dexibuprofen at a glance
Medicine class
Non-selective NSAID with pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing effects.
Licensed uses
Osteoarthritis, period pain, mild-to-moderate pain and selected short-term symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Prescription status
The selected product is prescription-only.
What is dexibuprofen used for?
The selected product is licensed for symptomatic treatment in adults and in children and adolescents from 8 years when the tablet is suitable.
Pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis or arthrosis.
Period pain.
Mild-to-moderate pain, including musculoskeletal pain, headache, toothache, and painful swelling or inflammation after injury.
Short-term symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis when longer-term disease-modifying treatment is not being considered.
How does dexibuprofen work?
Dexibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin production, reducing pain, inflammation and fever. It also temporarily inhibits platelet aggregation.
dexibuprofen preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
How to take dexibuprofen
Take the tablets by mouth exactly as prescribed. They may be taken with or without food; food may reduce stomach irritation but delay relief.
Swallow with water.
The score line can help with swallowing but does not produce equal portions.
Do not take another NSAID unless instructed by a clinician.
dexibuprofen side effects
Common or expected effects
- Indigestion or abdominal pain.
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Headache, dizziness, vertigo or drowsiness.
- Fatigue.
- Skin rash.
Get urgent medical advice
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration or perforation.
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, swelling or collapse.
- Blistering, peeling or widespread rash.
- Symptoms suggesting a heart attack or stroke.
- Kidney dysfunction or fluid retention.
- Yellow skin or eyes, which may indicate liver injury.
- Fever, stiff neck, severe headache or altered awareness, which may indicate aseptic meningitis.
dexibuprofen in pregnancy
Dexibuprofen should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Exposure from 20 weeks can affect fetal kidney function, amniotic fluid and the ductus arteriosus. It is contraindicated during the third trimester. Tell a doctor or midwife promptly about use after 20 weeks, particularly repeated exposure.
dexibuprofen while breastfeeding
Ask a prescriber or pharmacist before use because dexibuprofen-specific evidence is limited. UK specialist guidance prefers ibuprofen or diclofenac when an NSAID is needed during breastfeeding, particularly for a full-term, healthy infant.
dexibuprofen interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Other NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors
Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers and other NSAID toxicity; generally avoid combining them.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Increased anticoagulant effects and bleeding risk; monitoring may be required.
Aspirin and other antiplatelet medicines
Bleeding risk may increase, and regular dexibuprofen may reduce aspirin’s antiplatelet effect.
Common questions about dexibuprofen
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dexibuprofen the same as ibuprofen?
Not exactly. Dexibuprofen is the active S(+)-enantiomer contained within standard ibuprofen.
Can dexibuprofen be taken with food?
Yes. Food may reduce stomach irritation, although it can delay relief.
Can I take it with ordinary ibuprofen?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.