Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. It belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These medicines work differently than acetaminophen or opioid pain relievers.

You can find ibuprofen under brand names like Advil and Motrin, or as a generic product. It comes in tablets, capsules, liquid gels, and liquid suspensions for children. Most adults can safely take ibuprofen for short-term relief of minor aches and pains.

Ibuprofen has been available since the 1960s and is one of the most widely used pain relievers worldwide. The medication typically starts working within 30 minutes and provides relief for 4 to 6 hours. It treats both the pain and the underlying inflammation that often causes discomfort.

• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle aches and strains
• Arthritis pain and joint inflammation
• Back pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Toothaches and dental pain
• Minor injuries and sprains
• Fever reduction in adults and children
• Cold and flu symptoms

Ibuprofen blocks enzymes in your body called COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes produce chemicals called prostaglandins, which trigger inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin production, ibuprofen decreases swelling and lowers your perception of pain.

The medication travels through your bloodstream to reach areas of pain and inflammation throughout your body. This makes it effective for many different types of discomfort. Because it reduces inflammation at the source, it often works better than pain relievers that only affect pain signals in your brain.

Adults typically take 200 to 400 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The maximum daily dose for adults is 1,200 milligrams for over-the-counter use, or up to 3,200 milligrams under medical supervision. Children's dosing depends on age and weight, usually 5 to 10 milligrams per kilogram every 6 to 8 hours. Always take ibuprofen with food or milk to protect your stomach. Do not exceed recommended doses or take it for more than 10 days without consulting a healthcare provider.

• Upset stomach or nausea
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Dizziness or mild headache
• Gas or bloating
• Mild stomach pain
• Constipation or diarrhea

Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include signs of stomach bleeding like black or bloody stools, severe stomach pain, or vomiting blood. Allergic reactions may cause difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face and throat. Contact your doctor if you experience chest pain, weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs. Long-term use increases risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.

• Aspirin and other NSAIDs, which increase risk of stomach bleeding and reduce effectiveness
• Blood thinners like warfarin, which may cause dangerous bleeding when combined with ibuprofen
• Blood pressure medications, as ibuprofen can reduce their effectiveness
• Lithium, as ibuprofen can increase lithium levels in your blood
• Methotrexate, which can reach toxic levels when taken with ibuprofen
• Prednisone and other corticosteroids, which increase stomach bleeding risk
• Alcohol, which significantly increases risk of stomach bleeding and liver damage
• Diuretics or water pills, which may not work as well with ibuprofen

Regular blood tests help ensure ibuprofen remains safe for you, especially with long-term use. Kidney function tests measure creatinine and eGFR, which show how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. Ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to your kidneys and potentially cause damage over time. People over 60, those with existing kidney problems, or anyone taking ibuprofen daily for more than a few weeks should monitor these levels. Your healthcare provider may also check liver function and complete blood counts if you use ibuprofen regularly. Rite Aid offers blood testing that measures over 200 biomarkers, including creatinine and eGFR, to help you track your kidney health while managing pain.