Ibuprofen

Overview

Its medication class is NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Common uses include Pain, fever, inflammation, menstrual cramps, and minor sports pain. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.

How to Take it

Route

Oral tablet/capsule/liquid

Time of day

Use when needed for pain or fever; space doses consistently for sustained symptoms.

With food/water

120–240 mL water; food may reduce nausea.

Preparation

Use only label-strength forms for adults/children and swallow tablets with water.

Safe dose

Start at the lowest effective dose listed on the product label.

Max dose

Do not exceed the product label daily amount; avoid combining same-class ingredients.

Frequency

Every 4–8 hours as directed, usually no sooner than label interval.

Other recommendations

Use labels to separate from other acetaminophen/NSAID products and alcohol-containing medicines.

Common uses

• Pain
• fever
• inflammation
• menstrual cramps
• minor sports pain

Common side effects

• Nausea
• heartburn
• indigestion
• abdominal pain
• constipation or diarrhea
• headache
• dizziness
• flatulence
• dizziness/vertigo
• and fatigue

Important warnings

• Use with food and adequate hydration to reduce GI irritation. Avoid if active ulcers, bleeding disorders, prior GI bleed, severe heart failure, dehydration, kidney disease, or late pregnancy. Avoid combining with other NSAIDs or aspirin unless directed. Limit prolonged use and seek urgent care for chest pain, black stools, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, swelling, or reduced urine.

General interactions information

Increased GI bleeding with aspirin/other NSAIDs; reduced effect of some antihypertensives and diuretics; increases bleeding risk with anticoagulants.