Published: 6 December 2019
Publications
Ibuprofen and impaired renal function: Keep your fluids up
Prescriber Update 40(4): 75December 2019
Ibuprofen is associated with a risk of impaired renal function. The two major metabolites of ibuprofen are excreted mainly in the urine1. The risk of impaired renal function is increased in patients who are dehydrated, especially children and adolescents1.
The Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) has received five reports of patients who experienced acute kidney injury associated with ibuprofen in which dehydration was considered a possible contributing factor (CARM IDs: 24886, 34497, 88838, 126380, 132513).
Ibuprofen is widely used for the temporary relief of pain and/or inflammation and is available over the counter and with a prescription. When prescribing ibuprofen, consider whether the patient is adequately hydrated. This is especially important over the upcoming summer season and for people participating in sports.
Reference
- Mylan New Zealand Ltd. 2019. Brufen New Zealand Data Sheet June 2019. URL: www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/b/brufen200mgtab.pdf (accessed 30 September 2019).
