Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning 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 similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

People can take ibuprofen by mouth as a syrup or tablet. They can also apply it directly to the skin as a mousse, gel, or spray.

Uses includeTrusted Source:

• fever
• inflammation
• headache
• menstrual pain
• the common cold
• toothache
• back pain
• arthritis
• sprains

Some medications, such as decongestants, have ibuprofen added to create, for example, a combined cold or flu remedy.

Other products combine ibuprofen with opioids, such as oxycodone. These are for short-term use only, as they can result in misuse.

The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen are gastrointestinal. They include:

• pain
• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea and vomiting
• dyspepsia
• bloating

Among other likely side effects are:

• dizziness
• headache
• nervousness
• skin rash
• tinnitus
• edema, or fluid retention

If a person feels dizzy after taking ibuprofen, they should not drive or operate machinery.

Who should not use it?

Ibuprofen is not suitableTrusted Source for people who have previously had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs or who have just had or are going to have heart surgery.

It may also not be appropriate for those who:

• have repeated stomach problems, such as heartburn or abdominal pain
• have stomach ulcers
• have bleeding problems
• have high blood pressure
• have heart disease
• have kidney disease
• are aged over 60 years
• have taken a diuretic
• are using other NSAIDs or pain relief medication
• are using anticoagulants
• are receiving treatment for any serious condition
• have chickenpox or shingles
• have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• have liver problems
• 
  

  Pregnancy and nursing

  People should not use ibuprofen at 20 weeksTrusted Source of pregnancy or later, as it could lead to low levels of amniotic fluid.

  A person should seek guidance from a healthcare professional before using any medication during pregnancy or when nursing.The 

  Drugs that may interact with ibuprofen includeTrusted Source:

  • lithium
  • warfarin
  • oral hypoglycemics
  • high dose methotrexate
  • medication for lowering blood pressure
  • angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
  • beta-blockers
  • diuretics

  This may not be an exhaustive list of drugs that interact with ibuprofen. Anyone who is considering using ibuprofen should ask a pharmacist or doctor whether it is safe to do so with their existing medication.

  Dosage

  Ibuprofen is widely available in tablet and syrup forms. Doctors may also giveTrusted Source it intravenously to manage pain after surgery.

  The dosage will depend on the reason for taking ibuprofen and a person’s age. It is essential to take the correct dosage to minimize the risk of side effects.

  It is best to take it with food or a drink of milk to reduce the risk of an upset stomach.

  For mild to moderate pain, a person can take 400 milligrams (mg) every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose in 1 day is 3,200 mg.

  For other purposes, a doctor will recommend the dosage. They will also monitor the person for adverse effects and adjust the dose as necessary.

  Ibuprofen and children

  Children can take pediatric ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever.

  Doses for children are lower than those for adults. Research suggests that dose levels be based on a child’s weight and age.

  People should contact a doctor before giving a child ibuprofen if the child is:

  • under 2 years of age or weighs less than 24 pounds
  • taking any other medication
  • receiving treatment for a serious health condition

  People should consult the instructions on the packaging or check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before giving ibuprofen or other medication to children.