Written by Dr. [Osuoha Emmanuel], [OD FNOA]. Medically reviewed by Pharmacist Rosemary Osuoha, [BPharm, MPSN]
Brustan-N is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that contains 400 mg of ibuprofen. It is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever associated with a wide range of conditions, including headaches, toothaches, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, joint pain, and other inflammatory conditions. By targeting the underlying inflammatory process, Brustan-N not only helps ease pain but also reduces swelling and improves comfort.
Brustan-N contains ibuprofen 400 mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins a chemical messengers that play a key role in causing pain, inflammation, and fever.
By reducing prostaglandin production, ibuprofen helps to:
As prostaglandin levels decrease, symptoms such as headache, toothache, menstrual pain, muscle aches, joint pain, and pain associated with inflammation become less severe. Ibuprofen begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes after oral administration, with pain relief typically lasting 4 to 6 hours.
Brustan-N is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever associated with a variety of conditions. It can be recommended for any of the following:
* Rheumatoid arthritis (including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
* Ankylosing spondylitis
* Osteoarthritis and other non-rheumatoid joint disorders
* Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains
* Tendonitis and tenosynovitis
* Frozen shoulder (periarthritis)
* Acute gout
* Mild to moderate pain, including:
* Dental pain
* Post-operative pain
* Dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain)
* Headache, including migraine
Its combination of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects makes it useful for many musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions.
For Adults and Children over 12 years, Brustan-N 400 mg tablet is usually prescribed
Adults usually take a total of 1,200–1,800 mg per day, divided into 2 to 4 smaller doses as directed by their healthcare provider. Once symptoms improve, the dose may be reduced to 600–1,200 mg per day to help keep the condition under control. In severe or acute conditions, the dose may be increased up to 2400 mg per day in divided doses.
Pharmacist’s Insight
The total daily dose of Brustan-N (ibuprofen) should not exceed 2,400 mg. Remember to count every ibuprofen-containing product you take in a day, including combination pain relievers, not just Brustan-N tablets.
Pharmacist Rosemary Osuoha
For Children below 12 years of age, Brustsn -N suspension is typically applicable. Dose is based on the child’s age, body weight or healthcare professional’s indication
Your doctor may prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to reduce the risk of side effects.
Brustan-N is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but it may cause side effects in some people. Knowing what to expect can help you use the medicine safely.
* Nausea
* Diarrhoea
* Constipation
* Abdominal pain
* Headache
* Dizziness
Some side effects that are less common but are considered serious include:
* Stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding
* Allergic reactions
* Severe skin reactions
* Kidney impairment
* Liver problems
* Cardiovascular complications
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience black stools, vomiting blood, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe skin rash.
Do not take this medicine if you:
* Are allergic to ibuprofen or any of the tablet’s ingredients.
* Have previously experienced asthma, hives, angioedema, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
* Have active or recurrent stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
* Have conditions associated with increased bleeding.
* Have severe heart failure, severe liver failure, or severe kidney failure.
* Are in the third trimester of pregnancy.
* A history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
* High blood pressure or heart disease.
* Kidney or liver disease.
* Asthma or allergic disorders.
* Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or mixed connective tissue disease.
* Dehydration.
Before taking Brustan-N tablet, speak with your healthcare provider if you have any of the conditions listed above
The cost of Brustan-N may differ from one pharmacy to another. Below is an estimated price range to help you plan your purchase.
Brustan-N Tablets (400mg, 10 count): Ranges from ₦820 to ₦1,250
Brustan-N Oral Suspension (60ml): Prices range from ₦700 to ₦1,180
Brustan-N Oral Suspension(100ml): Typically costs between ₦1,300 and ₦2,090
Some people are more likely to experience side effects or require dose adjustments when taking Brustan-N. Read the guidance below for important safety information for special patient groups.
Do not use Brustan-N during the third trimester of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking this medication. Although small amounts of ibuprofen can pass into breast milk, short-term use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Formulations exist specially for children for easy and efficient administration and also due to the fact that tablet formulations are not recommended for children weighing less than 7 kg.
For children over 12 years, dosing generally follows the adult recommendations unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. For younger children who require ibuprofen, doctors often prescribe an ibuprofen oral suspension, which is easier to measure and administer.
Brustan-N should be used with caution in older adults. Although a meta-analysis found that short-term use of non-prescription doses of ibuprofen (up to 1,200 mg daily for 10 days) was generally well tolerated in elderly patients with osteoarthritis, older adults remain at increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events when taking NSAIDs, particularly with prolonged use or higher doses. Therefore, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible duration, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Like other NSAIDs, prolonged use may increase the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events. Pharmacist Rosemary recommends using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
Brustan-N can interact with certain medicines, which may increase the risk of side effects or reduce how well either medicine works. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking before starting Brustan-N, especially the following
* Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics)
* Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
* Aspirin
* Methotrexate
* Lithium
* Corticosteroids
* SSRIs (certain antidepressants)
* Tacrolimus and ciclosporin
* Zidovudine
* Certain antifungal medicines (voriconazole, fluconazole)
Always inform your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines you are taking.
Still have questions about Brustan-N? These frequently asked questions provide additional information to help you use the medicine safely.
The recommended dose of Brustan-N Suspension (commonly called Brustan-N syrup) depends on the child’s age, body weight. Click here for a weight-to-dosage guide for children
No. Brustan-N tablet contains ibuprofen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever and not to treat bacterial infections.
The Brustan-N tablet formulation is generally intended for older children and adults. Younger children typically require an appropriately dosed ibuprofen oral suspension, as advised by a healthcare professional.
Adults and children over 12 years generally take 1200–1800 mg daily in divided doses, with a maximum daily dose of 2400 mg, as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
No. Dolo-Meta B should generally not be taken together with Brustan-N as both medicines fall under the same drug class NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug):
While Brustan-N contains ibuprofen only and is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever, Brustan Extra contains ibuprofen, paracetamol, and caffeine, and this combination provides enhanced pain relief and is typically used for moderate to severe pain, such as migraines, dental pain, and menstrual cramps.
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