Identification

• Motrin, or ibuprofen, is a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory class of drugs (NSAIDs) that includes aspirin, Advil, Nuprin, Indoc, Relafen and Medipren, among others. It works by blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are what create the sensation of pain, fever and inflammation in the body. When prostaglandins are lessened, so too are pain, inflammation and fever.
  
  

Common Side Effects

• Common side effects of Motrin include headaches, ringing in the ears, rash, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and constipation, heartburn, drowsiness, dizziness and abdominal pain. It might also cause bloating and gas, itching or rash, nervousness and blurred vision. These are not generally considered severe.
  
  It also limits the clotting ability of blood, so bleeding might be increased after an injury.
  
  

Serious Side Effects

• Side effects that are considered severe and require immediate medical attention include:
  Bloody or black stools
  Rapid weight gain or loss of appetite
  Chest pain or restriction
  Slurred speech
  Vomit that looks like coffee grounds or is bloody
  Difficulty urinating or dark urine
  Fever or chills
  Purple spots on skin
  Convulsions
  Yellowing of the eyes or skin
  Flu or cold-like symptoms (sore throat, fever, headaches) accompanied by a rash that blisters or peels
  
  

Other Concerns

• This type of medicine can reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys, especially in people whose kidneys already are impaired or who have congestive heart failure. It should therefore be used with extra caution.
  
  Anyone allergic to NSAIDs should avoid taking Motrin. An allergic reaction to Motrin can include breathing trouble, hives and swelling of the throat, face, tongue and lips. More serious reactions could include heart attack, edema, blood clots, heart failure or hypertension.
  
  Motrin is not recommended for pregnant women and should never be taken late in term. It can, however, be taken by nursing mothers because it is not excreted in breast milk.
  
  

Interactions

• Motrin taken with lithium can increase levels of lithium to the point of toxicity. It can interact with blood-pressure medicines, lessening the effects of those drugs. Because Motrin thins the blood, it should not be taken in combination with other blood thinners.