ibuprofen
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.
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What is Ibuprofen?
What is Ibuprofen used for?
Over-the-counter ibuprofen:
Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
Fever
Prescription ibuprofen:
Mild-to-moderate pain
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
Pain from menstrual cramps
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.
Drug Facts
More on Ibuprofen essentials
What are the side effects of Ibuprofen?
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Rash
Other Side Effects
- Low appetite
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision or changes in vision
Serious Side Effects
- 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
Source: DailyMed
More on Ibuprofen side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abdominal pain
acid or sour stomach
belching
cloudy urine
decrease in amount of urine
decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
full feeling
indigestion
itching skin
pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat
pale skin
passing gas
noisy, rattling breathing
rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
shortness of breath
swelling of face, fingers, hands, feet, lower legs, or ankles
troubled breathing at rest
troubled breathing with exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Less common
Abdominal cramps
stomach soreness or discomfort
Rare
Agitation
back, leg, or stomach pains
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, loosening of skin
blood in urine or stools
bloody, black, or tarry stools
blurred vision
burning feeling in chest or stomach
change in vision
chills
clay-colored stools
coma
confusion
cough or hoarseness
dark urine
decreased urine output
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
dilated neck veins
dizziness
extreme fatigue
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
fever with or without chills
general body swelling
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
hair loss, thinning of hair
headache
hives or welts
hostility
impaired vision
increased blood pressure
increased volume of pale, dilute urine
irregular breathing
irritability
joint or muscle pain
lab results that show problems with liver
lethargy
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
muscle twitching
nosebleeds
painful or difficult urination
pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pinpoint red spots on skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rash
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
redness of skin
seizures
severe abdominal pain, cramping, burning
severe and continuing nausea
sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips
stiff neck or back
stomach upset
stupor
swollen or painful glands
tenderness in stomach area
thirst
tightness in chest
unpleasant breath odor
upper right abdominal pain
vomiting of blood
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
yellow eyes and skin
Symptoms of overdose
Bluish lips or skin
disorientation
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
drowsiness to profound coma
hallucination
lightheadedness or fainting
mood or other mental changes
muscle tremors
not breathing
rapid, deep breathing
restlessness
slow or irregular heartbeat
stomach cramps
sudden fainting
sweating
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
hearing loss
nervousness
Rare
Crying
depersonalization
discouragement
dysphoria
euphoria
feeling sad or empty
lack of appetite
loss of interest or pleasure
mental depression
paranoia
quick to react or overreact
rapidly changing moods
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
unable to sleep
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Ibuprofen
Pros
Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
Cons
Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects
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.
More on Ibuprofen tips
Frequently asked questions about Ibuprofen
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What are the risks and warnings for Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
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.
More on Ibuprofen warnings
Ibuprofen dosage forms
Typical dosing for Ibuprofen
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.
More on Ibuprofen dosage forms
Interactions between Ibuprofen and other drugs
More on Ibuprofen interactions
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.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiloride
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Balsalazide
- Bemiparin
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Betamethasone
- Betrixaban
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Budesonide
- Bufexamac
- Bumetanide
- Cangrelor
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorthalidone
- Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopamide
- Clopidogrel
- Cortisone
- Cyclopenthiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Deflazacort
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diazoxide
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digoxin
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Eplerenone
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Feverfew
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluocortolone
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Furosemide
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Heparin
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocortisone
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indapamide
- Indomethacin
- Inotersen
- Ketoprofen
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Meadowsweet
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Mesalamine
- Methotrexate
- Methyclothiazide
- Methylprednisolone
- Metolazone
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Olsalazine
- Opipramol
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Paramethasone
- Parecoxib
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pemetrexed
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Pentoxifylline
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenyl Salicylate
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Polythiazide
- Prasugrel
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Reboxetine
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- Spironolactone
- Sulfasalazine
- Sulindac
- Tacrolimus
- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Torsemide
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Triamterene
- Trichlormethiazide
- Trimipramine
- Trolamine Salicylate
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Xipamide
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.
- Acebutolol
- Alacepril
- Amikacin
- Atenolol
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Benazepril
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Eprosartan
- Esmolol
- Fosinopril
- Irbesartan
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moexipril
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Perindopril Erbumine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Sotalol
- Spirapril
- Telmisartan
- Timolol
- Trandolapril
- Valsartan
How much does Ibuprofen cost?
Ibuprofen contraindications
History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
Right before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), a type of open heart surgery
What are alternatives to Ibuprofen?
Over-the-counter ibuprofen:
Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
Fever
Prescription ibuprofen:
Mild-to-moderate pain
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
Pain from menstrual cramps
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (arthritis of the spine)
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children)
Tendonitis and bursitis
Pain
Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
Fever
Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose ibuprofen (81 mg per day) only
What is the latest news about Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen images
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References
Best studies we foundAmerisource Bergen. (2023). GOOD NEIGHBOR PHARMACY IBUPROFEN- ibuprofen tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2023). Ibuprofen tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Beaver, W. T. (2003). Review of the analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen. International Journal of Clinical Practice Supplement.
BluePoint Laboratories. (2023). Childrens ibuprofen- ibuprofen suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Protect your children: Store & use medicines safely.
L. Perrigo Company. (2022). Good Sense ibuprofen- ibuprofen capsule, liquid filled [package insert]. DailyMed.
Meijer Distribution Inc. (2022). Childrens ibuprofen - ibuprofen tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is coronary artery bypass grafting?
National Human Genome Research Institute. (2014). About phenylketonuria.
National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.
Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2023). Ibuprofen infants- ibuprofen suspension/drops [package insert]. DailyMed.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2006). Concomitant use of ibuprofen and aspirin: potential for attenuation of the antiplatelet effect of aspirin.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.
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