Ibuprofen is a pain reliever that is available over the counter without a prescription. It is one of a group of pain relievers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain – such as toothaches, migraines, and period pains.
Ibuprofen Uses
Ibuprofen is used to relieve a variety of conditions, such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle pain, and arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains caused by the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the production of certain natural substances in your body that cause inflammation. This effect helps reduce swelling, pain, or fever. If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug therapies and/or other medications to treat your pain. See also the Warnings section. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with the same name may contain different ingredients designed for different purposes. Taking the wrong product can harm you.
How to use ibuprofen orally
If you are taking an over-the-counter product, read all instructions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ibuprofen and before each refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 ml), unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not delay for at least 10 minutes after taking this medicine. If you experience an upset stomach while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
What if someone overdoses?
Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, lethargy, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, fainting, or coma.
What to avoid
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to ibuprofen (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).
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Avoid taking the aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.
If you also take aspirin to prevent a stroke or heart attack, taking ibuprofen may make aspirin less effective at protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you take both medications, take ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after taking aspirin (non-enteric-coated form).
Avoid drinking alcohol. This can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
ibuprofen side effects
If you have signs of an allergic reaction to ibuprofen (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, sore skin, red or purple rash). Get emergency medical help. if with blisters and skins)
Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain radiating to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, or shortness of breath.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:
- changes in your vision;
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
- bloating or rapid weight gain;
- skin rash, however mild;
- Symptoms of stomach bleeding- bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- Liver problems – nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, feeling tired, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- Low red blood cells (anemia)- pale skin, light-headedness or shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, difficulty concentrating; or
- Kidney problems – little or no urine, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common ibuprofen side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, gas;
- bleeding; or
- Dizziness, and headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
