Ibuprofen
Brand names: Brufen, Nurofen, Advil, Motrin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain, reduces fever, and lowers inflammation. It is particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, period pain, and dental pain, but requires caution in patients with stomach, kidney, or heart issues.
Drug Class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Category
Pain Relief
Forms Available
Tablets (200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg), Suspension (oral liquid, paediatric)
How It Works
Ibuprofen reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Prostaglandins are responsible for inflammation, pain sensitisation, and fever — and also for protecting the stomach lining and supporting kidney blood flow.
What It's Used For
- Mild to moderate pain — headache, dental pain, muscle and joint pain
- Dysmenorrhoea (period pain) — one of the most effective OTC options
- Fever reduction
- Inflammatory conditions — acute gout, back pain, osteoarthritis flares
- Post-operative pain
Available Forms
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Stomach irritation, nausea, dyspepsia — reduced by taking with food
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Dizziness
Serious Side Effects
- Peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal bleeding — especially in elderly and with prolonged use
- Acute kidney injury — particularly with dehydration, heart failure, or concurrent ACE inhibitor/diuretic use
- Increased cardiovascular risk (heart attack, stroke) — with high doses or prolonged use
- Fluid retention and worsened hypertension
- Bronchospasm in aspirin/NSAID-sensitive individuals
Drug Interactions
- Aspirin — concurrent use reduces aspirin's antiplatelet effect; if aspirin is prescribed for heart disease, take it 30–60 min before ibuprofen
- Warfarin and direct anticoagulants — increased bleeding risk
- ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics — risk of acute kidney injury
- SSRIs — combined risk of GI bleeding
- Lithium — NSAIDs raise lithium levels
- Methotrexate — reduced renal clearance, toxicity risk
When to Avoid
- Active peptic ulcer or GI bleeding
- Severe kidney impairment (eGFR <30)
- Severe heart failure
- Third trimester of pregnancy
- Documented NSAID/aspirin allergy or NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease
Patient Tips
- Always take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation
- Stay well hydrated — NSAIDs reduce kidney blood flow under dehydrated conditions
- Do not take for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without medical advice
- If you have heart disease, kidney disease, or take blood pressure medication, consult your doctor first
- Topical ibuprofen gel provides local pain relief with minimal systemic absorption — a safer option for musculoskeletal pain
Protecting your stomach with NSAIDs
Ibuprofen inhibits COX-1, which is responsible for producing the prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining. This is why NSAIDs cause gastric irritation and, with prolonged use, peptic ulcers.
If you need regular ibuprofen, your doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI — e.g., omeprazole) to protect your stomach. This combination is standard practice in clinical guidelines for high-risk patients.
Ibuprofen and the heart
All traditional NSAIDs carry a small increased risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) with prolonged use. The risk is dose-dependent and relevant mainly to patients with existing cardiovascular disease taking high doses regularly.
For occasional use at standard OTC doses, the risk for healthy individuals is very low. Naproxen appears to have a more favourable cardiovascular safety profile than ibuprofen among traditional NSAIDs.
Related Medicines
Medical disclaimer
This page is for educational reference only. Always follow the dosage and instructions given by your prescriber or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change medicines without medical advice.
Reviewed 2026-06-01 · Looms Medical Team