Pill 44 291: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings
The brown, round pill with the imprint 44 291 has been identified as Ibuprofen 200 mg supplied by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA. Pill 44 291 is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The brand-name medication that ibuprofen is based on is called Advil. Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug they’re based on. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs do.
Pill 44 291 is an NSAID, which is a type of medication with analgesic, fever-reducing, and, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory properties.
Pill 44 291 reduces pain, fever, swelling, and inflammation by the production of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2. The body releases these substances in response to illness and injury. If a person takes Pill 44 291 by mouth, they should notice the effects after 20–30 minutes.
Uses
People can take Pill 44 291 by mouth as a syrup or tablet. They can also apply it directly to the skin as a mousse, gel, or spray.
Uses include:
• fever
• inflammation
• headache
• menstrual pain
• the common cold
• toothache
• back pain
• arthritis
• sprains
Some medications, such as decongestants, have ibuprofen added to create, for example, a combined cold or flu remedy.
Other products combine ibuprofen with opioids, such as oxycodone. These are for short-term use only, as they can result in misuse.
Side effects
The most common adverse effects of Pill 44 291 are gastrointestinal. They include:
• pain
• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea and vomiting
• dyspepsia
• bloating
Among other likely side effects are:
• headache
• nervousness
• skin rash
• tinnitus
• edema, or fluid retention
If a person feels sleepy after taking ibuprofen, they should not drive or operate machinery.
Who should not use it?
Pill 44 291 is not suitable for people who have previously had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs or who have just had or are going to have heart surgery.
It may also not be appropriate for those who:
• have repeated stomach problems, such as heartburn or abdominal pain
• have stomach ulcers
• have bleeding problems
• have high blood pressure
• have heart disease
• have kidney disease
• are aged over 60 years
• have taken a diuretic
• are using other NSAIDs or pain relief medication
• are using anticoagulants
• are receiving treatment for any serious condition
• have chickenpox or shingles
• have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• have liver problems
People who are already using any type of medication should ask a healthcare professional for advice before taking Pill 44 291. In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened its warning about the increased risk of heart attack or stroke when using ibuprofen.
Side effects can arise within the first weeks of using this drug. The risk may be greater with a higher dose or long-term use or if a person has a history of heart disease.
The FDA calls on people to be aware of this possible problem and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness in one part or side of the body, or sudden slurred speech.
A person should consult a doctor or qualified pharmacist if they are unsure about whether to use Pill 44 291.
Dosage
Pill 44 291 is widely available in tablet and syrup forms. Doctors may also give it intravenously to manage pain after surgery.
The dosage will depend on the reason for taking Pill 44 291 and the person’s age. It is essential to take the correct dosage to minimize the risk of side effects. It is best to take it with food or a drink of milk to reduce the risk of an upset stomach.
For mild to moderate pain, a person can take 400 milligrams (mg) every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose in 1 day is 3,200 mg.
For other purposes, a doctor will recommend the dosage. They will also monitor the person for adverse effects and adjust the dose as necessary.
When to stop using it
People should stop using Pill 44 291 and contact a doctor if they experience:
- faintness or blood in vomit or stool
- pain that gets worse or lasts longer than 10 days
- a fever that worsens or lasts longer than 3 days
- swelling or change in skin color in the area of pain
- any new symptoms
Allergic reactions
Some people may have an allergy to the ingredients of Pill 44 291.
Allergic symptoms include:
• hives, change in skin color, blistering, or a rash
• facial swelling
• wheezing and difficulty breathing
• shock
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should stop using the drug.
In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur, and a person will have difficulty breathing. This is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Pregnancy and nursing
People should not use Pill 44 291 at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later, as it could lead to low levels of amniotic fluid.
A person should seek guidance from a healthcare professional before using any medication during pregnancy or when nursing.
Is Pill 44 291 addictive?
Experts do not generally consider Pill 44 291 to be a medication that will lead to substance use disorder, although at least one case study suggests this is possible.
The body does not build up a tolerance to it, so a person will not need larger doses for the same effect. Also, there are no withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using it.
Some drugs contain both ibuprofen and opioids, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. Overuse of these medications can lead to substance use disorder.
Interactions
Sometimes, one medication can interfere with the effects of another. Specialists refer to this as a drug interaction.
Drugs that may interact with Pill 44 291 include:
• lithium
• warfarin
• oral hypoglycemics
• high dose methotrexate
• medication for lowering blood pressure
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• beta-blockers
• diuretics
Health experts recommend that you should wait at least 10 hours after your last dose of ibuprofen before drinking alcohol. This may not be an exhaustive list of drugs that interact with Pill 44 291. Anyone who is considering using Pill 44 291 should ask a pharmacist or doctor whether it is safe to do so with their existing medication.
