Drug Reference

Ibuprofen

Propionic acid derivatives

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OTC
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Fact box

Therapeutic class
Propionic acid derivatives
Action class
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
Mechanism
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

AddaprinAdvilCaldolorCombogesicCounteract IBDuexisGenprilIbuIbudoneIbuprohmMotrinMotrin PMNeoprofenProprinalReprexainSamson 8VicoprofenWal-Profen

Available as

400 MG · Oral Tablet26.6 MG · Oral Tablet2 MG · Oral Tablet200 MG · Oral Capsule200 MG · Oral Tablet20 MG/ML · Oral Suspension4 MG · Oral Tablet0.05 MG/MG · Topical Gel50 MG/ML · Topical Cream50 MG/ML2 ML · Injection300 MG · Oral Tablet600 MG · Oral Tablet800 MG · Oral Tablet100 MG · Oral Tablet40 MG/ML · Oral Suspension200 ML · Injection200 MG · Extended Release Oral Capsule250 MG · Oral Tablet400 MG · Oral Capsule25 MG/ML · Oral Suspension800 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet100 ML · Injection325 MG · Oral Tablet

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Uses temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache toothache backache menstrual cramps the common cold muscular aches minor pain of arthritis temporarily reduces fever
How to use / dosing
Directions do not take more than directed the smallest effective dose should be used adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist if pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be used do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyConsult your doctor
…swelling is present in the painful area any new symptoms appear If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…present in the painful area any new symptoms appear If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholConsult your doctor
…drug have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product are age 60 or older take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs [aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others] Heart attack and…
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke you are taking a diuretic you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if…
LiverCaution
…such as heartburn you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke you are taking a diuretic you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers Ask a doctor or…
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Allergy alert: Ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include: rash facial swelling asthma (wheezing) hives skin reddening shock blisters If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you: take more or for a longer time than directed take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product are age 60 or older take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs [aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others] Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. These can be fatal. The risk is higher if you use more than directed or for longer than directed. Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer right before or after heart surgery Ask a doctor before use if stomach bleeding warning applies to you you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke you are taking a diuretic you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are under a doctor's care for any serious condition taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, because ibuprofen may decrease this benefit of aspirin taking any other drug When using this product take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs Stop use and ask a doctor if you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: feel faint have bloody or black stools vomit blood have stomach pain that does not get better you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke: chest pain slurred speech trouble breathing leg swelling weakness in one part or side of body pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days redness or swelling is present in the painful area any new symptoms appear If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

79 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.