About ibuprofen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used for
- Pain and inflammation, including arthritis and muscle or joint problems
- Period pain
- Fever and mild-to-moderate pain
Usual adult dose
Usually 200–400 mg up to three times daily; higher doses may be prescribed for inflammatory conditions.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 3 months and older, doses are based on weight, usually 5–10 mg/kg per dose every 6–8 hours. Prescription guidance is needed.
Common side effects
- Indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhoea
- Dizziness or headache
- Stomach ulcer or bleeding
- Kidney problems or fluid retention
Important warnings
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
- Avoid with a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding, severe kidney disease, or NSAID allergy.
- Do not combine with other NSAIDs, such as naproxen or aspirin for pain.
- Seek urgent care for black stools, vomiting blood, breathing difficulty, or severe allergic symptoms.
Pregnancy
Avoid from 20 weeks unless a clinician advises it; do not use from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk; short-term use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Blood thinners, such as warfarin, may increase bleeding risk.
- Other NSAIDs or corticosteroids increase stomach-ulcer and bleeding risks.
- Some blood-pressure medicines and diuretics may increase kidney risks.
- Lithium or methotrexate levels may rise.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.