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Ibuprofen

Advil, Motrin, Nurofen

RA
UR

Written by R. Author | Reviewed by Uche Ruth

Updated on June 25, 2024

Overview

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

What is Ibuprofen used for?

Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

Prescription ibuprofen:

How Ibuprofen works

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or better known as an NSAID. It works by blocking proteins in your body called cyclooxygenase (COX)) that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. By blocking these proteins, ibuprofen helps relieve inflammation, swelling, and pain.

When does Ibuprofen start working?

Time passed since treatment started:

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Pros and cons of Ibuprofen

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Pharmacist tips for Ibuprofen

  • You can take ibuprofen with or without food. But it's best to take it with food or milk to prevent nausea, which is a common side effect.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink while you're taking ibuprofen. Using both can raise your risk for serious side effects, such as stomach bleeding and liver and kidney problems.
  • Ibuprofen raises the risk of stomach bleeding, so tell your provider right away if you experience unexplained vomiting, stomach pain, dark-colored stools, or blood in your vomit or stool.
  • Ibuprofen interacts with a lot of common medications. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure whether you can safely take your other medications with ibuprofen.
  • If you have high blood pressure, your provider might ask you to check your blood pressure more often when you're taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can make blood pressure medications work less well.
  • Don't take ibuprofen with other NSAIDs, such as naproxen (Aleve). Doing so puts you at higher risk for stomach bleeds, stroke, and heart attack. Keep in mind that NSAIDs are commonly found in over-the-counter pain and cold medications. Talk with your pharmacist if you're not sure whether you're already taking an NSAID.
  • If you're taking aspirin for your heart (81 mg per day), ask your provider whether it's safe for you to also take ibuprofen because taking them together raises your risk for side effects. If your provider says it's safe to take them together, be sure to take ibuprofen at least 30 minutes after or at least 8 hours before immediate-release aspirin. Taking them at the same time might lower the amount of aspirin your body absorbs and cause it to not work as well.
  • Ask your provider whether it's safe to use ibuprofen if you're allergic to aspirin. There's a chance you could be allergic to ibuprofen as well.
  • Store ibuprofen up and away from children and pets so they're less likely to reach and take the medication by accident. Call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222 if you think your child accidentally took the medication.
  • Speak with your provider if you're breastfeeding before you take ibuprofen. Your provider can discuss with you about the risks and benefits of taking ibuprofen to make sure it's safe for you and your baby.

More tips for over-the-counter ibuprofen:

  • For the liquid form: Keep the medication in the original bottle at room temperature. Use a medication dose cup or oral syringe to measure out the dose of ibuprofen. Ask your pharmacy for one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you (or your child) to take the wrong dose.
  • Stop using ibuprofen and contact your provider if you have a fever that gets worse or lasts for more than 3 days; have pain that gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days; have redness or swelling in the painful area; or notice any new symptoms that appear. You'll need to be examined to see whether you have a more serious condition.

What are the risks and warnings for Ibuprofen?

Stomach bleeding and ulcers

  • Risk factors: Older adults | History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | Bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Taking ibuprofen for a long time

Ibuprofen can raise your risk for serious stomach problems, including bleeding and ulcers (sores). Stomach bleeding is a dangerous condition that requires treatment right away. Serious stomach problems can happen with or without warning or symptoms while you're taking ibuprofen. Your risk for stomach bleeds is even higher if you're taking ibuprofen also taking other medications that can put you at risk, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Tell your providers and pharmacists about all of your medical conditions and medications before you start ibuprofen so they can talk with you about your risk for stomach bleeding. Seek medical help right away if you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while you're taking ibuprofen.

Heart attack and stroke

  • Risk factors: Heart problems | Taking higher doses of ibuprofen | Taking ibuprofen for a long time | Past or planned heart surgery

Ibuprofen can raise your risk of having blood clots, which sometimes lead to a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your healthcare provider before you take ibuprofen if you have heart problems. To lower your risk, try to take ibuprofen at the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time possible. Don't take ibuprofen if you've recently had or will be having heart surgery. Call 911 or get immediate help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.

High blood pressure and heart failure

  • Risk factors: Heart problems | High blood pressure

Ibuprofen can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure or put you at risk for heart failure. Tell your provider if you have a history of heart problems or if you're taking blood pressure medications before you start taking ibuprofen to make sure it's safe for you. Contact your provider if you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while you're taking ibuprofen.

Kidney damage

  • Risk factors: Older adults | Kidney or liver problems | Heart failure | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems

Ibuprofen can damage your kidneys by slowing down blood flow to the kidneys. Your risk is higher if you're of older age, have certain medical problems like diabetes, or take other medications that can cause kidney problems. Your provider might order lab tests to check your kidney health before and during long-term treatment with ibuprofen. Contact your provider if you develop any signs or symptoms of kidney failure, including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, and muscle cramps. Your provider might suggest that you stop taking ibuprofen and switch to a safer medication.

Liver problems

  • Risk factors: History of liver problems

Though rare, ibuprofen can cause serious liver problems that can lead to liver failure. Get medical attention right away if you notice swelling of your stomach; stomach pain; yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools); dark or brown urine; nausea, vomiting; or confusion. These can be signs of liver damage. Your provider can examine you for liver problems, and you might need to stop using the medication to prevent further liver damage.

Severe allergic reactions

  • Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy

Severe allergic reactions to ibuprofen are possible. These can include life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Tell your provider if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before you start taking ibuprofen. Seek medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing after you use ibuprofen.

Although rare, ibuprofen can also cause serious skin reactions. Stop using ibuprofen and get medical help right away if you notice changes in your skin such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling.

Harm to unborn babies

  • Risk factors: Currently in second or third trimester of pregnancy

Ibuprofen can cause harm to your unborn baby, especially if it's taken in the second half of pregnancy (after week 20). It can cause serious complications, such as heart or kidney problems in your unborn baby or problems during delivery. Speak to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking ibuprofen if you're pregnant before taking this medication. Ask whether there are safer alternatives.

Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

The ibuprofen chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If your child has a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking the chewable tablets can be dangerous for them. Ask your child's provider or pharmacist which ibuprofen formulations are safer for your child.

Strengths

Bottle of oral suspension

118ml of 100mg/5ml
120ml of 100mg/5ml
473ml of 100mg/5ml

Tablet

400mg
600mg
800mg

Dosages

Ibuprofen is available both over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. The dosage depends on the reason you’re using ibuprofen, the specific ibuprofen strength and formulation you're using, and your age and weight (for children).

Follow the instructions on the package labeling or your provider’s directions. In general:

Over-the-counter ibuprofen

  • Ibuprofen 200 mg capsule and tablet:
    • Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last. Don't take more than 6 pills (1,200 mg) within a 24-hour period.
    • Age under 12 years: Ask your child's provider or pharmacist about using a different ibuprofen formulation for children.
  • Children's ibuprofen 100 mg/5 mL oral suspension:
    • Age 2 to 11 years weighing 24 to 95 pounds: Please refer to the ibuprofen dosage guide for children or the package instructions for specific dosing information. In general, the dose ranges from 5 mL to 15 mL by mouth every 6 to 8 hours. Don't use more than 4 times within a 24-hour period.
    • Age under 2 years weighing less than 24 pounds: Ask your child's provider or pharmacist about using the ibuprofen formulation for infants.
  • Infant's ibuprofen 50 mg/1.25 mL liquid drops:
    • Age 6 to 23 months weighing 12 to 23 pounds: Please refer to the ibuprofen dosage guide for infants or the package instructions for specific dosing information. In general, the dose ranges from 1.25 mL to 1.875 mL by mouth every 6 to 8 hours. Don't use more than 4 times within a 24-hour period.
    • Age under 6 months: Ask your child's provider or pharmacist for alternative options.

Prescription ibuprofen (adults only)

  • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: The typical dose is 400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg by mouth 3 to 4 times per day.
  • Pain: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
  • Menstrual cramps: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth every 4 hours as needed.
  • The maximum dose is 3,200 mg within a 24-hour period.

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Interactions

buprofen may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ibuprofen. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Side-effects

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Dizziness
  • Rash

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Stomach bleeding: vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
  • Heart attack: chest pain or tightness; pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
  • Heart failure: trouble breathing, swelling, sudden weight gain, fast heartbeat
  • Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech
  • Kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
  • Liver problems: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark or brown urine
  • Allergic reaction or skin reaction: hives, rash, skin reddening, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing

When do Ibuprofen possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

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Common Concerns

In general, how much ibuprofen you can take in a 24-hour period depends on your age and whether you're using the over-the-counter or prescription formulations. For people ages 12 years and older, the typical dose for over-the-counter ibuprofen is 200 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 1,200 mg per day (6 pills). For prescription ibuprofen, the typical dose is 400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg by mouth 3 to 4 times per day, up to 3,200 mg per day. For children younger than 12 years old, the maximum amount of ibuprofen they can take per day depends on their age and weight and the formulation they're using. But they generally shouldn't take ibuprofen more than 4 times per day. Speak to your provider about your treatment options if you've reached the maximum amount of ibuprofen you can take and feel it isn't enough to relieve your symptoms.
It takes about 30 minutes for most of your ibuprofen dose to get absorbed into the blood. But it can take a few hours for you to feel relief from fever or minor pains. For long-term pain problems like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, it can take about 1 to 2 weeks to notice less inflammation. The effects of ibuprofen typically last for about 6 hours. Talk to your provider if you're concerned with how well ibuprofen is working for you.
Yes, it's generally considered safe to take ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) work a little differently to relieve pain and fever. Some providers might recommend to take both medications or alternate between the two medications if either one alone isn't working to relieve pain. Keep in mind that both medications have their own risks. Ibuprofen has heart risks and can cause kidney problems, whereas acetaminophen (Tylenol) has a risk for liver damage. Before using other pain medications with ibuprofen, speak with your healthcare provider to make sure it's safe for you to do so.
No, ibuprofen isn't classified as a blood thinner medication; it doesn't help prevent blood clots from forming. But NSAIDs like ibuprofen are known to raise the risk of bleeding, especially in people who are also taking blood thinners. Get medical help right away if you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort because you might be bleeding.
It's not completely clear whether ibuprofen is safe to take during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. But you should avoid ibuprofen after 20 weeks of pregnancy because it might cause developmental problems in your unborn baby or complications during delivery. Talk to your provider about safer alternatives for fever and pain during pregnancy. In general, providers tend to prefer acetaminophen (Tylenol) as a safe choice during pregnancy.
Yes, ibuprofen lowers both fever and swelling that's caused by a physical injury (e.g., sprained ankle). Ibuprofen works by blocking proteins in the body called COX that typically cause fever and inflammation (pain, redness, and swelling). It's important to note that ibuprofen doesn't help reduce swelling in the arms or legs due to fluid buildup in the body. In fact, this type of swelling can be a side effect of ibuprofen.
Yes, ibuprofen can raise your blood pressure if it's taken for a long time (e.g., a few weeks), but it doesn't seem like it does by much. Studies show that ibuprofen can raise your systolic blood pressure (SBP or the "top" number of your blood pressure reading) by an average of 5 mmHg. To be safe, it's best to ask your provider whether ibuprofen is safe for you if you have high blood pressure and you're taking blood pressure medications.
No, ibuprofen by itself doesn't typically cause sleepiness or drowsiness. But keep in mind that ibuprofen is sometimes found in products that also contain other medications that can cause sleepiness, such as Advil PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine). Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure whether or not your ibuprofen product has other medications in it that might cause sleepiness.

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