Deprofen

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Deprofen

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Ibuprofen
Form Tablets, Capsules, Liquid Suspension
Pharmacological Class Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Use Pain relief, Fever reduction, Anti-inflammatory
Origin Synthetic (Propionic acid derivative)

What is Deprofen and Its Core Identity?

Deprofen is the medicinal entity containing Ibuprofen, a synthetic compound that belongs to the chemical class of propionic acid derivatives. Ibuprofen is clinically recognized for being the first agent of the propionic acid group to be widely developed, establishing a foundational role in modern pain management. The active substance is typically supplied as a racemic mixture, a compositional feature meaning it includes two mirror-image molecules or enantiomers. The body efficiently converts the inactive R-enantiomer into the pharmacologically active S-enantiomer, which is responsible for the drug’s intended therapeutic effect.


What Type of Medicine is Deprofen?

Deprofen is pharmacologically classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), a major class of agents used to counter pain, fever, and inflammation. This classification confirms the medicine works by a different mechanism than opioid-based drugs. Ibuprofen operates as a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, meaning it simultaneously modulates two specific enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. By inhibiting these enzymes, Deprofen reduces the systemic production of prostaglandins, which are the chemical signals that propagate pain sensation and regulate the body's core temperature set point. Ibuprofen is recognized as an essential medicine due to its efficacy as an NSAID. This mechanism establishes the drug's general purpose: to deliver reliable analgesic (pain-relieving), antipyretic (fever-reducing), and anti-inflammatory relief for typical scenarios like musculoskeletal discomfort.


How is Deprofen Generally Provided?

Deprofen is supplied in multiple dosage forms to allow for flexibility across various routes of administration, primarily for patient self-care and professional medical settings. The most common forms for oral administration include tablets and capsules, ensuring ease of use for the general population seeking pain relief. Furthermore, to accommodate specific clinical needs, such as for children or in acute care, Ibuprofen is also manufactured as a liquid suspension and, less commonly, as an intravenous solution. This versatility confirms its status as a highly flexible and essential staple for managing acute symptomatic discomfort.

Regulatory References

  1. MedlinePlus Drug Information on Ibuprofen

What side effects are possible with Deprofen?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Deprofen (Ibuprofen) is an NSAID with a safety profile primarily characterized by risks concerning the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, as documented in official regulatory labeling. Adverse reactions are classified by frequency, consistent with regulatory standards.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Major Safety Concerns

Regulatory documents highlight the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which may be fatal. This risk may increase with higher doses and longer duration of use. Furthermore, there is a risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, which can occur without warning and may also be fatal. Severe, potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions and Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) are also officially documented.

Officially Classified Adverse Effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions (ge 1% incidence, or Common) affect the gastrointestinal and nervous systems, including dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, and dizziness. Uncommon effects (ge 0.1% incidence) include ulceration, gastritis, and certain hypersensitivity manifestations like urticaria.

Classification Examples of Effects (SOC)
Common Dyspepsia, nausea, headache, dizziness (Gastrointestinal, Nervous System)
Uncommon Ulceration, gastritis, visual impairment (Gastrointestinal, Eye Disorders)
Rare/Very Rare Aseptic meningitis, blood disorders, hepatic failure (Nervous, Blood, Hepatobiliary)

Safety Considerations for Special Populations

The older adults have an increased frequency of adverse reactions, particularly serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Use is not recommended during the last three months of pregnancy due to potential fetal complications. Administration is generally contraindicated in cases of severe pre-existing organ impairment, such as severe heart failure (NYHA Class IV), severe renal failure, or severe hepatic failure.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose with Deprofen is officially documented to present a range of clinical manifestations, starting with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. More serious presentations affect the central nervous system (CNS), including severe headache, confusion, agitation, and potentially seizures or a decreased level of consciousness leading to coma. Other documented effects include sensory changes like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and blurred vision.

Severe and life-threatening outcomes are officially recognized, notably acute renal failure, low blood pressure (shock), and serious complications like gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation. Physiological disturbances, such as high anion gap metabolic acidosis, are also reported.

Management of Deprofen overdose is defined as symptomatic and supportive, as regulatory sources confirm that no specific antidote is available for acute NSAID toxicity. Monitoring of vital signs and continuous cardiac tracing (ECG) is often required. Immediate medical attention must be sought if an overdose is suspected or if severe signs—such as chest pain, sudden weakness, signs of bleeding, or severe CNS depression—are observed. Government guidance instructs calling the national Poison Control Center or emergency services immediately. Elderly patients and those with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment are noted to be at a higher risk for serious complications.

Therapeutic Uses of Deprofen

What Deprofen Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Deprofen is relevant across therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily focusing on pain, fever, and inflammation; this medicine is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute or chronic episodes.

Scope of Symptom Relief

This medicine is applied to address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, including the generalized muscle aches and elevated body temperature associated with colds and flu. Furthermore, it is relevant for easing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states in both acute scenarios, such as headache, toothache, and sprains, and chronic conditions like the stiffness and discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also helps manage recurrent or episodic manifestations, such as the pain of primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps).

“It provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities, assisting with maintaining functional stability during symptomatic periods.”

This application contributes to improved day-to-day comfort during periods of heightened symptoms, offering symptomatic relief that can help patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.


Quick Fact: Relief for Pain, Fever, and Inflammation

Property Description
Pain Targeted Mild to moderate acute pain, episodic pain (migraine, menstrual), chronic inflammatory joint pain.
Fever Benefit Helps reduce elevated body temperature in systemic illnesses.
Inflammation Scope Contributes to easing swelling and stiffness in arthritis and soft tissue injuries.
Symptomatic Focus Assists in easing distressing symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed label for Ibuprofen Tablets

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Deprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is generally used for pain, inflammation, and fever. However, due to the potential for serious adverse effects, its use is contraindicated for certain individuals and health conditions.


Who Can Use Deprofen

Deprofen can typically be used by adults and children over 6 months of age (with appropriate dose adjustment) for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain, headache, menstrual cramps, toothache, and fever. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.


Who Should Not Use Deprofen (Contraindications)

The following conditions generally prevent the safe use of Deprofen and are considered contraindications:

Condition/History Reason for Caution/Contraindication
Allergy to NSAIDs Includes a history of asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Recent Heart Surgery Should not be used right before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, due to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding/Ulcers History of stomach ulcers, active gastrointestinal bleeding, or perforation.
Severe Organ Disease Severe heart failure, severe kidney disease, or severe liver disease.
Pregnancy Avoidance is essential during the third trimester of pregnancy, as it can harm the fetus's heart and kidneys.

Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you are over 60, have high blood pressure, fluid retention (edema), a history of blood clots, or are taking blood thinners or steroids.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Deprofen Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

This section outlines officially documented interaction patterns for Deprofen (Ibuprofen) as specified in government regulatory sources.

Formal Restrictions

Deprofen is not to be used concomitantly with other Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including non-aspirin NSAIDs or selective COX-2 inhibitors, due to an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular events. Use is also restricted for treating peri-operative pain in the setting of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.

Clinically Significant Interactions

  • Bleeding Risk: Co-administration with Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), Antiplatelet agents, and Corticosteroids increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Antihypertensives and Diuretics: Deprofen may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, and Diuretics.
  • Drug Levels: Deprofen may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of Lithium and Methotrexate by reducing their clearance.
  • Aspirin: Deprofen can interfere with the antiplatelet effect of low-dose Aspirin; a time separation of at least two hours is advised for immediate-release Aspirin doses.

Population and Lifestyle Cautions

Elderly patients are cited as having a higher risk for serious gastrointestinal events. Furthermore, the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding is increased for individuals who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using Deprofen.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targeting: Reversible COX Enzyme Inhibition

Deprofen's primary action involves the non-selective, reversible inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase ( COX) enzymes ( COX-1 and COX-2). The active S-enantiomer prevents these enzymes from converting arachidonic acid into prostanoids, which are chemical mediators involved in nociceptive and pyretic signaling pathways.


Systemic Consequence: Pathway Modulation

The halt in prostanoid synthesis triggers a cascade of reduced physiological signaling: PGE2 levels are reduced in the hypothalamus, facilitating the restoration of the hypothalamic temperature set point, while peripherally, reduced PGE2 and PGI2 concentrations reduce the sensitization of peripheral nociceptive fibers. This mechanism modulates inflammatory and thermal signaling, resulting in specific physiological changes across central and peripheral pathways.


Enantiomeric Activation and Mechanistic Specificity

The drug is supplied as a racemic mixture, but the inactive R-enantiomer is metabolically converted into the active S-form, effectively augmenting the concentration of the COX-inhibiting molecule. This targeted mechanism is specific to the prostaglandin pathway; however, because the inhibition is reversible, the effect on processes like platelet aggregation is transient, and the anti-inflammatory component of the mechanism requires sustained concentration.

Dosage and Administration Information

Deprofen is administered through two main pathways: the common oral route (tablets, capsules, or suspension) and the intravenous (IV) route reserved for acute care settings. A foundational usage principle is to utilize the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration possible to manage symptoms.

Oral administration follows distinct regimens. For general use, doses typically range from 200 mg to 400 mg per intake, with the labeled non-prescription maximum total daily intake not exceeding 1200 mg. For prescription-strength use, doses may be higher, up to a maximum total daily intake of 3200 mg. Dosing frequency is generally scheduled every 4 to 6 hours as needed for acute symptoms, or in evenly divided doses throughout the day for long-term chronic management.

Practical administration involves taking the dose with meals or milk if necessary to help mitigate potential gastrointestinal discomfort. The IV solution is designated for professional, short-term use and requires careful procedural adherence. Adult IV infusions must be administered slowly over a minimum period of 30 minutes after appropriate dilution. Dosage for children must follow a weight-based calculation, such as 5 to 10 mg/kg per dose. Furthermore, initial doses should be reduced for patients with known hepatic or renal impairment to account for physiological constraints.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Deprofen

The following summary provides an overview of the research that has been conducted on Deprofen. This information describes the types of studies available, the patient populations that were observed, and what remains uncertain in the evidence landscape. The findings discussed reflect group patterns from clinical research and should not be used to predict individual outcomes.


Research Evidence for Acute Pain Relief

Studies examining the research exploring symptom patterns in various forms of acute pain, such as headaches and musculoskeletal discomfort, primarily involve short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. Researchers monitored measurements like the change in pain intensity score and the patient's frequency of need for subsequent medication. Comparisons of formulations reported that faster-absorbing versions were associated with earlier recorded maximum blood concentrations and an time point recorded for the assessment of initial pain change. Research is generally focused on immediate outcomes, and evidence concerning long-term functional measurements is limited.


Research Evidence for Reducing Fever

Controlled studies evaluated the medicine in relation to measurements of elevated body temperature, focusing on outcomes in both adult and pediatric populations. The studies, which include numerous RCTs, were often applied in research contexts involving fluctuating symptoms, comparing the drug against placebo or other studied compounds. The outcomes monitored included the change in core body temperature measurements and the duration for which differences in temperature were maintained. While research has explored symptom patterns in children, data for certain groups, such as infants under six months of age, remain insufficient, and evidence quality varies when looking at specific comorbidities.


Research Gaps and Remaining Uncertainties

Long-term data related to all outcomes are not fully established for all indications. The persistence of symptomatic measurement over very long treatment periods (beyond one year) is not fully characterized across all study types. Follow-up durations were limited in many acute studies, and data for certain patient groups remain insufficient. The results apply only to the populations studied under the specific conditions of the clinical trials, and research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Deprofen (FAQ)


Q: Does Deprofen have a warning about drowsiness or affecting driving?

A: Official warnings state that Ibuprofen may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or tiredness as a potential side effect. Because of this possibility, official information indicates that caution is appropriate when driving or operating machinery. If these effects occur, activities requiring alertness may need to be postponed.


Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Deprofen?

A: If a dose is missed, regulatory guidance describes the procedure of taking it as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the procedure states that the missed dose is skipped. Patients are also reminded that a double dose is not taken to make up for a missed one.


Q: Can Deprofen be used by people who have diabetes?

A: Regulatory documents include kidney impairment as a significant caution for the use of NSAIDs. Since conditions like diabetes can affect kidney health, official guidance notes that consulting a healthcare professional is necessary for patients with diabetes before use. This consultation allows for the consideration of any potential impact on renal function.


Q: Is Deprofen safe to take with birth control pills?

A: Official product information notes that Ibuprofen use may potentially impair female fertility, and it is generally not recommended for women attempting to conceive. While a direct interaction with hormonal contraceptives is not typically cited, the fertility advisory is a key consideration. Any concerns about this relationship are typically reviewed with a health professional.


Q: Can Deprofen affect the results of any lab tests?

A: Ibuprofen can potentially affect the results of certain laboratory tests, particularly if taken in high doses. Lab monitoring may be needed in specific situations to check for effects on blood cell counts or changes in liver and kidney function. These alterations reflect the presence of the drug in the body.


Q: Are there any known interactions between Deprofen and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort?

A: Research indicates that St. John's Wort does not have a clinically significant effect on Ibuprofen's concentration in the body. However, because St. John's Wort may affect blood platelet activity, caution may be warranted due to the increased risk of bleeding. The topic of this potential interaction can be discussed with a healthcare provider.


Q: What if I accidentally take more Deprofen than intended?

A: In the event of accidental over-ingestion, official guidance emphasizes the necessity of seeking immediate emergency medical help or contacting a Poison Control Center. Overdose symptoms can range from nausea and drowsiness to severe effects like seizures or coma. Professional assistance is required in scenarios of accidental over-ingestion.


Q: Can Deprofen be crushed or split if it's a tablet?

A: Official guidance states that tablets should generally not be split, cut, or crushed unless the product information explicitly mentions that the tablet is scored or intended for manipulation. This practice is limited because altering the tablet structure may result in inconsistent doses, which is why official guidance limits this practice to designated tablets only.


Q: Does Deprofen affect sleep or cause insomnia?

A: Trouble sleeping, or insomnia, has been listed in official product information as a possible side effect of Ibuprofen. This is reported among other potential effects that can occur, consistent with regulatory guidelines for listing adverse reactions.


Q: How quickly can I expect Deprofen to start working?

A: Pharmacokinetic data from regulatory sources shows that Deprofen is absorbed rapidly after oral intake. Depending on the specific dosage formulation, the maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is typically reached in approximately one to two hours.


Q: How long does the effect of a single dose of Deprofen typically last?

A: Regulatory data indicates that the active substance, Ibuprofen, has a relatively short plasma half-life in the body, generally lasting around one to three hours. This pharmacological characteristic is why the drug is typically administered every four to six hours to maintain therapeutic concentrations.


Q: Is Deprofen the same kind of medicine as Advil or Tylenol?

A: Deprofen contains the active ingredient Ibuprofen, which is the same substance found in the brand-name medicine Advil, meaning they share the same active ingredient. However, Ibuprofen is classified as an NSAID and works by a different mechanism than Tylenol, which contains Acetaminophen.


Q: Are there any major foods or drinks to avoid while using Deprofen?

A: Official warnings strongly highlight that alcohol intake increases the risk of severe stomach bleeding when taking Ibuprofen. Specifically, the risk is increased for individuals who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily, and official product information notes that alcohol is typically avoided or used with great caution.


Q: Are there specific symptoms that mean I should stop taking Deprofen?

A: Official drug labels describe specific symptoms that, if they occur, necessitate seeking immediate medical help as they may signal a serious reaction. These include signs of stomach bleeding (such as vomiting blood or having bloody stools), symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (like swelling of the face or wheezing), or unexplained chest pain.


Q: Is Deprofen a brand name or a generic name?

A: The active substance in Deprofen is Ibuprofen, which serves as the generic name for the drug. Deprofen is the specific brand name used for the medicinal entity containing Ibuprofen.


Q: Can I buy Deprofen over the counter?

A: Official regulatory status confirms that Ibuprofen (Deprofen) is available to be purchased over-the-counter in lower strengths for use without a prescription. Higher doses of the drug are also manufactured, but those require a prescription from a healthcare professional.


Q: Does Deprofen have a black box warning?

A: Yes, official FDA regulatory labeling indicates that Ibuprofen products carry a Boxed Warning, often informally called a Black Box Warning. This warning highlights the risk of serious cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) and serious gastrointestinal issues (including bleeding and ulceration).


Q: Is there a generic version of Deprofen available?

A: Yes, the generic form of the drug, Ibuprofen, is widely available from various manufacturers. Regulatory agencies mandate that generic versions must contain the same active ingredient and meet the same strict standards for quality and performance as their brand-name counterparts.

How should Deprofen be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Deprofen?

Deprofen must be stored according to official regulatory specifications to maintain its stability and safety. The required condition is Controlled Room Temperature, typically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The medication must be kept away from excessive heat (above 40 C), moisture, and freezing temperatures, especially for the liquid suspension. Store the product in its original container, ensuring the cap is tightly closed.

Child Safety and Disposal

It is mandatory to store Deprofen out of the sight and reach of children and to utilize safety caps correctly. Unused or expired medication should be discarded following established drug take-back programs. If a program is unavailable, follow governmental instructions for disposal in household trash by mixing the product with an undesirable substance, in accordance with local environmental regulations.

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

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