Motrin Migraine

Boxed warning

Motrin Migraine has US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) boxed warnings.¹ While Motrin Migraine is safe and effective in most people, there are known risks associated with the drug. Motrin Migraine, like other NSAIDs, may cause severe stomach bleeding.² The risk is higher among certain groups of people; specifically, those who are 60 or older, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding issues, take blood thinners or steroid medications, consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily, and those who are taking other types of NSAIDs. In all groups, the risk of bleeding is higher with long-term use of the drug.

Motrin should not be used for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

All NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. In some cases, these cardiovascular complications are fatal. The risks increase with higher doses and long-term use.

What is Motrin Migraine (ibuprofen)?

Ibuprofen is the generic name for Motrin, a medication belonging to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are used to treat the pain and inflammation associated with various conditions, including headaches, muscle and joint aches, common cold symptoms, and menstrual cramps. They work by blocking the actions of a specific enzyme and reducing the levels of prostaglandin (a natural substance that contributes to the development of inflammation and pain) within the body.³

Motrin Migraine is only available in the form of liquid gel capsules at a single strength of 200mg. Unlike many migraine treatments, Motrin Migraine does not contain any caffeine.

What You Need To Know About Migraines

What is Motrin Migraine used to treat?

While the generic drug, ibuprofen, and the branded drug, Motrin, are both used to treat many different conditions, the sub-brand Motrin Migraine is specifically marketed for people seeking relief from migraine pain.

How do you take Motrin Migraine?

Read the instructions on the product packaging and the included medication guide before taking Motrin Migraine. If the instructions are unclear or you have questions about what you’ve read, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

Motrin Migraine capsules are intended to be taken orally. Take two capsules at once with a full glass of water (at least eight ounces), preferably after eating and not on an empty stomach. Do not take more than two capsules within 24 hours unless your doctor directs you otherwise, then follow their instructions carefully. Don't lie down immediately after taking this drug. Instead, wait at least ten minutes before lying down. If you experience stomach upset when taking this medication, take it with food, milk, an antacid, or any combination.

This medication should only be used on demand when needed and not on a regular basis. Your doctor will help you determine an appropriate dosage based on the severity of your migraines and your body’s response to the drug. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Do not increase your dosage or take this drug more frequently than recommended by your doctor or the medication’s packaging.

When children use ibuprofen, the effective dose is based on their weight, and it should only be used under their doctor’s supervision. 

While you don’t need a prescription for Motrin Migraine as the drug is available over-the-counter, it’s best to consult your doctor, especially if you’re struggling with chronic migraines or other health conditions, as serious adverse effects may occur.

Seeing results

Motrin Migraine typically works within half an hour; however, timing can vary from person to person.

Motrin Migraine isn't suitable for everyone. Speak with your doctor before taking Motrin Migraine if you have any health conditions, are taking other medications, or are pregnant. If you have questions or concerns, your doctor can help.

Who should not take Motrin Migraine?

Motrin Migraine is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, it is contraindicated in the following groups:¹

• People with known sensitivities to ibuprofen

• People who have experienced any sort of allergic reaction (including skin reactions) after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs

• People seeking pain relief around the time or after undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

Additionally, the drug should be prescribed very cautiously to people with:¹

• Hypertension

• Fluid retention

• Liver dysfunction

• Impaired renal function

• Congestive heart failure

• A history of ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding

• Other risk factors for bleeding, including advanced age, alcohol use, or poor overall health

And in people taking certain drugs and supplements (see Drug interactions below).

Potential side effects of Motrin Migraine

Common side effects associated with Motrin Migraine are typically mild and short-lived. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, seek medical help.⁴

Common side effects include:

• Upset stomach

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Headache

This medication may trigger an increase in blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure and let your doctor know if your readings are higher than usual while taking Motrin Migraine.

Stop the medication and seek medical help immediately if you experience any severe side effects, including:

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Vomiting blood

• Bloody or black stool

• Signs of heart problem or stroke (trouble breathing, chest pain, weakness in one side of the body, or slurred speech)

• Vision problems

• Hearing problems

• Unexplained stiffness in your neck

• Mental or mood changes

• Signs of kidney problems (inability to urinate, decreased urine volume, or cloudy urine) 

• Pain or discomfort in your chest, upper gastrointestinal tract, or throat that doesn’t go away

Rarely, this drug may cause severe liver damage, which requires immediate medical attention. Stay vigilant in monitoring for signs of liver damage, including:

• Dark urine

• Stomach or abdominal pain

• Yellowing of your skin or eyes

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Loss of appetite

This is not a comprehensive list of all potential side effects. If you notice any side effects not mentioned here, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Overdoses

An ibuprofen overdose can have severe consequences. If the recommended dose doesn’t provide relief, speak with your doctor about other options.

Symptoms of an overdose may include:⁵

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Vomiting with or without blood

• Abdominal severe pain and indigestion

• Signs of kidney failure

• Blue color around the lips, mouth, and nose

• Breathing problems such as fast and shallow breathing

• Convulsions

• Difficulty sleeping

• Hallucination

• Slow or irregular heartbeat

• Fainting

• Coma

If you suspect you or someone else may be experiencing Mortin overdose symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Allergy information

A fatal allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, it may cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of a drug allergy while taking Motrin Migraine:

• Skin reddening, rashes, or blisters

• Swelling in the face, tongue, or throat

• Hives

• Wheezing

• Chest pain

• Difficulty breathing

Long-term use of Motrin Migraine

Long-term use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can cause serious side effects. Therefore, you shouldn't use Motrin Migraine for long-term pain relief without consulting your doc­tor first, and you shouldn’t take it in combination with other NSAIDs.¹

Long-term use of ibuprofen may cause:

• Anemia

• Kidney and liver problems

• Increased risk of a heart attack or stroke

• Hearing problems

• Bleeding in the stomach and bowels

Motrin Migraine use in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Ibuprofen shouldn't be taken during pregnancy unless prescribed by a doctor. The US FDA has recently advised avoiding using any NSAIDs, including Motrin, at 20 weeks or later of pregnancy, since they can result in low amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, causing complications.

Additionally, taking NSAIDs late in pregnancy can harm the cardiovascular system of the fetus as they can cause closure of the ductus arteriosus. Speak with your doctor if you take Motrin Migraine and you're pregnant or trying to conceive.⁶ ¹

The US FDA has granted ibuprofen (Motrin) a Pregnancy Category C warning, meaning reproductive studies in animals have shown evidence of developmental abnormalities and harm to the fetus. However, animal study results are not always predictive of human response. Since there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans to prove the drug is safe for pregnant women, the drug should only be used if your physician decides that the benefits outweigh any potential risk. 

Breastfeeding

You can take ibuprofen while breastfeeding. It’s present in breast milk at extremely low levels, and the drug has a short half-life. When it comes to painkillers and other anti-inflammatories, ibuprofen is a preferred choice while breastfeeding.⁷

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for severe side effects. This list does not include all possible interactions between drugs. Keep a list of everything you use and discuss it with your doctor before taking Motrin, including prescription and nonprescription medicines and other nutritional supplements, herbs, and vitamins. Don’t start taking new supplements or medications without consulting your doctor.¹

Medications that may interact with Motrin Migraine include:

• Aliskiren

• Diuretics

• Captopril

• Valsartan

• Losartan

• Prednisone

• Lisinopril

• Lithium

This medication may increase the risk of bleeding if taken alongside other drugs that may also cause bleeding. Examples include anticoagulants and blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin, clopidogrel, and dabigatran.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Motrin Migraine?

Drinking alcohol while taking NSAIDs, such as Motrin Migraine, increases the risk of stomach ulcers and severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

What to discuss with your doctor before starting Motrin Migraine

While Motrin Migraine is an over-the-counter drug, there are topics you should address with your doctor before taking it:

• Let your doctor know if you have any drug allergies, especially to NSAIDs

• Bring a list of all the other medications you are taking, including any vitamins, supplements, or herbs

• Discuss any other health issues, including cardiovascular, kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disease

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding 

• Inform your doctor of any upcoming surgeries, including dental surgery

Beyond that, it’s essential to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor. Some serious health conditions have symptoms that mimic migraines, and getting an accurate, early diagnosis is crucial.

Stopping Motrin Migraine

If you experience severe side effects or suspect an allergic reaction, stop taking the drug immediately and call 911.

Stop taking the medication and speak with your doctor if you experience new symptoms or if it doesn’t provide adequate relief from your migraines.

If you experience side effects that lead you to stop taking this medication, ask your doctor about other treatment options.

Overuse or long-term use of Motrin Migraine may lead to a condition called medication-overuse headaches. This condition is also known as drug-induced headaches, and typically develops in people with headache disorders who overuse medications, like Motrin Migraine, in an attempt to find relief. An unfortunate cycle of overusing headache medications can cause an increase in the frequency of these headaches that the medication was indicated to treat in the first place, leading to a loop of taking more medication to relieve the symptoms, which in turn increases the severity and frequency of these headaches, and so on. These headaches can be severe and debilitating. If your doctor suspects your headaches are linked to overuse, they will ask you to stop taking the medication entirely right away. In addition, they may recommend a replacement treatment from a different drug class to help with your symptoms.⁸

Research on the effectiveness of ibuprofen for migraines

In their review of relevant literature (assessing results from nine studies involving more than 4,000 participants), one team of researchers found that ibuprofen consistently performed better than a placebo in targeting migraine pain. While a dose of 200mg was better than no treatment, a higher dose of 400mg was more effective. 400mg of ibuprofen:⁹

• Eliminated migraine symptoms at two hours for 26% of participants (compared to 12% in the placebo group)

• Provided noticeable relief at two hours for 57% of participants (25% in the placebo group)

• Produced sustained, 24-hour relief for 45% of participants (19% in the placebo group)

A study assessing different doses of various migraine relief medicines found that the level of relief provided by ibuprofen is not dose-dependent past 400mg. While 400mg was more effective than 200mg in treating migraine pain, 600mg was no more effective than 400mg.

There are no adequate studies establishing the safety and effectiveness of Motrin in children.¹⁰

Tips for taking Motrin Migraine

The following tips and advice can help you maximize the effectiveness of Motrin Migraine while reducing your risk of side effects:

• Take this medication with food

• Don't take aspirin or any other NSAIDs while taking ibuprofen

• If you are allergic or sensitive to aspirin or any other pain medication, do not take this medication, as it may also produce an allergic response

• Do not use ibuprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Motrin Migraine and Motrin?

Motrin Migraine and Motrin contain the same medication; ibuprofen. However, while Motrin Migraine is available in just one form and strength, Motrin comes in a variety of forms and strengths. A 200mg Motrin liquid gel is the same as a 200mg Motrin Migraine liquid gel. However, Motrin Migraine is specifically marketed for the treatment of migraines, so the box and the patient leaflet are more precise in detailing the use of Motrin for the treatment of this specific condition.

Can you take Motrin Migraine on an empty stomach?

It’s best to take Motrin Migraine after eating to prevent gastrointestinal issues.

Can you take Motrin Migraine every night before bed?

Long-term NSAID use is associated with a number of severe side effects, including potentially worsening the severity or frequency of your migraine headaches. If you feel you need painkillers daily for longer than a few days, consult with your doctor to identify the cause of your pain and discuss appropriate treatment options.