Brufen syrup is a medication that belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is primarily used to relieve pain and inflammation and reduce fever. Brufen syrup is mostly recommended for children and adults where a low dose of medicine is needed. The following are some common uses of Brufen Syrup:

  1. Pain Relief: Brufen syrup is often used to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and backaches. It can help reduce pain by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that are responsible for pain and inflammation.
  2. Fever Reduction: Brufen syrup is effective in reducing fever. It can be used to alleviate fever associated with common illnesses, such as colds, flu, and viral infections.
  3. Inflammatory Conditions: Brufen syrup is used to reduce inflammation in various conditions, including arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis), sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. It helps alleviate pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with these conditions.

Off-label Uses of Brufen Syrup

  1. Migraine: While there are specific migraine medications available, Brufen syrup may be used off-label for the relief of mild to moderate migraines. It can help alleviate headaches and reduce inflammation associated with migraines.
  2. Menstrual Cramps: Brufen syrup is commonly used off-label to relieve menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). It helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cramps, allowing for greater comfort during menstruation.
  3. Postoperative Pain: Brufen syrup may be used off-label for postoperative pain management, particularly in cases where other pain relief options are not suitable. It can help reduce pain and inflammation following surgical procedures.
  4. Sports Injuries: Brufen syrup may be used off-label for the treatment of sports-related injuries, such as sprains, strains, and minor musculoskeletal injuries. It can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery.
  5. Dental Procedures: Brufen syrup may be used off-label for pain management following dental procedures, such as tooth extraction or oral surgery. It can help reduce pain and inflammation in the oral cavity.
Brufen Syrup Uses and Indications

What is Brufen?

Brufen Syrup is one of the leading brands of Ibuprofen in oral liquid form, manufactured and marketed by Abbott Laboratories.

Brufen Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

The following are some available alternative brands of Brufen Syrup and their manufacturers.

  • Fenbro : Stanley Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Bludol : Standpharm Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Ruberin : W.Woodward Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Hibtol : Don Valley Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Blufen : Bloom Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Boschofen : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Deltafen : Delta Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Exifen : Genix Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Ibucil : Mediceena Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Prosta : Global Pharmaceutical, Pakistan.
  • Ibusoft : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Dolofen : AGP Pharma, Pakistan.
  • Hifen : Helix Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Brufen : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Brufen is available in Syrup, Tablets, and Gel forms.

Brufen Syrup : 100mg/5ml strength

Brufen DS Syrup : 200mg/5ml strength

Brufen Tablet : 200mg, 400mg, and 600mg strengths

Brufen Gel : 10%w/w

Who Should Not Use Brufen?

Brufen syrup, like any medication, has certain contraindications. Contraindications are specific situations or conditions in which the use of a Brufen is not recommended or should be avoided.

  1. Allergy or hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Brufen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should avoid taking Brufen syrup. Allergic reactions to NSAIDs can range from mild skin rash and itching to more severe reactions, including difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening allergic response.
  2. Active peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding: Brufen syrup should not be used in individuals who have active peptic ulcer (stomach or duodenal ulcer) or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. NSAIDs like Brufen can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, and using them in individuals with these conditions can exacerbate the bleeding or lead to further complications.
  3. Severe liver or kidney disease: Brufen syrup should be used with caution or avoided in individuals with severe liver or kidney disease. These conditions can affect the metabolism and clearance of the medication, potentially leading to increased drug levels and higher risk of adverse effects.
  4. Asthma, nasal polyps, or allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs: Individuals who have a history of asthma, nasal polyps, or allergic reactions (including asthma attacks) to aspirin or other NSAIDs may have an increased risk of experiencing an allergic reaction to Brufen syrup. Therefore, caution should be exercised in such cases, and it may be advisable to avoid Brufen syrup or use it with close medical supervision.
  5. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Brufen syrup should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, as it may have potential risks to the developing fetus. It is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, as small amounts of Brufen can be excreted into breast milk.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Brufen Syrup?

Brufen Syrup Dose for Adults and Children (over 12 years of age):

    • 10 to 20 ml of syrup (200 to 400 mg ) every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
    • The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1,200 mg (60 ml of Brufen DS Syrup) in a 24-hour period.

Brufen Syrup Dose for Children:

    • The dosage for children is based on their age and weight.
    • Typically, the dosage ranges from 5 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight, divided into several doses throughout the day.

How Brufen Works?

The mode of action of Brufen involves its ability to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). There are two isoforms of the COX enzyme: COX-1 and COX-2.

Inhibition of COX-1: Brufen inhibits the COX-1 enzyme, which is constitutively expressed in various tissues and involved in normal physiological functions. COX-1 helps produce prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining, promote normal kidney function, and regulate platelet aggregation (clotting). By inhibiting COX-1, Brufen can potentially lead to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and a mild antiplatelet effect.

Inhibition of COX-2: Brufen also inhibits the COX-2 enzyme, which is induced during inflammation. COX-2 is responsible for the production of prostaglandins that mediate pain, fever, and inflammation in response to tissue injury or inflammation. By inhibiting COX-2, Brufen helps reduce the production of these prostaglandins, leading to pain relief, reduction in inflammation, and lowering of fever.

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