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NSAID — Non-selective COX Inhibitor

Ibuprofen (Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Pain)

Brand names: Brufen, Nurofen, Calprofen (paediatric)

Ibuprofen is a propionic-acid NSAID used for mild-to-moderate orthopaedic musculoskeletal pain and inflammation such as sprains, strains, soft-tissue injury and osteoarthritic flares.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It non-selectively inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and thereby pain, inflammation and fever.

Prescribing in practice

  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and consider gastroprotection in those at risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, the elderly or those on other NSAIDs.
  • Caution in cardiovascular disease, heart failure, renal impairment and asthma; avoid in active peptic ulceration and the third trimester of pregnancy.
  • Interactions with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, SSRIs, diuretics and ACE inhibitors increase bleeding and renal risk; concurrent low-dose aspirin may have its cardioprotection blunted.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure, renal function and for gastrointestinal symptoms in prolonged use or at-risk patients.

Counselling the patient

  • Take with food and use only as long as needed.
  • Report indigestion, black stools or vomiting blood.
  • Avoid taking other NSAIDs at the same time.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE and MHRA advise the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest duration because of dose-related gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular risks.

Reference: MHRA NSAID Cardiovascular Safety Update; NICE Musculoskeletal Pain Guidelines; SPC Brufen; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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