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Unit Code 81177:
Ibuprofen, Serum

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Useful For

Monitoring suspected toxicity

 

Detecting possible abuse

Clinical Information

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that

also has antipyretic and analgesic activities. The anti-inflammatory

activity is explained in part by the drug's ability to inhibit prostaglandin

synthesis. Approximately 80% of an oral dose is absorbed.

Ibuprofen is eliminated predominantly by hepatic metabolism

with <10% of the drug being excreted unchanged in urine. The

elimination half-life is short (2-4 hours); metabolism and excretion

are essentially complete within 24 hours after an oral dose.

 

Adverse reactions occurring in 3-9% of users include nausea,

epigastric pain, heartburn, dizziness, and skin rash. Adverse

reactions affecting <3% of users include vomiting, diarrhea,

gastric or duodenal ulcer, nervousness, blurred vision, and edema.

As with other NSAIDs, there is a slight risk of nephrotoxicity with

chronic use.

 

Fatalities resulting from overdose of ibuprofen alone are rare.

Reference Values

20-70 ug/mL

Interpretation

Neither a therapeutic range nor a toxic level have been established

for ibuprofen. For individuals being dosed within the adult recommended

range of 1.2-3.6 g/day, the expected serum concentration is 20-70 ug/mL.

Cautions

No significant cautionary statements

Clinical Reference

Kantor TG:  Ibuprofen. Ann Intern Med 1979;91:877-882

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