Brufen DS Syrup 200mg/5ml – Double Strength Ibuprofen

Drug Class: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) | Form: Oral Suspension (Double Strength) | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered

What is Brufen DS Syrup 200mg/5mL?

Brufen DS Syrup is a double-strength oral Ibuprofen suspension containing 200mg of Ibuprofen per 5mL — twice the concentration of standard Brufen Syrup (100mg/5mL) — providing more potent and convenient pain, inflammation, and fever relief in a smaller measured volume for both adults and older children. Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used and clinically proven NSAIDs worldwide — reliably reducing pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking prostaglandin production at the site of tissue injury and in the brain. The liquid suspension formulation of Brufen DS makes accurate weight-based dosing straightforward for children who cannot swallow tablets — while the double-strength 200mg/5mL concentration reduces the volume required per dose, improving practicality for older children and adults requiring higher therapeutic doses. Brufen DS Syrup must always be taken with or after food — never on an empty stomach — and used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary under medical supervision.

What is Brufen DS Syrup Used For?

• Fever — effective reduction of elevated body temperature in adults and children from any cause including viral and bacterial infections (بخار)
• Headache — relief of tension headache and general headache in adults and older children (سر درد)
• Dental pain — toothache and post-dental procedure pain with inflammatory swelling (دانت کا درد)
• Sore throat — pain relief from pharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections (گلے کا درد)
• Soft tissue injuries — sprains, strains, and minor musculoskeletal injuries (موچ اور پٹھوں کی چوٹ)
• Ear pain — mild earache associated with otitis media or upper respiratory infections (کان کا درد)
• Post-vaccination fever and discomfort — managing fever and injection site pain following childhood immunisations
• Menstrual cramps — primary dysmenorrhoea in adolescent girls and adult women (ماہواری کا درد)
• Mild to moderate pain — general pain relief from minor injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and inflammatory conditions

How Does Brufen DS Syrup Work?

COX Enzyme Inhibition — Peripheral and Central: When body tissues are injured or infected, cells release arachidonic acid which is converted by cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) into prostaglandins — the primary chemical mediators of pain, inflammation, swelling, and fever. Ibuprofen reversibly blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes — reducing prostaglandin synthesis at the site of tissue injury and throughout the body. At the site of injury, reduced prostaglandins decrease the sensitisation of peripheral pain receptors, reduce local vasodilation and capillary permeability causing swelling, and diminish the redness and heat of inflammation. In the hypothalamus, reduced prostaglandin E2 production resets the elevated temperature set-point back to normal — providing effective fever reduction. Ibuprofen's reversible COX inhibition — unlike Aspirin's irreversible blockade — means its effects resolve as the drug is eliminated from the body.

Anti-inflammatory Effect: By reducing prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation and increased capillary permeability at sites of inflammation, Ibuprofen reduces the cardinal signs of inflammation — redness, swelling, heat, and pain — making it particularly effective for conditions with a significant inflammatory component such as soft tissue injuries, dental pain, sore throat, and ear pain.

Antipyretic Effect: Prostaglandin E2 produced in the hypothalamus during infection or inflammation resets the body's temperature regulation centre to a higher set-point — causing fever. Ibuprofen blocks this hypothalamic prostaglandin production — resetting the thermostat to normal and allowing the body's natural heat-dissipating mechanisms to reduce body temperature. Ibuprofen's antipyretic effect is comparable to Paracetamol and begins within 30 to 60 minutes of a correct dose.

Dosage and Administration

⚠️ Always take with or after food — never on an empty stomach. Always use the measuring device provided. Never exceed the maximum recommended daily dose. Shake well before every use.

Adult Dosage:

Children's Dosage (Weight-Based — 20mg/kg/day):

Critical Dosing Rules:

• Always take with food or immediately after a meal — Ibuprofen is a potent gastric irritant and must never be taken on an empty stomach; taking without food significantly increases the risk of gastric ulceration and bleeding
• Always dose children by weight — not age; children of the same age can have significantly different weights; weight-based dosing at 20mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses ensures the correct therapeutic dose
• Never exceed 1200mg (60mL) of Ibuprofen in any 24-hour period for adults or the weight-based maximum for children
• Never combine with other NSAID-containing medicines or Aspirin above 75mg — dramatically increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk
• Recommended for short-term use only — typically no more than 3 to 5 days for fever and 5 to 7 days for pain without medical review
• Not recommended for infants under 6 months or children under 5kg without specific paediatric medical advice
• Shake the bottle well before every use — the suspension settles between doses and uneven mixing causes inaccurate dosing

How to Take:

• Shake the bottle thoroughly before each use
• Measure the dose carefully using the calibrated measuring cup or oral syringe provided — never use household spoons
• Always take with food or immediately after a meal
• Space doses evenly — every 6 to 8 hours — to maintain consistent pain and fever control
• If a dose is missed, give it as soon as remembered — skip if it is nearly time for the next dose; never double the dose

Active Ingredients

Key Formulation Features:

• Double strength 200mg/5mL — smaller volume per dose than standard 100mg/5mL syrup
• Oral suspension — suitable for adults and children who cannot swallow tablets
• Must be shaken before every use

Who Should NOT Take Brufen DS Syrup?

Do not take if the patient:

• Is allergic to Ibuprofen, any NSAID, or Aspirin — including those who develop asthma, hives, or severe allergic reaction after taking any NSAID
• Has an active or history of stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Has severe heart failure or established ischaemic heart disease
• Has had a heart attack, stroke, or TIA
• Has severe kidney or liver failure
• Is under 6 months of age or weighs less than 5kg
• Is in the last 3 months (third trimester) of pregnancy
• Is currently taking other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg per day

Always consult your doctor before giving Brufen DS if the patient has:

• History of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding (معدے کا السر) — consider adding stomach protection with Omeprazole
• High blood pressure (ہائی بلڈ پریشر) or cardiovascular risk factors — NSAIDs raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular event risk
• Any degree of kidney or liver disease (گردے یا جگر کی بیماری)
• Asthma — particularly aspirin-sensitive asthma; NSAIDs can trigger severe bronchospasm
• Diabetes (ذیابیطس) — NSAIDs can affect kidney function and blood sugar control
• Chickenpox — Ibuprofen use during chickenpox has been associated with serious skin infections; use Paracetamol instead
• Are aged 65 or over — significantly higher risk of serious NSAID-related complications
• Are pregnant in the first or second trimester — use only when clearly necessary and under medical supervision
• Are breastfeeding — Ibuprofen passes into breast milk in small amounts; use with caution
• Are taking blood thinners, corticosteroids, SSRIs, or antihypertensives

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea or stomach discomfort — most common; significantly reduced by always taking with food
• Heartburn or indigestion — gastric acid irritation from COX-1 inhibition in the stomach lining
• Mild headache or dizziness
• Mild skin rash or itching — monitor and stop if spreading or worsening

Serious Side Effects — Stop Taking and Seek Medical Help Immediately:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration — dark or black tarry stools, vomiting blood, or sudden severe stomach pain — NSAIDs can cause serious GI bleeding even at standard doses particularly with prolonged use (طبی ہنگامی صورتحال)
• Severe allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
• Severe asthma attack — sudden severe wheezing or chest tightness after taking — NSAID-induced bronchospasm; particularly in aspirin-sensitive asthma
• Kidney problems — significantly reduced urination, ankle swelling, unexplained weight gain — NSAIDs reduce kidney blood flow particularly in dehydrated patients
• Cardiovascular events — chest pain, sudden breathlessness, weakness or numbness on one side of the body — NSAID-related cardiovascular risk with prolonged use
• Severe liver toxicity — yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان), dark urine, extreme fatigue — rare; stop immediately
• Severe skin reactions — Stevens-Johnson syndrome, widespread blistering or peeling skin — rare but life-threatening; stop immediately
• Serious skin infections in chickenpox — Ibuprofen use during chickenpox has been associated with serious necrotising soft tissue infections; avoid in chickenpox and use Paracetamol instead

Drug Interactions

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not refrigerate — cold temperatures may affect the suspension consistency
• Keep the bottle tightly closed after every use
• Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat
• Shake well before every use — the suspension settles significantly between doses
• Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between Brufen DS Syrup and standard Brufen Syrup? Brufen DS contains 200mg Ibuprofen per 5mL — double the concentration of standard Brufen Syrup at 100mg/5mL; this means the same therapeutic dose is delivered in half the volume — more practical for older children and adults requiring higher Ibuprofen doses.

Q: Can I give Brufen DS Syrup to my child during chickenpox? No — Ibuprofen use during chickenpox has been associated with serious bacterial skin infections; always use Paracetamol for fever and pain relief during chickenpox in children and adults; consult your doctor if you are unsure.

Q: Can Brufen DS Syrup and Paracetamol be given together to a child with high fever? Yes — Ibuprofen and Paracetamol work through different mechanisms and can be safely alternated or occasionally combined for high fever management in children; however always follow the correct weight-based doses for each medicine and never exceed the recommended daily limits of either; consult your paediatrician for specific alternating dosing schedules.

Q: Why must Brufen DS Syrup always be taken with food? Ibuprofen inhibits COX-1 — the enzyme that produces the protective prostaglandins lining the stomach wall; taking on an empty stomach removes this protection and significantly increases the risk of gastric irritation, ulceration, and potentially serious gastrointestinal bleeding even at standard doses.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always dose Brufen DS Syrup by the patient's weight for children using the provided measuring device. Always take with food — never on an empty stomach. Never exceed the maximum recommended daily dose. Avoid use in chickenpox — use Paracetamol instead.