Description:

Ibucap Capsules (by Shalina) is a combination analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication providing rapid relief from mild to moderate pain and inflammation. It combines ibuprofen (NSAID for pain and inflammation), paracetamol (for additional pain and fever relief), and caffeine (to enhance analgesia and counteract fatigue). It is commonly used for headache, body pain, dental pain, menstrual pain, back pain, and other inflammatory conditions. In Ghana (Accra), Ibucap (often in 20-capsule packs) is a popular, affordable OTC/prescription pain reliever available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Meldinpharma) for symptomatic pain management.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term adult use. No prescription required for limited use; freely available in pharmacies. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if pain persists beyond 3–5 days, is severe/recurrent, or for use in children under 12, pregnant/breastfeeding women, or those with stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or on other medications (due to NSAID risks).

Therapeutic Category:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) + Analgesic + Caffeine Combination (for pain, inflammation, and fever relief.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each capsule contains:

• Ibuprofen BP – 200 mg (NSAID; anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic).
• Paracetamol BP – 325 mg (analgesic and antipyretic).
• Caffeine BP – 30 mg (central nervous system stimulant; enhances pain relief and reduces drowsiness). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sodium starch glycolate, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide). Capsules are hard gelatin, often light blue cap with “Shalina” logo and dark blue body with “IBUCAP” printed.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Ibucap Capsules (standard 200mg ibuprofen + 325mg paracetamol + 30mg caffeine; common pack sizes 20 capsules, 10×10 = 100 capsules, or monopacks). Related variants: Ibucap Forte (higher ibuprofen 400mg + paracetamol 325mg + caffeine 30mg), Ibucap Cold and Flu (with chlorphenamine + phenylephrine), or smaller packs. The queried “Ibucap 20 capsules” is the standard 20-capsule pack.

Consume Type:

Oral – Capsule (swallow whole with water; take with or after food to reduce stomach irritation).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children over 12 years: Typically 1 capsule every 4–6 hours as needed (maximum 4 capsules in 24 hours).

• Take with food/milk to minimize GI irritation.
• Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–5 days); do not use longer without medical advice.
• Do not exceed recommended dose (risk of GI bleeding or paracetamol overdose).

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain (from ibuprofen).
• Central: Dizziness, headache, restlessness (from caffeine).
• Other: Rash, mild allergic reactions. Rare/serious (seek help): Stomach ulcers/bleeding (black stools/vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions, liver/kidney issues, or cardiovascular effects (with prolonged NSAID use).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 capsules per strip, packs of 2×10 = 20 capsules; foil blisters in carton or monopack with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers (especially elderly or with ulcer history)—take with food or antacids if needed.
• Contraindicated if allergic to ibuprofen/paracetamol/caffeine/NSAIDs, active peptic ulcer, severe liver/kidney/heart failure, or late pregnancy (fetal risk).
• Caution in hypertension, asthma (NSAID-exacerbated), bleeding disorders, or on anticoagulants.
• Avoid alcohol (increases GI risk and sedation).
• Inform doctor if pregnant/planning, breastfeeding, or on other medications.
• If black stools, severe pain, swelling, or confusion occurs, seek immediate help. Regular monitoring for long-term use.

Product Substitutes: Similar ibuprofen + paracetamol + caffeine capsules in Ghana include:

• Ibucap Forte (higher ibuprofen 400mg version by Shalina).
• Generic ibuprofen/paracetamol/caffeine capsules (various importers).
• Alternatives: Panadol Extra (paracetamol + caffeine), APC tablets (aspirin + paracetamol + caffeine), or plain ibuprofen/paracetamol. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Shalina Laboratories Pvt Ltd (India; primary manufacturer of Ibucap capsules). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Shalina Healthcare or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Meldinpharma).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Shalina Laboratories Pvt Ltd; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).