Drug Atlas

Medicines / NSAIDs

Ibuprofen

OTCWHO Essential

Pain relief medicine.

NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug).

Generic name

Ibuprofen

Drug class

NSAIDs

ATC code

M01AE01

Pregnancy

Avoid in 3rd trimester

Prescription

Not required

Last updated

2026-01-15

Available forms

TabletCapsuleSyrupGelInjection

Uses

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Tooth pain
  • Period pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Arthritis

How it works

Blocks the chemicals in your body that cause pain and swelling.

Medical: Non-selectively inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis.

Common brand names

US

Advil, Motrin

UK

Nurofen, Brufen

India

Brufen, Combiflam

Australia

Nurofen

Typical dosage

adults200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed (max 1200 mg/day OTC).
children5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hours (as directed by a doctor).
elderlyUse lowest effective dose; higher risk of side effects.

Educational only. Never adjust dosage without medical guidance.

Side effects

Very common

  • · Stomach upset
  • · Nausea

Common

  • · Heartburn
  • · Dizziness
  • · Headache

Rare

  • · Rash
  • · Ringing in ears

Serious

  • · Stomach bleeding
  • · Kidney problems
  • · Severe allergic reaction

Warnings

  • Avoid in 3rd trimester of pregnancy
  • Take with food to protect stomach
  • Caution in kidney disease
  • Caution with alcohol
  • Caution in heart disease

Interactions

Medicine

Warfarin, Aspirin, ACE inhibitors, Lithium

Alcohol

Increases stomach bleeding risk

Herbal

Ginkgo, Garlic (high dose)

Where you usually see it

Medicine cabinetsHospitalsSports clinicsDental clinicsTravel kitsFirst aid boxes

Timeline

  1. 1961

    Discovered by Stewart Adams and John Nicholson at Boots UK.

  2. 1969

    Launched as prescription drug in the UK.

  3. 1974

    Approved in the US.

  4. 1983

    Approved as OTC in the UK.

Fun facts

  • · Discovered by Stewart Adams in the 1960s while looking for a hangover cure.
  • · Sold OTC in most countries since the 1980s.
  • · One of the most widely used medicines in the world.

Conditions it treats

HeadacheFeverMigraine

Related medicines

Naproxen

Long-acting pain and inflammation medicine.

Diclofenac

Strong anti-inflammatory painkiller.

Aspirin

Painkiller and blood thinner.

Paracetamol

Everyday pain and fever medicine.

Compare

See how Ibuprofen stacks up next to another medicine.

Ibuprofen vs ParacetamolIbuprofen vs AspirinIbuprofen vs NaproxenIbuprofen vs Diclofenac

Frequently asked

Is it safe to take with food?

Yes — taking it with food helps reduce stomach upset.

Can children use it?

Yes, in pediatric doses under medical guidance.

Can pregnant women take it?

Avoid in the third trimester. Ask your doctor at any point in pregnancy.

How long does it take to work?

Usually 20–30 minutes for pain relief.

Sources

  • · WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
  • · British National Formulary (BNF)
Educational use only.This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.