Motrin 600 mg Tablets

Brand Name

Motrin is the widely recognized brand name under which this medication is marketed, esteemed in clinical practice for its effectiveness in alleviating pain and inflammation. It stands as a preferred choice among healthcare professionals addressing a variety of acute and chronic discomforts.

International Nonproprietary Name (INN)

The active ingredient in this drug is identified by its International Nonproprietary Name (INN) as ibuprofen. This propionic acid derivative is specifically engineered to deliver robust anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects within the body.

Forms of Release

Motrin is available in multiple formulations to cater to diverse patient needs and administration preferences. These include film-coated tablets in strengths of 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg for standard oral use. Softgel capsules at 200 mg offer a faster-dissolving option, while an oral suspension at 100 mg/5 mL and chewable tablets at 50 mg and 100 mg are designed for pediatric or swallowing-challenged patients. Additionally, an intravenous solution at 100 mg/mL supports acute care settings. Each form ensures flexible delivery of ibuprofen tailored to specific therapeutic requirements.

Composition

The principal active substance in Motrin is ibuprofen, responsible for its pharmacological actions. Alongside this core component, various inactive ingredients enhance stability and usability across its forms. Tablets contain microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate, with a coating of hypromellose and titanium dioxide. Softgels include gelatin, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol, while the oral suspension features xanthan gum, glycerin, and sucrose with artificial flavoring. Chewable tablets use mannitol and aspartame, and the IV solution includes arginine in a sterile aqueous base. These supporting elements ensure the drug’s consistency and effective administration.

Pharmacologic Properties

Pharmacodynamics

This medication operates by targeting the biochemical pathways that fuel inflammation, pain, and fever. Ibuprofen functions as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins—compounds that amplify pain signals, swelling, and temperature elevation in affected tissues. This non-selective blockade alleviates discomfort, stiffness, and febrile responses, offering relief across a spectrum of conditions. It may also influence other inflammatory mediators like thromboxanes, further curbing platelet aggregation and enhancing its analgesic profile. Its broad mechanism makes it effective for both transient and persistent symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic profile of Motrin delineates how ibuprofen is processed within the body. After oral administration, it is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1 to 2 hours for tablets (faster for softgels or suspension), with bioavailability of 80–100%, enhanced by food. IV administration achieves immediate levels. It is 99% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin, with a volume of distribution of 0.1–0.2 L/kg, penetrating synovial fluid effectively. Metabolism occurs in the liver via oxidation by cytochrome P450 2C9, producing inactive hydroxy and carboxy metabolites, with excretion predominantly through urine (50–60%) and some via bile. Its half-life is 2 to 4 hours, prolonged in hepatic or renal impairment, necessitating dose considerations in such cases.

Indications for Use

This medication is prescribed for conditions involving pain, inflammation, or fever, leveraging its ability to mitigate these symptoms across a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Diseases and Conditions

Motrin is indicated for mild to moderate pain relief in adults and children, including headaches, dental pain, and menstrual cramps. It is also approved for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults, reducing joint inflammation and stiffness. Fever reduction in all ages, and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children over 6 months, are additional uses. The IV form treats acute pain or fever in hospitalized patients. Its versatile action makes it a key option for these symptomatic needs.

Contraindications

While beneficial for many, certain conditions render this medication unsuitable due to potential hazards, requiring meticulous assessment before use.

Conditions Prohibiting Use

Motrin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, other NSAIDs, or formulation components, as reactions could span from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis. It is prohibited in individuals with active gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, or perforation, given its COX-1 inhibition increasing these risks. Patients with severe heart failure, recent coronary artery bypass graft surgery, or a history of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (e.g., asthma with nasal polyps) should avoid it due to cardiovascular and allergic concerns. It is also barred in severe hepatic or renal failure, ensuring safety across vulnerable groups.

Method of Administration and Dosage

How to Take

This medication is administered orally or intravenously, depending on the form. Tablets, softgels, and chewables are taken with a full glass of water, preferably with food or milk to minimize gastric irritation, while the suspension is shaken well and measured with a dosing device, followed by water. The IV solution is infused over 30 minutes in a clinical setting, avoiding bolus delivery. Consistent timing—every 6–8 hours for oral forms—supports steady levels, with adherence to prescribed methods ensuring optimal delivery and efficacy.

Dosages for Adults and Children

Dosing varies by indication and age. For adults, mild to moderate pain or fever uses 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours (max 3200 mg/day), while osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis employs 400–800 mg every 6–8 hours (max 3200 mg/day). Children over 6 months receive 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours for pain or fever (max 40 mg/kg/day), with juvenile arthritis at 20–40 mg/kg/day in divided doses. IV dosing for adults or children is 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed (max 3200 mg/day). Motrin’s flexibility supports tailored relief across populations.

Dose Adjustment in Specific Conditions

Adjustments are necessary in organ impairment. In mild to moderate renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance 30–80 mL/min), no routine reduction is needed, but severe cases (below 30 mL/min) lower doses to 200–400 mg/day or avoid use, with monitoring. Moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) reduces doses to 400–1200 mg/day, with severe cases contraindicating use. Elderly patients may start at 200 mg every 6–8 hours (max 2400 mg/day), with caution for gastrointestinal and renal risks, ensuring a balanced approach.

Side Effects

This medication can induce a range of adverse effects, from minor to serious, and patients should be aware to ensure timely intervention.

Possible Adverse Reactions

Common reactions include gastrointestinal upset—nausea, heartburn, or abdominal pain—often eased with food. Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness may affect daily activities, while fluid retention or mild edema occurs in some. Serious risks include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or perforation, particularly with high doses or prolonged use. Cardiovascular effects like hypertension or rare thrombotic events warrant caution, as do renal declines (e.g., reduced function) or hepatic enzyme elevations. Skin rashes or rare severe reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) also occur, with regular check-ins critical to manage these potential issues.

Overdose

Symptoms of Overdose

Excessive intake of Motrin can trigger notable symptoms necessitating immediate care. These include severe nausea, vomiting, or epigastric pain from gastrointestinal irritation, alongside drowsiness or confusion from systemic effects. Hypotension, tachycardia, or respiratory depression may signal cardiovascular or nervous system strain, while acute kidney injury or metabolic acidosis could emerge in extreme cases. Seizures or coma are rare but possible with high doses, highlighting the need for rapid response.

First Aid Measures

In an overdose event, prompt action is essential. If the patient is alert and ingestion was recent, contact emergency services or poison control without inducing vomiting unless advised. Maintain airway and vital signs while awaiting help. In medical settings, activated charcoal may be given within an hour of ingestion to limit absorption, followed by supportive care—IV fluids, gastric protection (e.g., PPIs), and monitoring. Dialysis is rarely effective due to high protein binding, but symptom management aids recovery.

Drug Interactions

Effects on Other Medications

This medication can alter co-administered drugs via metabolic and pharmacodynamic effects. It increases levels of warfarin or lithium by competing for protein binding or excretion, heightening their effects or toxicity, requiring adjustments. Diuretics or ACE inhibitors may lose efficacy, raising blood pressure risks, while aspirin co-use amplifies gastrointestinal hazards. Methotrexate clearance decreases, necessitating caution. Monitoring ensures safe combination therapy.

Compatibility with Alcohol and Food

Alcohol should be minimized with Motrin, as it significantly increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk and may worsen dizziness. Food or milk reduces gastric irritation, making administration with meals advisable, with no specific dietary limits beyond avoiding excess irritants. Consistency supports tolerability.

Special Precautions

Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

This medication is Category C before 30 weeks gestation, used only if benefits outweigh fetal risks, shifting to Category D after 30 weeks due to ductus arteriosus closure risks, contraindicating late-term use. Ibuprofen enters breast milk in trace amounts; short-term use is generally safe, but prolonged use prompts alternatives due to potential infant effects.

Impact on Driving and Operating Machinery

Motrin may hinder alertness or coordination due to dizziness or drowsiness, particularly early in use. Patients should avoid driving or machinery until they confirm its effects, prioritizing safety.

Considerations for Elderly and Pediatric Patients

In elderly patients, this drug requires cautious dosing (e.g., 200 mg every 6–8 hours, max 2400 mg/day) due to increased gastrointestinal and renal risks, with monitoring. In children over 6 months, 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours is safe for pain or fever (max 40 mg/kg/day), with oversight for tolerability, ensuring tailored care.