Buscofem

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Buscofem

What is Buscofem?

Buscofem is a pharmaceutical formulation primarily used for the symptomatic relief of various types of acute pain. It belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The active ingredient in this medication is ibuprofen, which is presented in a liquid gel capsule format to facilitate absorption.

Mechanism of Action

The active component, ibuprofen, works by inhibiting the activity of enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2). These enzymes play a critical role in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds produced at sites of tissue damage or infection. By reducing the production of these prostaglandins, the medication helps to decrease the sensation of pain and the physiological response of inflammation.

Primary Indications

Buscofem is commonly utilized for the temporary management of mild to moderate discomfort. Its applications include:

  • Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): Relief of pelvic pain associated with the menstrual cycle.
  • Headaches: Management of tension headaches and migraines.
  • Musculoskeletal Pain: Alleviation of backaches, muscle aches, and joint discomfort.
  • Dental Pain: Temporary relief of toothaches and post-procedural dental soreness.

Composition and Form

Buscofem is typically available as soft gelatin capsules containing ibuprofen in a solubilized state. This liquid-filled delivery system is designed to allow the active ingredient to be released and absorbed into the bloodstream efficiently compared to traditional solid tablets. The formulation is intended for internal use and targets the source of pain systemically.

What side effects are possible with Buscofem?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety information for Buscofem, which contains the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen, is structured around the potential for serious, systemic adverse reactions.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Regulatory documents highlight the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with higher doses (2,400 mg or more per day) and extended duration of use. The medication is generally contraindicated immediately before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Another major risk category is serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These can occur without warning symptoms and may be fatal. The risk is generally higher in older adults and those with a history of GI problems.

Severe skin reactions, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, are also formally documented as rare, but potentially fatal, adverse reactions.

Adverse Reaction Categories (by Frequency)

Frequency Examples of Documented Reactions
Common (1 in 100 to 1 in 10) Gastrointestinal disturbances (indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), headache.
Uncommon (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 100) Hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, pruritus); dizziness; gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding.
Rare (1 in 10,000 to 1 in 1,000) Blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia); aseptic meningitis.

Population-Specific Safety Notes

The use of this medicine is generally contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy due to the potential for harm to the fetus (e.g., premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus) and complications during delivery. Caution is advised for its use in patients with pre-existing conditions such as heart failure, severe renal or hepatic impairment, or active gastrointestinal bleeding, as these conditions increase the risk of serious adverse outcomes.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documentation for Ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Buscofem) defines the documented overdose profile and specific requirements for seeking emergency assistance.

An acute overdose may initially present with gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain) and CNS symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, lethargy, or tinnitus. However, serious and potentially life-threatening systemic outcomes are officially reported, including acute renal failure, seizures, coma, and severe gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation.

In the event of suspected overdose, regulatory guidance mandates that you seek immediate medical attention. You must call your local emergency number or Poison Control Center immediately and should not delay calling for help.

Treatment is defined as symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known. Officially described procedures include monitoring of vital signs, consideration of activated charcoal for decontamination, and managing metabolic complications like acidosis. Specific population considerations exist, as the elderly and individuals with a history of ulcers face a significantly increased risk of severe, sometimes fatal, GI complications following an overdose. Children who ingest high dose levels are also at heightened risk and often require extended hospital monitoring.

Therapeutic Uses of Buscofem

What Buscofem Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Buscofem is commonly used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms, applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. It is considered relevant for easing pain, inflammation, and fever. This type of medication is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce fever, and relieve symptoms associated with inflammation.


Symptom Categories and Therapeutic Scope

The medication helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, specifically targeting discomfort from headache, toothache, muscle aches, backache, and primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), alongside the systemic symptom of fever. It is relevant in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, such as managing discomfort from seasonal illnesses like colds and flu or conditions involving inflammatory processes. Applied during phases of increased distress or discomfort, it supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress and helping them cope more steadily.

Quick Fact: Relief for Episodic Pain

Buscofem is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom burden when manifestations interfere with daily stability.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Buscofem? — Official Regulatory Information

Eligibility scope

Classification Who Can/Cannot Use (Regulatory Basis)
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults and adolescents weighing 40 kg or more (typically ge 12 years old) who do not have contraindications.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with severe heart failure (NYHA Class IV), severe renal failure, or severe hepatic failure.

Patients with active or recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage or a history of GI bleeding/perforation related to NSAIDs. Individuals with known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, NSAIDs, or aspirin. Patients with cerebrovascular or other active bleeding or unclarified blood-formation disturbances. | | Populations for whom use is restricted | The elderly, patients with mild to moderate organ impairment (hepatic/renal), and those with a history of hypertension or heart failure (use requires caution and the lowest effective dose). |


Age-related eligibility rules:

  • Children under 12 or adolescents under 40 kg are not intended users for this formulation.

Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status (if explicitly documented):

  • Pregnancy: Contraindicated in the last trimester. Use should be avoided in the first and second trimesters unless medically necessary.
  • Lactation: For short-term use, discontinuation of breastfeeding is generally not necessary.

Eligibility classifications (high-level)

  • Eligibility severity classification: Contraindicated (absolute prohibition) vs. Caution/Special Consideration (restricted use).
  • Regulatory basis: Information is primarily based on the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) from European regulatory authorities.

Resulting eligibility structure

  • Official eligibility statements: Buscofem is contraindicated in cases of severe organ failure, specific bleeding risks, and for those with an NSAID hypersensitivity. Use is conditionally allowed for adults and adolescents ge 40 kg who meet other safety criteria.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Regulatory documents define eligibility by strictly excluding populations with severe organ dysfunction or a high risk of life-threatening gastrointestinal or haemorrhagic events, while setting a mandatory minimum age/weight threshold for use.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Buscofem, whose active ingredient is Ibuprofen, has officially documented interaction patterns concerning pharmacodynamic effects and altered drug clearance, based on regulatory labeling.

Co-administration with other NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective inhibitors, is restricted due to a heightened and additive risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. This severe risk is also officially noted when taken with oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants (such as Warfarin), and SSRIs.

Ibuprofen can significantly affect the clearance and exposure of certain medications. It is documented to increase plasma concentrations of Lithium and Methotrexate by reducing their elimination through renal mechanisms, which raises the risk of toxicity. Similarly, it may increase the levels of Cardiac Glycosides.

The interaction profile details that Ibuprofen can diminish the therapeutic effect of Antihypertensives (like ACE inhibitors, ARBs) and Diuretics. Combining these medicines concurrently increases the risk of renal impairment. A specific, mandatory timing constraint exists for Mifepristone, which must be separated from Ibuprofen administration by 8 to 12 days to prevent reduced efficacy. Official data also notes that Ibuprofen can inhibit the anti-platelet effect of low-dose Aspirin through a competitive action. The risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects is compounded with Alcohol consumption. Elderly patients have a higher susceptibility to these interaction risks.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibiting Enzyme Activity and Mediator Synthesis

This medication engages the mechanism of enzyme inhibition, primarily targeting the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes ( COX-1 and COX-2) throughout the body. By suppressing the activity of these enzymes, the drug prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and other local mediators.

Modulating Central and Peripheral Signals

The reduction of prostaglandin levels modifies pathways in two distinct ways: peripherally, it reduces the transmission of signals from nerve endings; and centrally, it modulates the activity of the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center. This dual action contributes to a systemic change in nerve signal transmission and core body temperature.

Accelerating Onset through Enhanced Absorption

The specific formulation of the drug, often containing a salt form, facilitates enhanced solubility and quicker absorption into the systemic circulation. This mechanism accelerates the delivery of the active component to the biological targets, which results in an accelerated initiation of the enzyme inhibition cascade and alters the timing of the downstream effects of the prostaglandin pathway.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to use Buscofem

This map combines high-level administration rules and precise procedural steps derived from standard product information for Ibuprofen 400 mg Soft Capsules.


Administration Scope

Entity Instruction
Route of administration Oral use only.
Dosing schedule The single dose is 400 mg of Ibuprofen. The maximum dose must not exceed 1200 mg (three 400 mg soft capsules) in a 24-hour period.
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable) Recommended to be taken with or after food for those with a sensitive stomach.
Preparation requirements (if applicable) The soft capsule must be swallowed whole with water. It must not be chewed, crushed, or broken.
Age-group administration rules The product is indicated for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older. It is not for use in children under 12 due to the high active substance content.
Missed-dose rules If a dose is missed, a subsequent dose should be taken only when the minimum required time interval has elapsed. Do not take a double dose to compensate.
Special procedural conditions A minimum interval of at least 6 hours must be left between doses.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Detail
Administration method type Oral.
Frequency pattern As-needed (pro re nata, PRN), up to three times daily.
Use-context constraints Defined as short-term symptomatic treatment only. Consultation is required if symptoms persist for more than 3 days (for fever) or 4 days (for pain).

Resulting Procedural Structure

Official step sequence:

  • Administer 400 mg (one soft capsule) orally with water, swallowing the capsule whole.
  • Wait a minimum of 6 hours before administering a repeat 400 mg dose, if necessary.
  • Do not exceed a total daily intake of 1200 mg (three soft capsules) in any 24-hour period.

Connection to the overall use protocol

The official instructions define the structured use of the medicine by mandating a maximum single dose and establishing a minimum time interval between doses. This protocol ensures that administration, frequency, and duration patterns strictly adhere to the constraints for the 400 mg soft capsule formulation, requiring medical consultation if the short-term limits are surpassed.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Buscofem contains Ibuprofen Lysinate, a formulation designed to enhance the speed of absorption compared to standard ibuprofen acid. Research has explored whether the agent may assist in short-term pain management, and studies have examined its potential influence on recovery time. Some studies assessed the time to onset of observed pain reduction. Research includes exploration of the drug's actions, which involve the inflammatory pathway.

Studies examining long-term outcomes assessed participant adherence to the assigned study protocol. Research assessed the maintenance of reduced symptoms over time. Studies have examined the tolerability profile among generally healthy adult populations. Research activity includes exploring potential contraindications or precautions related to pre-existing kidney conditions.


Study 1: Evaluation of outcomes in acute pain

This study evaluated the agent's influence on pain scores. Findings indicated that 80% of participants met the pre-defined endpoint for reduction in pain scores within the first hour. This was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 400 adult participants experiencing post-surgical pain. The primary endpoint measured was the change in pain intensity scale scores from baseline to 24 hours.

Study 2: Research exploring relative outcomes

Clinical trials have compared Ibuprofen Lysinate against standard ibuprofen acid formulations. Researchers evaluated the difference in long-term patient outcomes. This was a double-blind, non-inferiority study involving 650 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The study found that Ibuprofen Lysinate was non-inferior to standard ibuprofen in providing pain relief over six hours.

Ongoing research

Further research is planned to explore these results, particularly focusing on the rapid absorption benefits of the lysinate salt. Additional studies are currently underway to further explore outcomes across different acute pain indications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Buscofem (FAQ)

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Buscofem?

Official warnings state that taking this medicine with alcohol may increase the risk of severe stomach bleeding or other gastrointestinal adverse effects. The risk is noted to be higher in individuals who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using the product.

Q: How long can I continuously take the medicine before seeing a doctor?

This medication is intended only for short-term symptomatic treatment of pain and fever. Regulatory guidelines for Ibuprofen state that the product should not be used for more than 3 days for fever or more than 4 days for pain without consulting a healthcare professional.

Q: How should I safely dispose of the expired medicine?

Unused or expired medicine is prohibited from being discarded via household waste or wastewater, as this prevents environmental contamination. Patients should consult local guidance, which may involve mixing the medicine with an undesirable substance before disposal or utilizing a pharmacy take-back point.

Q: Is this medication safe to use if I have high blood pressure?

Official labeling requires caution for patients with a history of high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart failure. Consultation with a doctor is necessary before beginning treatment, as Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can sometimes worsen existing hypertension and are associated with fluid retention.

Q: How should I take this if I'm also on low-dose Aspirin for heart health?

Official information notes that ibuprofen can potentially interfere with the anti-platelet effect of low-dose aspirin. To help prevent this interaction, official recommendations from regulatory sources suggest separating the administration of immediate-release low-dose aspirin and ibuprofen by specific time intervals.

Q: Why is it a soft capsule instead of a regular tablet?

The soft capsule is a specialized dosage form containing the active ingredient as a liquid or suspension. This formulation is designed to enhance the drug’s solubility and bioavailability, which facilitates quicker absorption into the body compared to conventional tablets.

Q: How fast does the medicine start working?

Studies and official product information indicate that the specific formulation of the drug is designed for an accelerated onset of action. Some official patient information notes that the initial effects are often observed within approximately 20 minutes of administration.

Q: What is the difference between Buscofem and regular ibuprofen tablets?

Buscofem uses a specific ibuprofen salt (Ibuprofen Lysinate) within a liquid-filled soft capsule. Clinical studies have shown that it provides pain relief comparable to standard ibuprofen; however, the soft capsule formulation is designed for quicker absorption and a faster onset of action.

Q: Can I take this while breastfeeding?

According to the official regulatory information regarding short-term use, the data suggests that discontinuation of breastfeeding is generally not necessary when taking this medication.

How should Buscofem be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Buscofem (Ibuprofen soft capsules) must follow the exact requirements detailed in the official regulatory labeling to ensure product quality.

Storage Conditions

The medicine must be stored at a temperature no higher than 25°C. The official labeling mandates that the product be kept in the original blister package to maintain stability and ensure protection from light and moisture. It is explicitly required that Buscofem must not be refrigerated or frozen, as these environments can compromise the integrity of the soft capsule form. Additionally, all medications must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Buscofem must be disposed of according to local pharmaceutical waste management regulations. The labeling prohibits discarding the medicine via household waste or wastewater, as this prevents environmental contamination. Patients should consult local guidance, often involving returning the product to a pharmacy take-back point.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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