Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. It's an effective painkiller and is prescribed in higher doses to relieve inflammation, swelling and stiffness.
It's used to provide pain relief in a wide range of conditions ranging from menstrual and dental pain to post-operative pain. It's effective in reducing fever and is also prescribed for the treatment of arthritic conditions such rheumatoid- and osteoarthritis, muscle injury, and acute attacks of gout.
Ibuprofen doesn't cure the underlying condition responsible for pain, fever or inflammation, but keeps the symptoms under control.
At moderate doses - not exceeding 1.2g a day - ibuprofen appear to have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than aspirin and many other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It may, however, still cause gastrointestinal irritation, and should be used with caution if you have a stomach ulcer or related disease.
This risk increases the longer you take this medication, or if you're also taking corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication) such as warfarin, or if you smoke or consume alcohol while being treated with ibuprofen. To reduce this, it's advised to take this medication with food.
Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in, for example, Brufen.
How does ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen blocks the production of chemicals in the body that are responsible for pain, fever, swelling and inflammation.
Overdose risk: Low
Dependence risk: Low
Available as a generic ? Yes
Available on prescription only? No (some do need a script)
User information
Onset of effect: Within 30 minutes.
Duration of action: Up to 8 hours.
Dietary advice: Ibuprofen should be taken with a meal to minimise gastrointestinal irritation.
Stopping this medicine: Unless your doctor has prescribed ibuprofen for long-term use, it can be safely stopped when no longer needed.
Prolonged use: The likelihood of adverse effects increase with prolonged use. Your doctor may perform period liver and kidney-function tests, while also examining you for possible gastrointestinal damage.
Special precautions
Alert your doctor before using this drug if:
- You have asthma,
- You have a stomach ulcer,
- You have a bleeding disorder,
- You're taking blood-thinning medication,
- You're allergic to aspirin or any other medication, or
- You're taking other medication.
Pregnancy: Avoid. Potential risk to the foetus has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you're planning to fall pregnant
Breastfeeding: This medication is safe to use. You should, however, first discuss its use with your doctor.
Porphyria: This medication is safe to use.
Infants and children: Safety and efficacy hasn't been established for children under the age of 2.
Elderly: Caution is advised as side effects may be more likely. The dose may need to be adjusted.
Driving and hazardous work: Caution is advised as use of this medication may lead to dizziness, light-headedness and/or sedation. Avoid such activities until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol: Avoid concomitant use of alcohol as it may worsen stomach irritation.
Possible side effects
Side effect | Frequency | Consult your doctor | ||
Common | Rare | Only if severe | In all cases |
Gastrointestinal disorders | x | |||
Headache | x | x | ||
Dizziness | x | x | ||
Drowsiness | x | x | ||
Depression | x | x | ||
Swelling (feet/ankles) | x | x | ||
Rash/itch | x | x | ||
Difficulty breathing | x | x |
Blood in vomit | x | |||
Dark tarry stools | x |
Drug interactions
Blood pressure medication | Reduced pressure-lowering effect |
Alcohol | Potential gastrointestinal symptoms |
Warfarin | Risk of bleeding |
Asthma medication | Reduced effect of asthma medication; risk of asthma attack |
Cardiac glycosides, digoxin | Risk that heart failure may be more severe |
Corticosteroids | Potential gastrointestinal symptoms |
Ciclosporin | Potential ibuprofen toxicity |
Methotrexate | Potential methotrexate toxicity |
Diuretics | Potential risk of kidney damage |
Blood glucose lowering drugs | Risk of prolonged low blood sugar |
Baclofen | Potential baclofen toxicity |
Other NSAIDs | Potential risk of gastrointestinal bleeding |
Probenecid | Risk of ibuprofen toxicity |
Quionolone antibiotics | Risk of seizures |
Tacrolimus | Increased risk of kidney damage |
Zidovudine | Increased risk of zidovudine toxicity |
Disease interactions:
Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have asthma, a stomach ulcer, bleeding disorder, if you're taking blood-thinning medication, or if you're allergic to aspirin or any other medication.
Overdose action:
A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case of an intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical attention.
Recommended dosage:
Adults: 600-1200mg/day in divided doses. Maximum daily dose is 2400mg.
Children: 20mg/kg/day in divided doses (maximum 40mg/kg/day)
Interesting fact:
Ibuprofen has shown promising results in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, when given in low doses over a long time.