Overdosage with a topical presentation of ibuprofen gel is unlikely.
Symptoms of severe ibuprofen overdosage (eg following accidental oral ingestion) include headache, vomiting, drowsiness and hypotension. Correction of severe electrolyte abnormalities should be considered.
36 months
Hypersensitivity to any of the constituents. Hypersensitivity to aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, asthma, rhinitis or urticaria.
Not to be used on broken or damaged skin.
None known.
Ethylhydroxycellulose EP
Sodium Hydroxide EP
Benzyl alcohol EP
Isopropyl alcohol EP
Purified water EP
Gel for topical application.
Very rarely, susceptible patients may experience the following side effects with ibuprofen, but these are extremely uncommon when ibuprofen is administered topically. If they occur, treatment should be discontinued:-
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen. These may consist of (a) non-specific allergic reaction and anaphylaxis (b) respiratory tract reactivity comprising of asthma, aggravated asthma, brochospasm or dyspnoea, or (c) assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritis, urticaria, purpura, angioedema and less commonly, bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
Gastro-intestinal: Side effects such as abdominal pain and dyspepsia have been reported.
Renal: Renal impairment can occur in patients with a history of kidney problems.
Reporting of side effects
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
There is no new data published on the active ingredient.
Pharmacy Only Indications:
Topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory for backache, pain of non-serious arthritic conditions, muscular pain, sprains, strains, sports injuries and neuralgia.
General Sales List Indications:
Topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory for backache, rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains, strains and sports injuries.
ATC code: M02A A13, Anti-inflammatory preparations, non-steroids for topical use.
The gel is for topical application. It contains the active ingredient, ibuprofen, a phenylpropionic acid derivative which exerts its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects directly in inflamed tissues underlying the site of application, mainly by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis. Because it is formulated in an aqueous/ alcoholic gel, the preparation also exerts a soothing and cooling effect when applied to the affected area.
Specially formulated for external application, the active ingredient penetrates through the skin rapidly and extensively (approximately 22% of a finite dose within 48 hours), achieving high, therapeutically relevant local concentrations in underlying soft tissues, joints and the synovial fluid, whilst producing plasma levels that are unlikely to be sufficient to cause any systemic side-effects, other than in rare individuals who are hypersensitive to ibuprofen. Furthermore, there do not appear to be any appreciable differences between the oral and topical routes of administration regarding metabolism or excretion.
08/08/2016
Ibuprofen 5% gel,
Fenbid gel,
Phorpain Gel
Flexigel,
Boots Ibuprofen Gel
Nurofen 5% Gel,
Morrison's Ibuprofen pain relief 5% w/w Gel
Ibuprofen Pain relief gel 5% w/w
Sainsbury's Healthcare Ibuprofen 5% w/w Gel
Numark Ibuprofen Pain Relief Gel
Galpharm Ibuprofen 5% Gel
Asda Ibuprofen 5% Gel
Mercury Pharma Group Ltd.,
Capital House,
85 King William Street,
London EC4N 7BL, UK
Store below 25° C.
Aluminium tube with internal epoxy phenolic coating with Polypropylene cap containing 15g (trial size/starter pack) and 30/35/50/100g of Fenbid Gel. The 100g pack size is restricted to "Pharmacy" only
PL 10972/0045
5% w/w Ibuprofen Ph.Eur.
Apply with gentle massage only. Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes and inflamed or broken skin.
Discontinue if rash develops.
Hands should be washed immediately after use.
Not for use with occlusive dressings.
The label will state:
DO NOT USE MORE GEL THAN THE LABEL TELLS YOU TO.
Keep out of reach of children
For external use only.
If symptoms persist consult your doctor or pharmacist
Do not use if you are allergic to Ibuprofen or any of the ingredients, aspirin, or any other painkillers.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use if:
-you are taking aspirin or any other pain relieving medication
-you are pregnant
Not recommended for children under 12 years
Oral NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can sometimes be associated with renal impairment, aggravation of active peptic ulcers, and can induce allergic bronchial reactions in susceptible asthmatic patients. Although the systemic absorption of topically applied ibuprofen is less than for oral dosage forms, these complications can occur in rare cases. For these reasons, patients with an active peptic ulcer, a history of kidney problems or asthma should seek medical advice before using Ibuprofen gel as should patients already taking other painkillers.
Patients should seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist.
Patients should be advised against excessive exposure to sunlight of area treated in order to avoid possibility of photosensitivity.
None known.
Strength 5% maximum
Method of Administration
For topical application to the skin.
Dosage
Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: Squeeze 50 to 125mg (4 to 10cm) of the gel from the tube and lightly rub into the affected area until absorbed. The dose should not be repeated more frequently than every four hours and no more than 4 times in any 24 hour period. Wash hands after each application. DO NOT USE MORE GEL THAN THE LABEL TELLS YOU TO.
Review treatment after 2 weeks, especially if the symptoms worsen or persist.
Children under 12 years: Do not use on children under 12 years of age except on the advice of a doctor.
None.
26 April 1996
