What is Ibuprofen?

An example of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used to relieve pain and swelling. It is thought to have lower levels of side effects than other NSAIDS and is widely found throughout over-the-counter painkiller medications.

Reported Purpose & Perceived Effectiveness

Reasons and Perceived effectiveness
Perceived Effectiveness
Purpose # of patients # of patients with evaluations
Major
Moderate
Slight
None
Can’t tell
934 178 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
472 48 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
225 24 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none
171 30 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
88 11 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
82 10 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell

See all 2,220 patients currently taking Ibuprofen

Mouse over the table for more information

Reported Side Effects

Side effects as an overall problem

Severe
23
Moderate
39
Mild
74
None
257

Commonly reported side effects, conditions, and hospitalizations associated with Ibuprofen

32
29
5
Hospitalization 5
5
4
See all 68 reported side effects See top 6 reported side effects

Reported Dosages

Frequently reported dosages based on patients currently taking Ibuprofen. See all 150 dosages

  2 200mg as needed 600mg as needed 400mg as needed 800mg as needed 3 200mg as needed 200mg as needed 4 200mg as needed 400 mg daily 600 mg daily 800 mg daily
  239 Number of Patients: 239 94 Number of Patients: 94 106 Number of Patients: 106 170 Number of Patients: 170 145 Number of Patients: 145 164 Number of Patients: 164 157 Number of Patients: 157 120 Number of Patients: 120 79 Number of Patients: 79 171 Number of Patients: 171  

Reported Stop Reasons

Why Patients Stopped Taking Ibuprofen (multiple reasons could be selected)
Reason # Patients Percentage of patients
Did not seem to work 180   Did not seem to work: 29%
Doctor's advice 172   Doctor's advice: 28%
Other 156   Other: 25%
Side effects too severe 105   Side effects too severe: 17%
Course of treatment ended 68   Course of treatment ended: 11%
Personal research 24   Personal research: 4%
Not indicated 24   Not indicated: 4%
Expense 5   Expense: 1%
Change in health plan coverage 3   Change in health plan coverage: 0%

See all 593 patients who’ve stopped taking Ibuprofen

Currently Taking Ibuprofen

A bar graph

0-1 month 1-3 months 3-6 months 6 months-1year 1-2 years 2 years or more

Stopped Taking Ibuprofen

A bar graph

0-1 month 1-3 months 3-6 months 6 months-1year 1-2 years 2 years or more

Reported Adherence, Burden & Cost See details from patient evaluations

Adherence

Taking treatment as prescribed

Adherence of Ibuprofen

Always
177 45%
Usually
127 32%
Sometimes
68 17%
Never
21 5%

Burden

Difficulty being on treatment

Burden of Ibuprofen

Very
6 2%
Somewhat
19 5%
A little
61 16%
Not at all
307 78%

Cost

Paid out of pocket

Cost of Ibuprofen

$200+
0 0%
$100-199
1 0%
$50-99
1 0%
$25-49
10 4%
< $25
238 95%

Sort by: Helpfulness | Most Recent

79 patient evaluations for Ibuprofen

  • caela
    Data Quality: 3 stars
    • Sex: Female
    • Age: 34y
    Condition: Chronic Headache Disorder 7 additional condition(s)
    Quality of Life:
    • Mental: None
    • Physical: Mild
    I am: Neutral
  • Portrait_default_thumb
  • See caela's full Ibuprofen history
Purpose: Tension Headache (Started Jul 06, 2010)
Date Dosage Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Jan 11, 2012 As needed Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate MildMildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Date
Jan 11, 2012
Advice & Tips
Try to take with food, or at least not on an empty stomach.
Cost
< $25 monthly
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
  • Sagen
    Sex: F
    Data Quality: 2 stars
    MS: 38 yrs
    Mentor
    Type: Progressive Relapsing
    Sensation: Moderate
    Overall: Moderate
    Cognition: moderate
    Vision: moderate
    Speech: moderate
    Swallowing: moderate
    Upper limb: moderate
    Walking: moderate
  • 11716-thumb
  • See Sagen's full Ibuprofen history
Purposes: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Pain (Started Oct 16, 2008)
Date Dosage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Perceived effectiveness Pain Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Dec 17, 2011 As needed Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate NoneNoneNoneNoneNone SometimesSometimesSometimesSometimesSometimes SomewhatSomewhatSomewhatSomewhatSomewhat
Date
Dec 17, 2011
Advice & Tips
Was advised not to take with Celebrex and Hydrocodone
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
  • danie0330
    Data Quality: 3 stars
    • Sex: Female
    • Age: 39y
    Condition: RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) 1 additional condition(s)
    Quality of Life:
    • Mental: None
    • Physical: None
    I am: Very good
  • 38909-thumb
  • See danie0330's full Ibuprofen history
Purposes: RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) and Pain (Started Nov 07, 2011)
Date Dosage RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) Perceived effectiveness Pain Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Nov 17, 2011 As needed Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_defaultSlight Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_defaultSlight NoneNoneNoneNoneNone SometimesSometimesSometimesSometimesSometimes Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 27    Go to the first page First Go to the previous page Prev | Next Go to the next page Last Go to the last page 

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Ibuprofen may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


Precautions

Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

  • a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
  • heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
  • a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
  • asthma;
  • polyps in your nose; or
  • liver or kidney disease,
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
  • if you smoke.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ibuprofen.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ibuprofen is harmful to an unborn baby. However, taking ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take ibuprofen during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.

It is not known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Avoid taking ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form).

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to ibuprofen (such as ketoprofen or naproxen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

Do not drink alcohol while taking ibuprofen. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by ibuprofen.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Ibuprofen can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Back to top

Instructions

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Since ibuprofen is sometimes taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Back to top

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking ibuprofen and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
  • swelling or rapid weight gain;
  • urinating less than usual or not at all;
  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
  • bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
  • fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

  • upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;
  • bloating, gas;
  • dizziness, headache, nervousness;
  • skin itching or rash;
  • blurred vision; or
  • ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Back to top

Interactions

Tell your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor). Taking any of these drugs with ibuprofen may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

  • aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others;
  • an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik);
  • lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
  • diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix);
  • methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
  • steroids (prednisone and others); or
  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ibuprofen. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Other Names

Advil, Advil Childrens, Advil Junior Strength, Advil Liquigel, Advil Migraine, Advil Pediatric, Childrens Ibuprofen Berry, Genpril, Haltran, IBU-200, Ibuprofen PMR, Midol IB, Midol Maximum Strength Cramp Formula, Motrin, Motrin Childrens, Motrin IB, Motrin Infant Drops, Motrin Junior Strength, Motrin Migraine Pain, NeoProfen, Nuprin, Pediacare Fever, Q-Profen, Rufen, Saleto-200, Saleto-400, Saleto-600, Saleto-800, ibuprofen, Ibu, Ibu-4, Ibu-6, Ibu-8, Ibu-Tab, Menadol, and Motrin Pediatric

Back to top

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version 2.05. Revision date 8/23/04

Last updated: