This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Ibuprofen information

What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a pain-relieving drug that is also used to manage fever, arthritis, and inflammation. Ibuprofen falls under the category of medications called Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). This medication shares the same class with aspirin and Diclofenac, and WHO lists it among the essential medicines in a health system.

This medication was developed in the 1960s by Boot’s Laboratories in Nottingham. It was released as a prescription drug in the USA in 1974 before receiving Over-The-Counter status in the 1980s.

Ibuprofen is a generic drug. But it’s also available in different brand names, such as;

• Brufen
• Midol
• Cuprofen
• Genpril
• Calprofen
• Ibu

Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen?

Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are both used to relieve pain and fever. However, they are different in a myriad of ways. For instance, Ibuprofen (Brufen generic) is recommended for use by patients 6 months old and above. On the other hand, Acetaminophen has no age limitations, but it’s recommendable to talk with your doctor before giving it to children 2 years old and below.

Proper use of Ibuprofen

Before figuring out how to use Ibuprofen, it’s essential to understand its different forms and strengths. You can get Ibuprofen anti-inflammatory in the following varieties;

Tablets

• 100mg
• 200mg
• 400mg
• 600mg
• 800mg

Chewable tablet

• 50mg
• 100mg

Capsule

• 200mg

Oral suspension

• 40 mg/ml
• 100mg/5 ml

Ibuprofen intravenous solution

• 10 mg/ml

Whether you’re using OTC or prescription Ibuprofen, it’s critical to take this drug as directed by your health care provider. Except for the intravenous solution, which is administered using a syringe, all other forms of this drug are taken orally every 4-6 hours.

You can take the tablets and capsules with water or a glass of juice either before or after eating. However, it’s advisable to remain upright (not in a lie-down position) for at least 10 minutes after taking the tablet.

Similar to other NSAIDs, Ibuprofen is corrosive and may erode the lining of your esophagus if you didn’t take it with enough water. This is the same reason why most people prefer taking it after meals.

If you’re taking the Ibuprofen 100mg chewable tablet, you should first crash it in your mouth and then swallow with or without water.

For the oral suspension, your doctor or pharmacist will determine the right dosage for the kid based on his/her weight and symptoms. To ensure accuracy, always use an approved measuring device, such as a cap, syringe, or medicine spoon.

Dosing

Your doctor or pharmacist will indicate how much Ibuprofen you should take on the patient information list. You should adhere to the directions strictly for the drug to work as it’s supposed to and without the risk of overdosing.

Ibuprofen for Fever/Pain/Dysmenorrhea in adults

• Prescription: 400-800 mg orally every 6 hours (Ibuprofen max dose is 3200 mg/day)
• OTC: 200-400 mg orally every 4-6 hours (max dose 1200 mg)

Ibuprofen dosage for inflammatory disease in adults

• 400-800 mg orally every 6-8 hours

Ibuprofen dose for osteoarthritis in adults

• 300-800 mg orally every 6-8 hours (follow the directions from the doctor)

Ibuprofen dosage pediatric

Ibuprofen for fever in children

• Below 6 months: Efficacy not established
• 6 months and above: 5-10mg orally every 6-8 hours (maximum dose of Ibuprofen for kids is 400 mg per day)

Ibuprofen for pain in children

• 4-10 mg/kg/dose orally every 6-8 hours (max dose 40 mg/kg/day)

How often can I take Ibuprofen? If you’re self-treating, you can take this drug on an as-needed basis. For prescription, you may need to take it for a few days or weeks, depending on the medical problem.

Missed dose

Take the missed medicine immediately you remember provided there are 6-8 hours before your next Ibuprofen dosage. Otherwise, skip the forgotten dose and take the next one as you’ve scheduled.

Ibuprofen use

Over-the-counter Ibuprofen offers relief from mild to moderate pain and inflammation resulting from;

• Fever
• Headache
• Cold and flu
• Arthritic pain
• Back pain
• Dental pain
• Sinus pain
• Muscle pain
• Period pain
• Sinus

Before using Ibuprofen

In this section, let’s look at some warnings and precautions that you should know before using Ibuprofen.

Allergies

Similar to aspirin and other NSAIDs, Ibuprofen rarely causes allergic reactions. However, the FDA warns of a possible and severe allergic response, especially if you’re allergic to aspirin. This allergy has the following symptoms;

• Hive
• Skin reddening
• Facial swelling
• Shock
• Wheezing

Ibuprofen interactions with other drugs

Ibuprofen interacts with over 350 different drugs to cause mild, moderate, or severe side effects. Generally, if you’re taking any other medication (antidepressants, blood thinners, water pills, Beta-blockers, or other NSAIDs), talk to your doctor about it before taking Ibuprofen. Some of the drugs that interact with Ibuprofen include;

• Aspirin (Ibuprofen and aspirin don’t mix)
• Aspirin low strength
• Aleve (naproxen)
• Prednisone
• Fish oil
• Cymbalta
• Lexapro
• Naproxen
• Zoloft
• Tylenol
• Tramadol

Special conditions

Ibuprofen pregnancy: a one-off Ibuprofen dosage during pregnancy is less likely to cause problems. However, multiple studies show that using Ibuprofen regularly, especially in the first trimester increases the risk of miscarriage. Also, taking Ibuprofen 30 weeks into pregnancy is thought to increase your baby complications, including heart problems.

Breastfeeding: lactating mothers can take Ibuprofen, and it won’t cause any harm to the baby. However, it’s advisable to take it in low amounts and for shorter periods.

Pediatrics: Ibuprofen can be given to children 6 months of age and above. See our dose section on how much Ibuprofen to give to a child. Always discuss with your doctor before starting Ibuprofen dosage for kids.

Ibuprofen warnings

• Ibuprofen overdose is often dangerous and can be fatal
• Although Ibuprofen rarely causes allergic reactions, some people may have a severe allergic response. Stop usage and see a doctor immediately if you experience hives, swollen face, wheezing (asthma), and slurred speech.
• Consult your doctor if you’ve had asthma, heart disease, liver disease, hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol in the recent past.
• Before taking Ibuprofen, talk to your doctor if you take at least 3 bottles of beer every day or smoke (or both).
• Ibuprofen interacts with a wide range of common medications. Discuss with your doctor first to avoid severe side effects.

Ibuprofen side effects

Common (but mild)

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Mild heartburn
• Dizzine
• Bloating
• Rash
• Constipation
• Headache
• Nervousne
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Mild itching

Rare (but can be fatal)

If you experience any of these Ibuprofen symptoms, stop the medication and consult your doctor immediately;

• Swollen face
• Severe eye irritation
• Red or purple, painful skin rash
• Blurred vision
• Rapid weight gain
• Gastrointestinal bleeding (signs include tarry stool, bright red vomit, dizziness, fatigue, cramps, etc.)
• Kidney problems- symptoms include, painful urination and little urination

Proper storage

Store Ibuprofen in its original container at room temperature and away from direct heat. Do not store Ibuprofen tablets, capsules, or syrup in the bathroom or the fridge.

How much does Ibuprofen cost?

Without an Ibuprofen coupon, the cost of a 30-tablet dosage of 800mg Ibuprofen ranges between $14 and $30 depending on the store. However, coupled with the best coupon for Ibuprofen, patients can get this drug for as low as $5.98 and $13 at most. Why pay more when you could get your medication for less? Consider the Ibuprofen coupon codes above if you’re looking for a way to save on your drugs.

Ibuprofen Mechanism of Action

How does Ibuprofen work?

Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the performance of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. COX is a critical enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid into Prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). So, what are Prostaglandins (PGH2)? These are active lipids that deal with injuries and illnesses. These compounds are released around the site of injury on the body, and they send signals to the brain that that particular part hurts.

By inhibiting the production of PGH2, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, succeed in relieving inflammation and other types of pain.