Reviewed for Medicine Finder users in the United States. This page is for education only and is not a prescription or diagnosis.
Learn how ibuprofen helps pain, fever, and swelling, who should avoid it, and when to ask a doctor before taking it.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug. People use it for fever, headache, tooth pain, back pain, muscle aches, cramps, arthritis pain, and swelling from minor injuries.
Safety note. Ibuprofen may not be safe for people with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, blood thinner use, or late pregnancy.
Ibuprofen can help when pain comes with swelling. That is why people often use it for sprains, sore joints, dental pain, and period cramps. It can also lower fever during short illnesses.
It is sold under many brand names and store labels. Some cold and flu products may also contain it. Read the active ingredients before you combine medicines.
Ibuprofen blocks substances in the body that play a part in pain, fever, and swelling. This is why it can feel more helpful than paracetamol for pain from inflammation.
Take ibuprofen with food or milk if it bothers your stomach. Use the smallest helpful dose for the shortest needed time. Do not take it with aspirin, naproxen, or other similar pain relievers unless a doctor says it is okay.
Ask a doctor first if you take warfarin, aspirin for heart protection, blood pressure medicine, water pills, steroids, or medicines for kidney problems. Also ask before use if you have had stomach bleeding or ulcers.
Common side effects can include heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, or mild swelling. Serious warning signs include black stools, vomiting blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, less urination, or swelling of the face or throat.
Ibuprofen is common, but it is not casual for everyone. A quick pharmacist check can save trouble.
Unsure what is inside your pain medicine? Search the active ingredient before you take another dose.
Yes. Ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling because it is an NSAID.
Yes. It can irritate the stomach and may raise bleeding risk in some people.
Do not do this unless your doctor tells you to. The bleeding risk can be serious.
Mayo Clinic ibuprofen and acetaminophen
NHS aspirin with other medicines
This page is for general learning. It does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional. Call emergency services or Poison Control right away if you think a medicine overdose or serious reaction has happened.