Generic name: ibuprofen injection [ EYE-bue-proe-fen ]
Brand names: Caldolor, NeoProfen
Dosage forms: intravenous solution ((as lysine) 10 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL, 800 mg/200 mL)
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 5, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce fever and treat pain.

Neoprofen is used in premature babies to treat a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (an abnormal blood vessel opening that normally closes shortly after birth).

Ibuprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ibuprofen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using ibuprofen and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• changes in your vision;

• swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears;

• little or no urination;

• high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or

• signs of stomach bleeding--stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

If your baby has been treated with Neoprofen, tell the doctor at once if the baby has:

• signs of infection such as fever, chills, fussiness;

• unusual bleeding; or

• bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, or irritation around the IV needle.

Common side effects of ibuprofen injection may include:

• nausea, vomiting, gas;

• headache; or

• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use ibuprofen injection just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This can occur without warning, especially in older adults.

You should not be treated with ibuprofen if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• liver or kidney disease;

• fluid retention; or

• a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, or lupus.

If you are pregnant, you should not take ibuprofen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How is ibuprofen injection given?

Ibuprofen is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are receiving ibuprofen injection.

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving ibuprofen?

Avoid taking aspirin while you are receiving ibuprofen, unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to ibuprofen (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect ibuprofen?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• lithium;

• methotrexate;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill";

• a salicylate (diflunisal, salsalate, and others); or

• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ibuprofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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