Visual evoked potentials and ibuprofen (Motrin) toxicity

A patient taking ibuprofen (Motrin) for the relief of osteoarthritis developed, after two months, decreased visual acuity and decreased color vision. Initially the Visual Evoked Potentials, showed decreased wave amplitudes, and increased conduction times in both eyes. After stopping the drug, the Visual Evoked Potentials returned to normal one month before the visual acuity improved. We feel that Visual Evoked Potentials are useful for screening patients on ibuprofen, and prognosticating their recovery, when a secondary toxic optic neuritis develops.