already included in other sections of the SmPC.
6.1 List of excipients Tablet core:
Lactose, starch, hypromellose, sodium starch glycollate, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate.
Tablet coating:
Sucrose, talc, starch, titanium dioxide (E171), Mastercote SP0478 (sucrose, titanium dioxide (E171), sunset yellow (E110), erythrosine (E127), sodium benzoate (E211), purified water).
6.2 Incompatibilities
None stated.
6.3 Shelf life
5 years
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store below 25°C.
Blister packaging: Store in the original package.
Securitainer/Pharmapac bottles: Keep the bottle tightly closed.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Ibuprofen Tablets are available in blister packs of 6, 12, 24, 48, 84 and 96 tablets.
Specification details of blister packs:
PVC (white, rigid, opaque): 250 microns Aluminium foil (hard tempered): 20 microns Primer (nitrocellulose): 1.5 -2.5 gsm Heat seal lacquer: 6.5 - 8.5 gsm
The tablets are also available in a Securitainer pack of 250 and in a Pharmapac bottle of 12.
Specification for Securitainer/Pharmapac: High density polypropylene containers with low density polyethylene caps.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
No special requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Flamingo Pharma UK Ltd
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1st Floor, Kirkland House 11-15 Peterborough Road Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX United Kingdom