What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a type of pain-relief medicine that treats fever and mild to moderate pain caused by inflammation. It belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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How does ibuprofen work?

Ibuprofen works on the body’s chemical pathways for pain. It reduces your body’s ability to make prostaglandins. These are chemicals in your body that trigger the feeling of pain and produce inflammation.

With fewer prostaglandins in your body, your pain, fever and inflammation decrease.

What is ibuprofen used for?

Ibuprofen can be used to treat fever, mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen provides only temporary relief.

Ibuprofen might reduce symptoms of:

• headache (including migraine or tension headache)
• toothache and pain after dental procedures
• sinus pain, sore throat, and pains related to colds and flu
• backache and muscular aches and pains
• period pain
• arthritis and joint pain

Read more about pain medicines for your baby or child.

What forms of ibuprofen are available?

Ibuprofen is available in different:

• brands
• forms (for example, tablets, capsules and liquids)
• doses
• packaging
• pack sizes

Some products combine ibuprofen with other medicines. If you are taking more than one pain reliever, make sure you don’t accidentally take 2 medicines that contain ibuprofen. You could end up taking too much, which can be harmful. If you’re not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Ibuprofen is available without a prescription. It can be purchased from pharmacies, convenience stores, service stations and supermarkets.

If you get an upset stomach, it’s a good idea to take ibuprofen with food.

The dose of ibuprofen will be printed on the package. Do not take more than the recommended maximum daily dose.

Babies and children need lower doses of ibuprofen than adults. Ask your pharmacist before buying ibuprofen for your child. There are formulations that are specially designed for children of different ages.

Learn more about giving pain medicines such as ibuprofen to babies and children.

Read more about getting the most out of your pharmacist.

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What are the possible side effects of ibuprofen?

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

• upset stomach, for example nausea, diarrhoea and heartburn
• headache
• dizziness
• high blood pressure
• fluid retention

Serious side effects of ibuprofen that need immediate medical attention include:

• asthma, wheezing and shortness of breath
• swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing
• dark vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black stools that can indicate bleeding
• yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
• fast or irregular heartbeat

This is not a full list of side effects. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or check the consumer medicine information leaflet in your medicine packaging.

When should I speak to my doctor or pharmacist?

There can be extra risks associated with taking ibuprofen if:

• you are over 65
• you take certain medicines to lower your blood pressure
• you have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or 'reflux') or a stomach ulcer.

Ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs, can also make heart, liver or kidney disease worse. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if ibuprofen is safe for you before taking it.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen if you have asthma or are taking aspirin or other blood thinning medicines.

Also, speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• experience side effects that trouble you
• have signs of an allergic reaction
• have a health condition or are taking medicine that may affect how your body reacts to ibuprofen
• find that ibuprofen isn’t relieving your pain or fever
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

See the consumer medicine information leaflet for more details about when to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before or after you have started taking ibuprofen.

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Are there alternatives to ibuprofen?

If you’re treating fever or mild to moderate pain, ask your pharmacist if you can use another medicine such as paracetamol in place of ibuprofen. Paracetamol has fewer side effects.

If your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe you a stronger pain reliever.

Resources and support

It’s important to understand your treatment options. Read our guide to important questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking a medicine.

You can also visit healthdirect's list of medicines that contain ibuprofen to read the consumer medicine information leaflet for the brand of ibuprofen prescribed.