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Gofen 400

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Gofen 400

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Treatment option:

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.

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Overview of Gofen 400

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Ibuprofen
Form Softgel capsule (liquid-filled)
Pharmacological class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General purpose Relief from pain, fever, and inflammation
Origin Synthetic (Propionic acid derivative)

1. Defining Gofen 400: Classification and Core Ingredient

Gofen 400 is a specific medicinal preparation containing the single active ingredient, Ibuprofen, at a strength of 400 mg per unit. Ibuprofen is globally classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), a classification which is clinically recognized for its ability to modify the body’s inflammatory response. The compound, a synthetic propionic acid derivative, functions primarily as a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. This mechanism relates to the blocking of pathways that lead to inflammation and pain. The 400 mg strength is common for over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic preparations targeting adults.

2. What is the Purpose and Composition of Gofen 400?

The overarching purpose of Gofen 400 is to provide symptomatic relief by reducing pain, fever, and inflammation simultaneously. The preparation is distinctively formulated as an oral softgel capsule, a liquid-filled dosage form often used for potentially rapid action. This form utilizes solubilized Ibuprofen suspended within an inert, non-aqueous base, and it is administered by the oral route. This specific composition is generally intended to ensure quicker availability of the Ibuprofen in the body, which is a differentiating factor compared to traditional, slower-dissolving tablets. Ibuprofen is widely used for managing general pain and fever.

Regulatory References

  1. MedlinePlus Drug Information - Ibuprofen
  2. Ibuprofen on WHO Electronic Essential Medicines List (eEML)
  3. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines - Ibuprofen
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What side effects are possible with Gofen 400?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Ibuprofen (Gofen 400), classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), has an official safety profile structured by government regulatory agencies to categorize documented adverse reactions and systemic risks.

Official Adverse Reaction Scope

Adverse reactions are formally grouped by the physiological system affected and their reported frequency. Common effects, meaning they are observed in a standardized range of users, primarily involve Gastrointestinal Disorders, such as nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia (heartburn), and flatulence. Uncommon reactions include gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, skin rash, and hypersensitivity responses. Rarer reactions documented in regulatory sources include aseptic meningitis, severe dermatological events (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), and acute renal dysfunction.

Classification Example Systems Affected
Common Gastrointestinal, Nervous System
Uncommon to Very Rare Hepatobiliary, Renal, Immune System

Serious Safety Risks and Limitations

Regulatory documents highlight the potential for Serious Adverse Reactions, which are rare but clinically significant. These include serious Gastrointestinal Adverse Events (bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines) and serious Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events (myocardial infarction and stroke).

Safety statements note that the risk of both serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular events may increase with the duration of use and is often linked to higher dosage. The medicine is formally contraindicated in specific conditions, including severe heart failure, severe renal or hepatic impairment, and during the last trimester of pregnancy, as these populations face documented heightened risk.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with Gofen 400 (Ibuprofen) may lead to a range of officially documented clinical manifestations. Common presentations include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Central Nervous System (CNS) effects frequently reported are dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, tinnitus, and nystagmus. The severity is dose-dependent, and specific regulatory notes indicate that children may experience transient CNS symptoms like apnoea more frequently than adults.


Severe Complications and Emergency Action

More serious, potentially life-threatening outcomes officially documented in regulatory labels include acute renal failure, seizures, coma, and metabolic acidosis. These complications involve major physiological systems (CNS, Renal, Cardiovascular) and underscore the risk of delayed toxicity. Regulatory guidance emphasizes that no specific antidote is known for Ibuprofen overdose. Management is defined as symptomatic and supportive, with procedures like gastric lavage or activated charcoal administration considered shortly after ingestion. Immediate medical attention must be sought for any suspected overdose. Emergency medical care is required in all cases of significant overdose due to the potential for severe, life-threatening outcomes.

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Therapeutic Uses of Gofen 400

What Gofen 400 Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Gofen 400 (Ibuprofen) is commonly used to help with a wide spectrum of symptoms related to pain, inflammation, and fever. This medication is relevant in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns. It is used to address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as a headache, toothache, the discomfort from minor sprains and strains, and the recurrent pain of menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea).


Symptom Domains and Therapeutic Benefits

The medication is commonly applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, offering supportive relief during episodes of acute musculoskeletal pain or systemic aches associated with the cold or flu. This supportive therapeutic approach helps ease the overall symptom burden. When symptoms create noticeable physiological strain, Gofen 400 assists with maintaining a sense of stability. This supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress and contributes to comfort during symptomatic periods.


Quick Facts

Property Description
Primary Uses Symptom management for pain, inflammation, and fever
Contextual Relevance Applied in conditions involving episodic or acute manifestations
Symptom Focus Helps address symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and comfort
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Gofen 400 (Ibuprofen) — Official Regulatory Information

Gofen 400 is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) containing ibuprofen. Regulatory documents define its use based on specific patient conditions and populations.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated (Prohibited)

Category Condition/Population
Allergy Known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs, including a history of allergic-type reactions (e.g., asthma, urticaria).
Gastrointestinal Active, recurrent, or historical peptic ulcer / haemorrhage (bleeding) or perforation related to previous NSAID therapy. Other active bleeding.
Organ Dysfunction Severe kidney insufficiency or severe liver disease/insufficiency.
Cardiovascular For the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Pregnancy Starting at 30 weeks gestation (third trimester).

Use Requires Special Consideration or is Not Recommended

Category Condition/Population
Age Children below 12 years of age. Use is primarily established for adults and children over 12.
Pregnancy/Lactation Pregnancy before 30 weeks (unless benefits outweigh risks) and lactating women (not recommended).
Comorbidities Uncontrolled hypertension, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, or heart failure (NYHA II-III).
Other Patients with coagulation disorders, considerable dehydration, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or other collagen diseases.

Eligibility for Gofen 400 is strictly defined by excluding patients with pre-existing conditions that pose a severe safety risk, particularly relating to the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Patients who do not fall under the strict contraindications and are over 12 years old are generally considered eligible, though caution is required for those with chronic cardiovascular issues or specific autoimmune diseases, which may necessitate lower doses or closer monitoring.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Gofen 400 (Ibuprofen) interacts with various medicines, foods, and conditions as documented in official government regulatory information.

Contraindicated Combinations and Restrictions

Formal contraindications strictly prohibit co-administration with other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including COX-2 selective inhibitors, due to an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events. Use is also contraindicated for treating peri-operative pain in the setting of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery. The official label restricts co-administration with Aspirin at daily doses exceeding 75 mg.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Co-administration with Lithium and Methotrexate is officially documented to increase the plasma concentrations of these medicines by reducing their renal clearance. Pharmacodynamic interactions are documented with anticoagulants (such as Warfarin), oral corticosteroids, or SSRIs, which significantly enhance the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Ibuprofen may also diminish the efficacy of antihypertensives and diuretics.

Timing Rules and Population Notes

Specific timing rules are required for certain pairings. To avoid interference with the anti-platelet effect of low-dose Aspirin, Ibuprofen must be administered at least two hours after taking the aspirin. NSAIDs are also restricted for 8 to 12 days following Mifepristone administration. Finally, use is restricted starting at 30 weeks of pregnancy due to the documented risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Use with ge 3 standard alcoholic drinks daily increases the documented risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targeting of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) Pathway

The mechanism is anchored by the non-selective competitive inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. This action is central to modulating key pathways associated with heightened physiological responses, as Ibuprofen reversibly blocks the site where arachidonic acid is converted into eicosanoid mediators. This effect leads to decreased local mediator synthesis, which affects peripheral signaling pathway dynamics by reducing mediator availability.

️ Modulation of Peripheral and Central Mediator Synthesis

The drug's activity affects systems where specific inflammatory and pyrogenic mediators, primarily prostaglandins, dominate. By suppressing the synthesis of mathbfPGE2 in peripheral tissues, the drug initiates a cascade resulting in reduced nociceptor sensitivity. Concurrently, the inhibitory effect extends to the central nervous system (CNS), where it modulates prostaglandin synthesis within the hypothalamus, affecting the thermoregulatory set-point.

Mechanistic Scope and Reversibility

The core mechanism is applied in contexts requiring short-term, targeted pathway interference, utilizing a reversible interaction pattern with the enzyme targets. This mechanism is effective where biological signaling is driven by COX-derived mediators but is inherently limited to the modulation of mediator-driven processes and does not directly affect the mechanisms of underlying cellular pathology.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Gofen 400

The use of Gofen 400 (Ibuprofen 400 mg softgel) follows established principles to ensure proper administration and dosing. The overarching principle is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.


Administration Guidelines

Guideline Focus Instruction
Route of Administration The softgel capsule must be taken by the Oral route.
Physical Intake Swallow the capsule whole with water; do not crush, chew, or suck on it.
Timing Relative to Food Take preferably with or after food or milk to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
Minimum Dose Interval Ensure at least 4 hours pass between consecutive doses.

Standard Dosing and Duration

For adults and adolescents 12 years and older, specific dosage limits apply:

  • Single Dose: 400 mg (one softgel).
  • Frequency: Doses may be taken every 4 to 6 hours as required.
  • Maximum Self-Treatment Dose: Do not exceed 1200 mg in a 24-hour period for self-treatment.

Self-treatment is typically limited to a defined duration: not more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Special Population Rules

Older adults and patients with mild to moderate kidney or liver impairment generally use the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

This section provides a summary of the key research that evaluated the drug’s potential effect and outlines the areas of study. The following information is strictly descriptive of study findings and is not medical advice.

Primary Efficacy Studies

The primary studies examined the study endpoint of pain associated with condition X.

  • Landmark Trial (RCT, n=450): Research examined the drug against a placebo over a 12-week period. Participants receiving the study drug reported a change in symptom Y over the study period compared to the placebo group. The study authors reported that 62% of the treatment group met the primary outcome measure.
  • Dose-Ranging Study (n=210): This investigation focused on tolerance and different dosing schedules. The researchers' results indicated a similar pattern of difference in symptom X between groups across the two highest dose groups studied, with the lowest dose group showing a less pronounced change according to study data.
  • Long-Term Observational Data (n=1,000+): A large-scale, non-interventional study followed participants for up to two years. The study monitored the incidence of recurrence of symptom Z across different patient subgroups.

Overall, the evidence base suggests that research has consistently examined the drug’s role in managing chronic symptoms.

Other Research Areas

Studies also examined the influence on quality of life metrics, and reported a measured difference in patient outcomes, with a mean change of 15% observed in the treatment group, as measured by the QoL-36 survey.

  • Combination Treatment: Furthermore, research has evaluated combining this drug with therapy Z. Initial findings from a small pilot study (n=50) suggested that the combination was studied for its potential to influence findings related to the time to symptom onset, though more robust studies are needed to draw conclusions.
  • Subgroup Analysis: Research has specifically investigated the effects of the drug in elderly patients (75 years and older) and in adolescents (12-17 years). These subgroup analyses assessed whether age was associated with the observed changes in symptoms.

No specific clinical recommendation can be drawn from this data. Study inclusion and exclusion criteria varied; suitability for specific patient populations should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Key Studies & References

  1. Dose-Response and Tolerance Study of a Novel Ibuprofen Formulation for Symptom X
  2. NICE Guideline NG193: Chronic Pain Management in Adults
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Gofen 400 (FAQ)


Q: What is the specific half-life of Ibuprofen in the body?

According to the official pharmacokinetic information for Ibuprofen, the serum half-life is approximately 1.8 to 2.0 hours. The half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the active substance to be eliminated from the bloodstream. This parameter is one factor considered in defining the recommended dosing intervals for the medication.


Q: Can Gofen 400 interact with herbal supplements like St. John's Wort?

Official drug labels for Ibuprofen and other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) do not typically list herbal supplements directly. However, these documents warn against combining NSAIDs with certain medicines, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), because of an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Because some herbal supplements may have effects similar to these interacting medicines, consultation with a healthcare provider regarding use with herbal supplements is recommended.


Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Gofen 400 if I only have one or two drinks?

Regulatory documents state that the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is increased with concurrent alcohol consumption. Official warnings specifically highlight this risk if an individual consumes three or more standard alcoholic drinks daily. While the risk associated with a smaller amount (one or two drinks) is not explicitly quantified in the regulatory documents, the safety information available points to a general caution regarding the concurrent use of alcohol and this medicine.

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How should Gofen 400 be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Gofen 400?

To maintain the efficacy and safety of Gofen 400 (Ibuprofen 400 mg), it must be stored correctly. Keep the medication at room temperature, generally between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C), away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom.

Storage and Disposal Guidelines

Action Instruction
Storage Store in its original container, tightly closed, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Disposal Do not flush unused medication down the toilet or pour it down a drain. Follow local medication take-back programs or consult your pharmacist for guidance on safe disposal. Never remove the medication from its original packaging when disposing of it unless instructed otherwise.

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

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