Ibuprofen 400mg tablets are a standard strength of a common Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. In many regions, the 400mg strength is available over-the-counter (OTC), while in others, it may require a prescription depending on local healthcare regulations.
Primary Medical Uses
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Pain Relief: Alleviates mild to moderate pain from headaches, toothaches, backaches, and muscle strains.
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Inflammation Reduction: Reduces swelling and joint stiffness caused by conditions like arthritis or minor injuries.
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Period Pain: Provides targeted relief for menstrual cramps and associated discomfort.
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Fever Reduction: Lowers high body temperatures caused by colds, flu, or other infections.
Standard Administration Guidelines
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Dosing Frequency: The typical adult dose is one 400mg tablet taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
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Maximum Daily Limit: Do not exceed 1200mg (3 tablets of 400mg) in a 24-hour period unless explicitly instructed by a doctor.
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Food Requirement: Always take ibuprofen with food, a snack, or a glass of milk to protect your stomach lining from irritation.
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Short-Term Use: Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.
Critical Safety Warning: Apixaban (Apixa Q) Interaction
It is vital to know that you must not take Ibuprofen while taking an anticoagulant like Apixa Q without direct medical approval.
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Severe Bleeding Risk: Both medications affect how your blood behaves. Combining an NSAID (Ibuprofen) with a blood thinner (Apixa Q) heavily increases your risk of dangerous internal bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal (stomach) bleeding and ulcers.
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Safe Alternatives: If you need pain relief while on Apixa Q, paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally considered the safer first-line alternative, but you should verify this with your cardiologist or general practitioner.
Common and Serious Side Effects
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Common: Nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, dizziness, or mild heartburn.
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Severe (Stop taking immediately): Black or tarry stools, coughing up blood, severe stomach pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in your ankles or feet.
