Rupalyn

Rupalyn is available as 400 mg coated tablets, which are white, biconvex and smooth on both sides, supplied in packs of 10.

The coated form facilitates swallowing and helps to protect the gastric mucosa from direct contact with the active ingredient.

Rupalyn is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain, including headaches, migraine, toothache, menstrual pain, muscle, rheumatic or lower back pain, and neuralgia, as well as for relieving pain associated with colds and flu. 

It is also used for the symptomatic treatment of fever, regardless of aetiology, in the context of acute conditions. The medicine does not cure the cause of the illness, but reduces the clinical symptoms that impair the patient’s comfort and functionality.

Rupalyn should be taken orally, preferably after meals, with a glass of water. It is recommended to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms.

In adults, the recommended initial dose is 1 coated tablet (400 mg), which may be repeated at intervals of approximately 6 hours, if necessary. The maximum daily dose must not exceed 1200 mg (3 tablets).

Rupalyn is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or any of the excipients, in those with a history of active or recurrent gastroduodenal ulcer, gastrointestinal haemorrhage or perforation associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and in patients with severe heart, liver or kidney failure. 

Furthermore, it must not be used in cases of coagulation disorders, active bleeding or during the third trimester of pregnancy, due to the high risks to the foetus and the mother.

Caution is advised when using Rupalyn in elderly patients, and in those with a history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia or inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with a slight increase in the risk of thrombotic events, particularly at high doses and with prolonged use.

Ibuprofen may mask the signs of infection, such as fever and pain, delaying diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. 

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, such as dyspepsia, nausea or abdominal pain. Less commonly, headache, skin rashes or itching may occur.

Serious but rare reactions include gastrointestinal bleeding, severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema), acute renal failure, severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) or aseptic meningitis. The onset of these symptoms requires immediate discontinuation of treatment and urgent medical assessment.

Rupalyn may interact with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, antihypertensives, lithium, methotrexate, cyclosporine, tacrolimus and certain antibiotics. These combinations may increase the risk of bleeding, renal toxicity or other adverse reactions.

Alcohol consumption is contraindicated during treatment, as it increases the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. 

An overdose of ibuprofen may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, tinnitus, confusion and, in severe cases, convulsions, loss of consciousness, respiratory or renal failure. 

If you have taken more than the recommended dose, you must go immediately to your doctor or the nearest hospital for proper assessment and treatment.

Rupalyn should be stored at room temperature, out of the sight and reach of children. The medicine must not be used after the expiry date stated on the packaging. Unused tablets should be disposed of in accordance with the pharmacist’s recommendations, in order to protect the environment.

• PubMed, An overview of the clinical pharmacology of ibuprofen
• NIH, Ibuprofen
• Healthline, Overview of oral ibuprofen tablets
• ScienceDirect, Ibuprofen: an analysis of synthesis, mechanism of action, pharmacological properties and environmental impact