Pfeil

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

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 Pfeil

What is Pfeil?

Pfeil is a pharmacological treatment categorized as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is primarily utilized for its analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. The medication works by inhibiting specific enzymes in the body, known as cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), which are responsible for the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that signal pain and trigger inflammation at the site of tissue damage or infection.

Therapeutic Use

Pfeil is commonly indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain. This includes conditions such as:

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Dental pain
  • Muscle aches and strains
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Joint pain associated with inflammatory conditions

By reducing the concentration of prostaglandins, Pfeil helps to alleviate swelling and discomfort, allowing for improved physical function and comfort.

Mechanism of Action

The active components in Pfeil target the inflammatory pathway. Unlike narcotic analgesics, which act on the central nervous system, Pfeil works largely at the peripheral site of the pain. By blocking the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, it effectively interrupts the biological processes that lead to the sensation of pain and the physical manifestation of inflammation.

What side effects are possible with Pfeil?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The officially documented safety profile for Pfeil is derived from clinical studies and postmarketing surveillance, classified according to governmental regulatory standards (e.g., EMA/FDA).

Adverse Reactions by Frequency

Adverse reactions (undesirable effects) are classified based on the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) convention, reflecting their reported incidence:

  • Very Common (Affects 1 in 10 patients or more): Typically includes the most frequently observed reactions, which may affect multiple body systems.
  • Common (Affects 1 to 10 in 100 patients): Reactions that are less frequent than Very Common but still occur regularly.
  • Uncommon/Rare/Very Rare (Affects fewer than 1 in 100 patients): These categories cover reactions reported infrequently during trials or primarily via spontaneous reports after regulatory approval.

System-Organ-Class Grouping

Regulatory documents organize adverse reactions by the System-Organ Class (SOC) in the body that is affected, using standardized terminology (MedDRA). This may include classes such as gastrointestinal disorders, nervous system disorders, blood and lymphatic system disorders, or skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Restrictions

Serious adverse reactions are those that meet specific regulatory criteria, such as being life-threatening or requiring hospitalization. These events are specifically highlighted in official labeling.

Safety-related restrictions and limitations are formal requirements documented in the prescribing information, such as:

  • Contraindications: Specific conditions (e.g., severe organ dysfunction or known hypersensitivity) where the medicine must not be used.
  • Warnings and Precautions: Safety conditions that necessitate specific caution, monitoring, or dose modification, which may relate to pre-existing medical conditions or potential drug interactions.

The official labeling may also include high-level notes on population-specific safety considerations (e.g., for patients with specific genetic factors or organ impairments) and dose- or exposure-related patterns, where the incidence of certain reactions is noted to increase with higher doses or extended duration of use.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Manifestations and Severe Risks

Regulatory documentation describes overdose of Pfeil (Ibuprofen) as frequently involving the central nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Documented presentations include drowsiness, dizziness, severe headache, and confusion. Gastrointestinal signs such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are commonly reported. Sensory disturbances like tinnitus and blurred vision may also occur. Severe overdose is associated with life-threatening systemic outcomes. These include acute renal failure, severe metabolic acidosis, and potentially fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage or perforation. Massive ingestion may lead to coma and generalized convulsions (seizures).


Required Emergency Action

Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services upon any suspected overdose, as directed by regulatory authorities. Hospital monitoring and observation are required, even if initial symptoms are mild. Management is symptomatic and supportive, as official documents state that no specific antidote is known for Ibuprofen overdose. Regulatory information notes increased risk for severe reactions in the elderly and heightened susceptibility to serious effects, such as apnoea and CNS depression, in children/infants.

Therapeutic Uses of Pfeil

What Pfeil Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Pfeil is commonly used in conditions where symptoms may intensify temporarily or have not responded to typical supportive management. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, and is relevant in contexts involving Major Depressive Disorder.

This medication is generally used to help manage symptom clusters that interfere with daily comfort, such as overwhelming sadness, despair, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and lack of motivation. It may be part of symptomatic management in situations involving certain distressing manifestations in situations involving recurrent or episodic manifestations.

“It is used for managing distressing manifestations that create noticeable functional strain.”

It is also considered relevant for easing specific manifestations known as atypical features of depression, including excessive sleeping and increased appetite. This supportive relief assists with maintaining functional stability and supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort.

Quick Fact: Support for Atypical Depressive Symptoms

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Official Regulatory Information

Pfeil (Ibuprofen) is an NSAID with specific regulatory eligibility rules. Use is established for Adults and Adolescents, and for Children over six months of age, though formulations and age limits can vary by product strength. Certain populations are explicitly prohibited from use as defined by regulatory agencies.

Category Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults, Adolescents, and Children over six months of age.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated History of Hypersensitivity to Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Severe Heart, Hepatic, or Renal Failure. Active/Recurrent Peptic Ulcers or GI Hemorrhage. Third Trimester of Pregnancy (after approx 20 weeks gestation). Peri-operative pain in the setting of CABG surgery.
Age-related eligibility rules Use is not established for Infants under 6 months. Older Adults (ge 60) are a high-risk population requiring careful consideration.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Patients with Cardiovascular Disease, Uncontrolled Hypertension, or mild-to-moderate Renal/Hepatic Impairment require restricted use and monitoring. Use in the First/Second Trimesters of Pregnancy is conditional.

Official regulatory documents define absolute non-eligibility based on previous hypersensitivity or severe systemic pathology, such as severe organ failure. The profile further mandates that use is conditional or restricted for individuals with pre-existing risk factors, explicitly listing conditions that necessitate careful assessment before initiation.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Pfeil, which contains the active ingredient Ibuprofen, has officially documented interaction patterns that regulate its co-administration with other substances. These constraints are detailed in regulatory labeling and center on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects.

Interaction Category Documented Regulatory Restriction / Outcome
Contraindicated Combinations Co-administration is prohibited with other NSAIDs, high-dose Aspirin (over 75 mg daily), and Paracetamol products. Use is also contraindicated for pain after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.
Exposure Alteration Ibuprofen reduces the renal clearance of both Lithium and Methotrexate, resulting in elevated plasma concentrations of these agents.
Pharmacodynamic Risk The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is increased when Pfeil is combined with Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), Oral Corticosteroids, or SSRIs. The efficacy of Antihypertensives and Diuretics may also be diminished.
Timing / Non-Medicinal A timing separation rule is mandated for low-dose Aspirin: Ibuprofen must be administered at least 2 hours before the immediate-release Aspirin dose to prevent antiplatelet inhibition. Alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding.

Regulatory cautions specifically note that the elderly population has a higher frequency of serious adverse gastrointestinal events.

Mechanism of Action

How Pfeil Works


Molecular Action: Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase (COX) Enzymes

The mechanism of Ibuprofen begins at the molecular level with the reversible, non-selective inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically both COX-1 and COX-2. By competitively binding to the active site, the drug blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid, the foundational step in the synthesis of key lipid mediators called prostaglandins (PGs).


Cascade Effect on Prostaglandin Synthesis

The primary physiological consequence is the reduction in the synthesis of PGs across the body. Prostaglandins are key chemical signals involved in regulating sensory and thermal signaling. Their diminished presence attenuates the physiological processes they drive, restricting the prostaglandin-mediated sensitization of nociceptors and modulating the local chemical factors governing vascular permeability.


Dual Modulation: Central Thermoregulation and Peripheral Signals

Ibuprofen exerts a dual mechanistic effect. In the periphery, it modulates the initiation of signals within the peripheral sensory pathways; in the hypothalamus (the brain's temperature-control center), the inhibition of PGE2 synthesis modulates the thermal set point established by the hypothalamus. This combined action modulates both local chemical signaling pathways and central thermoregulatory mechanisms.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Pfeil adheres to standardized protocols for its various forms. The primary route of administration is oral via tablets, capsules, or suspension. A parenteral intravenous (IV) form is also utilized for systemic use, typically reserved for specialized clinical settings where the oral route is impractical.

General Dosing Principles

For non-prescription use, a standard single dose is 200 mg to 400 mg, taken as needed every 4 to 6 hours. The total self-administered daily dose must not exceed 1,200 mg. In prescription contexts, often for chronic inflammatory conditions, the total daily dosage may range up to 3,200 mg, administered in divided doses (e.g., three to four times daily). All usage protocols emphasize the necessity of employing the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration required to maintain control.

Administration Context and Constraints

Oral doses may be taken with food or milk to reduce the potential for gastrointestinal discomfort. The liquid oral suspension must be shaken well prior to measurement and dosed using a dedicated device. Dosing for children (over 6 months of age) is calculated based on their body weight (mg/kg). For older adults and individuals with mild-to-moderate hepatic or renal impairment, therapy begins at the lowest possible dose and duration. Non-prescription use is limited to a maximum of 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Pfeil

The evidence base for Pfeil, which contains the active ingredient Ibuprofen, is extensive, stemming from decades of clinical evaluation. The evidence is derived primarily from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that explore its activity across pain, fever, and certain inflammatory conditions. The focus of the research is generally on patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and functional outcomes related to daily activities.


Evidence for Acute Pain Relief

Research examined Ibuprofen's activity in studies exploring how symptoms change over time in conditions such as headaches, dental pain, and muscular aches. This area is supported by a large volume of short-term RCTs that compared Ibuprofen to a placebo or other pain relievers. Studies monitored symptom changes by measuring outcomes related to physical discomfort (like pain intensity) and examining the Total Pain Relief reported over fixed time intervals.

Follow-up durations were limited in most trials for acute pain, meaning the research provides limited information for long-term outcomes in studies where the medicine was administered repeatedly for prolonged acute episodes. Findings were sometimes mixed regarding dose comparisons, and some studies indicated that increases beyond a certain dose were not associated with further changes in reported pain relief.


Evidence for Fever Reduction (Antipyresis)

Ibuprofen was evaluated in studies exploring outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, specifically high body temperature, or fever. The evidence mostly comprises RCTs and meta-analyses that primarily focused on pediatric patients (infants, children, and adolescents). Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, documenting measurements of temperature decrease from the starting point. Comparative trials have examined whether Ibuprofen was associated with different outcomes than acetaminophen in studies of fever.

What remains uncertain in this research area is the full scope of outcomes in very young infants (under six months), where data are still emerging. Follow-up durations were limited to the immediate 24-hour period, and long-term effects are not fully established.


Evidence for Symptomatic Management of Inflammation

Research has explored Ibuprofen's activity in the context of conditions characterized by functional limitations such as osteoarthritis and certain types of rheumatoid arthritis. These studies typically involved intermediate-term to long-term RCTs that included adults and older adults. Studies monitored outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level, using validated tools to examine outcomes related to physical discomfort and joint function. The research provides limited information for long-term outcomes regarding whether the drug influences the structural progression of the underlying joint disease.

Key Studies & References

  1. High-Dose Ibuprofen Use in Cystic Fibrosis Patients - Clinical Guideline (Reference for dose targeting and monitoring in CF)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Pfeil (FAQ)


Q: If I miss a dose of my medication, what is the best way to handle it?

According to the official product information, a missed dose may be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if the time is close to the next scheduled dose, skipping the missed one is generally recommended. Taking two doses at once to make up for a missed dose is generally not advised.


Q: How long does it take for Pfeil to start working?

Studies and official information indicate that the active ingredient, Ibuprofen, is usually absorbed rapidly after being taken orally. Peak concentration in the bloodstream is often reached within 1 to 2 hours. The onset of noticeable effects can vary between individuals.


Q: Is it safe to crush or chew Pfeil tablets?

Regulatory documents state that standard tablets or capsules are designed to be swallowed whole. Manipulation such as chewing or crushing is not generally advised. This is important to help ensure the correct drug release pattern and prevent potential localized irritation.


Q: What are the most common side effects of Pfeil?

Official information lists adverse reactions by how frequently they are reported. Common side effects often involve the stomach and digestive system. These typically include abdominal pain, general nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or diarrhea.


Q: What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter Pfeil?

Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) versions of Pfeil contain the same active ingredient, Ibuprofen. The primary difference is generally found in the available tablet strengths and the maximum total daily dose permitted. Prescription labeling allows for higher total daily limits compared to non-prescription products intended for self-care.


Q: What should I do if my pain or fever does not get better after using Pfeil?

Official labeling generally advises discontinuing the product and seeking professional consultation if pain persists beyond 10 days or if fever persists beyond 3 days. This guidance also applies if symptoms worsen while the medicine is being used.


Q: Can I split the tablets in half to reduce my dose?

Official labeling often states that tablets should not be split or cut unless they have been manufactured with a score line specifically for that purpose. Splitting a tablet that is not intended to be split may affect the administered dose and the tablet's overall integrity.

How should Pfeil be stored and disposed of?

Storage Requirements

Pfeil (Ibuprofen) must be stored at controlled room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), and protected from excessive heat and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine in its original container and ensure the container remains tightly closed when not in use. A regulatory requirement is to keep the medicine strictly out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Pfeil should be discarded via an authorized drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the product may be mixed with an undesirable substance, placed in a sealed bag or container, and disposed of in the household trash. Do not dispose of the medicine by pouring it into a sink or toilet (wastewater).

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

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