Ibuprofen

 

What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help reduce pain, fever, and inflammation (swelling and irritation in the body).

Ibuprofen is sold under many names, including Advil, Motrin, and store-brand versions. Some prescription combination products also contain ibuprofen.

Approved Uses

In the United States, ibuprofen is approved to:

• Relieve mild to moderate pain, such as headache, dental pain, muscle aches, and back pain
• Reduce fever
• Relieve menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea)
• Relieve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (prescription strengths)

Other Common Uses

Health care professionals may also recommend ibuprofen for short-term pain after minor injuries or procedures, and for discomfort linked to colds or the flu. These uses should always be guided by a licensed professional.

Available Forms and Strengths

Form	Common Strengths	Availability
Tablets and caplets	200 mg	Over the counter
Tablets	Ibuprofen 400mg, 600 mg, 800 mg	Prescription
Liquid-filled capsules (softgels)	200 mg	Over the counter
Chewable tablets (for children)	50 mg, 100 mg	Over the counter
Oral suspension (liquid)	100 mg per 5 mL	Over the counter
Concentrated infant drops	50 mg per 1.25 mL	Over the counter
Intravenous (IV) solution	Varies	Hospital use only
Combination products (for example, with famotidine)	Varies	Prescription

Available strengths and forms can differ by country and manufacturer. Always check the product label.

What is the Recommended Dosage of Ibuprofen?

There is no single dose that is right for everyone. The appropriate dose depends on several factors:

• Condition being treated: Pain, fever, and arthritis are usually treated with different doses and schedules.
• Age: Children and older adults need special care when dosing.
• Body weight: Children’s doses are usually based on weight, not just age.
• Kidney and liver function: Reduced kidney or liver function may require a lower dose or avoiding ibuprofen.
• Other health conditions and medications: Heart disease, high blood pressure, and stomach problems can affect how safely ibuprofen can be used.

Key Safety Points About Dosing

• Always follow the instructions on the product label or from your licensed medical specialist.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. This lowers the risk of side effects.
• Use the measuring device that comes with liquid products. Do not use kitchen spoons.
• Do not give adult-strength products to children.
• Do not take more than one product that contains ibuprofen or another NSAID at the same time.
• Over-the-counter ibuprofen is generally meant for short-term use. Talk to a health care professional if pain lasts more than 10 days or fever lasts more than 3 days (or as stated on the label).

Exact dosing is not listed here because the correct amount depends on the individual. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to confirm the right dose for you or your child.

How Ibuprofen Works

Your body makes chemicals called prostaglandins. They play a role in causing pain, swelling, and fever. Prostaglandins are made by enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2.

Ibuprofen blocks these enzymes. With fewer prostaglandins, the body usually has less pain, less inflammation, and a lower fever.

Important points to understand:

• Ibuprofen manages symptoms. It does not cure the underlying cause of pain, arthritis, or infection.
• Because COX-1 also helps protect the stomach lining and supports normal kidney blood flow, blocking it can lead to stomach and kidney side effects.
• Pain relief often begins within about 30 to 60 minutes for oral forms, though this varies from person to person.

Is a Prescription Required to Buy Ibuprofen Online?

It depends on the strength:

• Over-the-counter (OTC): Lower-strength products (such as 200 mg tablets or capsules and children’s liquids) can be bought without a prescription.
• Prescription-only: Higher strengths (400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg tablets), IV ibuprofen, and some combination products require a prescription.

Who to Talk To

Depending on why you need ibuprofen, you may speak with:

• A primary care physician or pediatrician for pain, fever, or general questions
• A rheumatologist for arthritis and other joint or autoimmune conditions
• A gynecologist for severe menstrual pain
• A pharmacist for questions about OTC products and interactions

Buying Safely Online

• Purchase only from licensed, accredited pharmacies that require a prescription when one is needed.
• Be cautious of websites that offer prescription-strength products without a prescription. Counterfeit or contaminated medicines are a real risk.
• Check that the packaging is sealed, labeled clearly, and not expired.
• Avoid products meant for animals. Veterinary medicines are not made or tested for human use.

Side Effects of Ibuprofen

Most people tolerate ibuprofen well when it is used correctly. Side effects are more likely with higher doses and longer use.

Common Side Effects

• Upset stomach, heartburn, or indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Gas or bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness or headache
• Mild swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles

Taking ibuprofen with food or milk can help reduce stomach upset.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are uncommon but can be life-threatening. Stop taking ibuprofen and get medical help right away if you notice any of the following:

• Black, tarry, or bloody stools
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Severe or persistent stomach pain
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or sudden vision changes (possible signs of heart attack or stroke)
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing (signs of a serious allergic reaction)
• Skin rash, blisters, or peeling skin
• Sudden weight gain, severe swelling, or very little urine (possible kidney problems)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine (possible liver problems)
• Ringing in the ears or unexplained changes in hearing

If you think you or someone else has taken too much ibuprofen, call a poison control center or emergency services immediately. In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

Ibuprofen can interact with many other medicines. Interactions may raise the risk of bleeding, kidney problems, or high blood pressure, or they may make a medication work less well.

Prescription Medications

• Other NSAIDs (such as naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, or celecoxib): taking two NSAIDs together raises the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney injury.
• Aspirin: Ibuprofen may interfere with the heart-protective effect of low-dose aspirin. Ask your doctor how to time the two medicines if you take both.
• Blood thinners (such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or clopidogrel): bleeding risk increases.
• Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, and diuretics): ibuprofen may reduce their effect and may increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone): higher risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
• Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs): higher risk of bleeding.
• Lithium: ibuprofen can raise lithium levels in the blood.
• Methotrexate: ibuprofen can increase methotrexate levels and the risk of toxicity.
• Cyclosporine and tacrolimus: higher risk of kidney damage.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Other pain relievers and cold, flu, or sinus products that contain ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen
• Some products containing aspirin-like ingredients, such as certain stomach remedies (for example, bismuth subsalicylate)

Supplements and Herbal Products

• Ginkgo biloba, high-dose fish oil, garlic supplements, ginger, and willow bark may increase bleeding risk
• Other herbal products may also interact, even if they are labeled “natural”

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while using ibuprofen can raise the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding.

Tip: Give your licensed medical specialist and pharmacist a complete list of everything you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products.

Safety & Important Considerations

FDA Boxed Warnings

Prescription NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, carry boxed warnings (the FDA’s strongest warning) about:

• Heart and blood vessel risk: NSAIDs may raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. This risk can occur early in treatment and may be higher with higher doses, longer use, or existing heart disease.
• Stomach and intestinal risk: NSAIDs can cause ulcers, bleeding, and tears in the stomach or intestines. These problems can occur without warning and are more likely in older adults and people with a history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Heart bypass surgery: Ibuprofen should not be used right before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Kidney Disease

Ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. People with kidney disease, dehydration, heart failure, or those taking diuretics and blood pressure medicines should use it only under medical guidance.

Liver Disease

Rarely, NSAIDs can affect the liver. People with liver disease should check with a health care professional first.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Failure

NSAIDs can raise blood pressure and cause the body to hold on to fluid. This may worsen high blood pressure or heart failure.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: The FDA advises that NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, should generally be avoided at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later, because they may cause rare but serious kidney problems in the unborn baby and low amniotic fluid. Use at any stage of pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor first. Use at or after 30 weeks is not recommended because of the risk of affecting the baby’s heart blood vessels.
• Breastfeeding: Small amounts of ibuprofen pass into breast milk. Ibuprofen is often considered one of the preferred pain relievers during breastfeeding, but you should still confirm with your health care professional.

Children

• Do not give ibuprofen to infants younger than 6 months unless a doctor says to.
• Dosing in children depends on weight. Use only products made for children and follow the label or a pediatrician’s instructions.
• Children who are dehydrated or vomiting repeatedly should not be given ibuprofen without medical advice.

Older Adults

Adults over 65 are at higher risk for stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and heart-related side effects. Lower doses and shorter treatment are often advised.

Monitoring

Depending on your health history and how long you take ibuprofen, your specialist may check:

• Blood pressure
• Kidney function (blood tests)
• Liver tests
• Blood counts, if you have signs of bleeding or anemia
• Symptoms such as stomach pain, swelling, or changes in urination

Other Precautions

• Ibuprofen may make you dizzy or tired. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Ibuprofen may reduce fever or pain from an infection, which can hide warning signs. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or last longer than expected.
• Rarely, NSAIDs can cause serious skin reactions. Stop use and call a doctor if you develop a rash.

Who This Medication Is For

Ibuprofen is generally used by:

• Adults and children (at appropriate doses) who need short-term relief from mild to moderate pain
• People with fever from illnesses such as colds or the flu
• People with menstrual cramps
• Adults with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who have been prescribed higher-strength forms

Ibuprofen is not appropriate for everyone, even when it is available over the counter. A health care professional or pharmacist can help you decide whether it is a good choice for your situation.

Who Should Not Take Ibuprofen

Do not take ibuprofen if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction (such as hives, wheezing, or swelling) to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID
• Have a history of asthma, nasal polyps, or breathing problems triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs
• Are about to have or have recently had heart bypass (CABG) surgery
• Have an active stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding
• Have severe kidney failure or severe heart failure
• Are in the later stages of pregnancy (see the pregnancy section above)

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you:

• Have a history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have a bleeding or clotting disorder
• Have asthma or lupus
• Drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day
• Are over age 60
• Are trying to become pregnant

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

• If you take ibuprofen only as needed (for example, for pain or fever), there is no missed dose. Take it only when you need it and follow the label’s time between doses.
• If you take ibuprofen on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
• Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• If you are unsure what to do, contact your licensed medical specialist or pharmacist.

Related medications to Ibuprofen

Other medicines may be used for similar conditions. Which one is appropriate depends on your health history, other medications, and the reason for treatment.

• Other NSAIDs: naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, etodolac, and celecoxib. These work in a similar way but differ in strength, duration, and risk profile.
• Acetaminophen: A pain and fever reducer that is not an NSAID. It does not reduce inflammation, and it must be used carefully to avoid liver injury.
• Topical pain relievers: Gels or patches that contain NSAIDs or other ingredients may be used for localized pain such as sore joints.
• Non-medication approaches: Heat or cold therapy, rest, physical therapy, and gentle exercise may be helpful for some types of pain.

Do not switch, combine, or stop medications without speaking to a licensed medical specialist. Switching treatments requires a full review of your health history and other medicines.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature, generally 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), unless the label says otherwise.
• Keep in a dry place away from moisture. Avoid storing in bathrooms.
• Protect from heat and direct light.
• Keep in the original, tightly closed container.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Use child-resistant caps and store medicines in a high, secure location.
• Do not use after the expiration date. Check with a pharmacist about safe ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine, or use a local drug take-back program.

Disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients and caregivers must consult a licensed medical specialist, such as a primary care physician, pediatrician, or rheumatologist, before starting, changing, or stopping treatment with ibuprofen. Treatment decisions must be based on a full clinical evaluation by a qualified specialist. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call your local emergency number right away.