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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

NSAID✓ Over-the-counter

What Is Ibuprofen Used For?

Brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nurofen

Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications for pain, fever, and inflammation. Available without a prescription in most countries.

What is Ibuprofen used for?

Headaches and migraines
Muscle pain and soreness
Menstrual cramps
Fever reduction
Arthritis pain and inflammation
Toothache
Back pain

How does Ibuprofen work?

Ibuprofen blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that produce prostaglandins — chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and fever. By blocking them, ibuprofen reduces all three.

Dosage information

💊Available forms

200mg tablets (OTC)
400mg tablets
600mg tablets
800mg tablets
100mg/5ml suspension (children's)

📏Typical dosage

Adults: 200–400mg every 4–6 hours, maximum 1200mg/day OTC. Always take with food or milk.

⚠️ Dosage varies by individual. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions — never self-dose based on general information.

Side effects

Common

Stomach upset
Heartburn
Nausea
Dizziness
Headache

⚠️ Serious — contact your doctor

Stomach ulcers and bleeding
Kidney damage (high doses or dehydration)
Increased heart attack and stroke risk (long-term)
Allergic reactions

Important warnings

Always take with food, milk, or antacids

DO NOT take in third trimester of pregnancy

Avoid with kidney disease, active ulcers, or heart failure

Higher risk of side effects over age 60

Drug interactions

These substances may interact with Ibuprofen. This is not a complete list — always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL medications and supplements you take.

Aspirin (reduces heart protection)Blood thinners (warfarin)ACE inhibitors like lisinoprilCorticosteroidsLithium

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

🤰 Avoid in third trimester — consult doctor for first/second trimester use

Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?

Strongly not recommended — significantly increases risk of stomach pain, ulcers, and bleeding even with short-term use.

How often can I take ibuprofen?

Adults can take 200–400mg every 4–6 hours, maximum 1200mg in 24 hours OTC. Do not use more than 10 days for pain without consulting a doctor.

Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol together?

Yes — they work differently and don't interact. Some hospitals use both together for better pain control than either alone.

Is ibuprofen safe for children?

Safe for children over 3 months using weight-based dosing with children's liquid formulations. Never give adult tablets to children without guidance.

What's the difference between ibuprofen and paracetamol?

Ibuprofen is anti-inflammatory — better for muscle pain and menstrual cramps. Paracetamol relieves pain and fever only. Ibuprofen carries more GI risks; paracetamol carries liver risks at high doses.

Related medications

💊AspirinNSAID / Antiplatelet Agent 💊Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)Analgesic / Antipyretic 💊NaproxenNSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)💊OmeprazoleProton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)

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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Information on this page is sourced from general pharmaceutical references and is provided for educational purposes only. Drug information may change — always verify with your pharmacist or prescriber. PillCodex.com is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.