Unichem Extra Strength Ibuprofen 400mg Tablets
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Ibuprofen 400mg Tablets Moss Extra Strength Ibuprofen 400mg Tablets Unichem Extra Strength Ibuprofen 400mg Tablets Extra Strength Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablets
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each tablet contains Ibuprofen BP 400mg For excipients, see 6.1
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Coated tablets
White film coated tablets with the letter “I” as an identification mark on one face.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Ibuprofen is indicated for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and other non-rheumatoid (seronegative) arthropathies.
In non-articular rheumatic conditions, Ibuprofen is indicated in periarticular conditions such as frozen shoulder (capsulitis), bursitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis and low back pain; Ibuprofen can also be used in soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains.
Ibuprofen is indicated for its analgesic effect in the relief of mild to moderate pain such as dysmenorrhoea, dental and post-operative pain and for the symptomatic relief of headache including migraine headache.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
For oral administration and short-term use only.
Ibuprofen should be taken preferably with or after food.
Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: One tablets up to 3 times a day, as required. Leave at least 4 hours between each dose.
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.4).
Adults:
The recommended initial dose of Ibuprofen is 1200mg daily in divided doses. Some patients can be maintained on 600-1200mg daily. In severe or acute conditions, it can be advantageous to increase the dosage provided that the total daily dosage does not exceed 2400mg in divided doses.
Elderly:
The elderly are at increased risk of the serious consequences of adverse reactions. If Ibuprofen is considered necessary, the lowest effective dose should be used and for the shortest possible duration. The patient should be monitored regularly for GI bleeding during Ibuprofen therapy.
4.3 Contraindications
Active, or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).
NSAIDs are contraindicated in patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. asthma, rhinitis, angioedema or urticaria) in response to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Severe heart failure, hepatic failure and renal failure (see section 4.4).
During the last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6)
History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy.
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 section 4.2, and GI and cardiovascular risks below).
The use of Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablets with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5).
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)
Respiratory disorders:
Caution is required if administered to patients suffering from, or with a previous history of, bronchial asthma since NSAIDs have been reported to precipitate bronchospasm in such patients.
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).
There is a risk of renal impairment in dehydrated children and adolescents.
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.
Clinical trial data suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at a high dose (2400mg daily) and in long term treatment 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. < 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).
Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). There are insufficient data to exclude such a risk for Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablets.
Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation:
GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at any time 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 GI toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI 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 anti- platelet 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 gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).
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 section 4.8).
Dermatological:
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 for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablets should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal
lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Impaired female fertility:
The use of Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablets 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 400 mg Tablets should be considered.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Other analgesics including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs (including aspirin) as this may increase the risk of adverse effects (see section 4.4).
Anti-hypertensives: Reduced anti-hypertensive effect.
Diuretics: Reduced diuretic effect. Diuretics can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.
Cardiac glycosides: NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma glycoside levels.
Lithium: Decreased elimination of lithium
Methotrexate: Decreased elimination of methotrexate.
Ciclosporin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Mifepristone: NSAIDs should not be used for 8-12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.
Corticosteroids: Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (see section 4.4).
Anti-coagulants: NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants, 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.
Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (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.
4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy:
Congenital abnormalities have been reported in association with NSAID administration in man; however, these are low in frequency and do not appear to follow any discernible pattern. In view of the known effects of NSAIDs on the foetal cardiovascular system (risk of closure of the ductus arteriosus), use in the last trimester of pregnancy is contraindicated. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration increased with an increased bleeding tendency in both mother and child (see section 4.3). NSAIDs should not be used during the first two trimesters of pregnancy or labour unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the potential risk to the foetus.
Lactation: In limited studies so far available, NSAIDs can appear in 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 administration. Less frequently, gastritis has been observed. Pancreatitis has been reported very rarely.
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with NSAIDs. These may consist of (a) non-specific allergic reactions and anaphylaxis (b) respiratory tract reactivity comprising asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm or dyspnoea, or (c) assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritus, urticaria, purpura, angiodema and, more rarely exfoliative and bullous
dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular: Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at high dose (2400 mg daily), and in long term treatment may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) (see section 4.4).
Oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.
Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at high dose (2400 mg daily), and in long term treatment may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) (see section 4.4).
Other adverse reactions reported less commonly include:
Renal: Nephrotoxicity in various forms, including interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and renal failure.
Hepatic: abnormal liver function, hepatitis and jaundice.
Neurological and special senses: Visual disturbances, optic neuritis, headaches, paraesthesia, reports of aseptic meningitis (especially in patients with existing autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease), with symptoms such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation (See section 4.4) , depression, confusion, hallucinations, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, malaise, fatigue and drowsiness.
Haematological: Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia and haemolytic anaemia.
Dermatological: Bullous reactions including Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (very rare). Photosensitivity.
4.9 Overdose
In children ingestion of more than 400 mg/kg may cause symptoms. In adults the dose response effect is less clear cut. The half-life in overdose is 1.5-3 hours.
Symptoms
Most patients who have ingested clinically important amounts of NSAIDs will develop no more than nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, or more rarely diarrhoea. Tinnitus, headache and gastrointestinal bleeding are also possible. In more serious poisoning, toxicity is seen in the central nervous system, manifesting as drowsiness, occasionally excitation and disorientation or coma. Occasionally patients develop convulsions. In serious poisoning metabolic acidosis may occur and the prothrombin time/ INR may be prolonged, probably due to interference with the actions of circulating clotting factors.
Acute renal failure and liver damage may occur. Exacerbation of asthma is possible in asthmatics.
Management
Management should be symptomatic and supportive and include the maintenance of a clear airway and monitoring of cardiac and vital signs until stable. Consider oral administration of activated charcoal if the patient presents within 1 hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount. If frequent or prolonged, convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam or lorazepam. Give bronchodilators for asthma.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative NSAID that has demonstrated its efficacy by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. In humans ibuprofen reduces inflammatory pain, swellings and fever. Furthermore, ibuprofen reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation.
Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. In one study, when a single dose of ibuprofen 400mg was taken within 8 hours before or within 30 minutes after immediate release aspirin dosing (81 mg), a decreased effect of aspirin on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be like for occasional ibuprofen use.
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. These times may vary with different dosage forms.
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
Ibuprofen is a medicine that has been in use for many years and has an established profile. Reproductive studies have been carried out in animals and human beings, a dose of 8mg/kg in women produced menstrual cycle changes. Oral toxicity in rats has been observed at doses of 840 mg/kg causing foetotoxicity and pre-implantation mortality. Research in man has shown the oral dose of 120mg/kg produces nephrotoxicity including haematuria.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Pregelatinised Maize Starch Maize Starch
Anhydrous Silicon Dioxide Magnesium Stearate
Coating Formulation:
Hypromellose Polyethylene Glycol 400 White Dispersion*
*Contains Hypromellose, Titanium Dioxide (E171) and Water.
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable
6.3 Shelf life
Shelf-life unopened container: 2 years
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Pot: Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original container. Blister: No special storage conditions.
Nature and contents of container
6.5
Pot: Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original container. Blister: No special storage conditions.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
Not applicable.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Max Remedies Ltd William Nadin Way Swadlincote Derbyshire DE11 0BB United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 31308/0043
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE
AUTHORISATION
1st March 2005
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
20/01/2016