Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen
(R)-ibuprofen
Clinical data
Pronunciation/ˈaɪbjuːproʊfɛn/, /aɪbjuːˈproʊfən/, EYE-bew-PROH-fən
Trade namesAdvil, Motrin, Nurofen, others. Also generic.
Other namesisobutylphenylpropionic acid
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
MedlinePlusa682159
License data
Pregnancy
category
  • AU: C
  • D (US) at ≥30 weeks of gestation, due to the potential for premature closure of the ductus arteriosus
Routes of
administration		by mouth, rectal, topical, and intravenous
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability80–100% (by mouth), 87% (rectal)
Protein binding98%
MetabolismLiver (CYP2C9)
Metabolitesibuprofen glucuronide, 2-hydroxyibuprofen, 3-hydroxyibuprofen, carboxy-ibuprofen, 1-hydroxyibuprofen
Onset of action30 min
Elimination half-life2–4 h
ExcretionUrine (95%)
Identifiers
  • (RS)-2-(4-(2-Methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
PDB ligand
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.036.152 Edit this at Wikidata
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC13H18O2
Molar mass206.29 g/mol
3D model (JSmol)
ChiralityRacemic mixture
Density1.03 g/ml g/cm3
Melting point75 to 78 °C (167 to 172 °F)
Boiling point157 °C (315 °F) at 4 mmHg
Solubility in water0.021 mg/mL (20 °C)
  • CC(C)Cc1ccc(cc1)[C@@H](C)C(=O)O
  • InChI=1S/C13H18O2/c1-9(2)8-11-4-6-12(7-5-11)10(3)13(14)15/h4-7,9-10H,8H2,1-3H3,(H,14,15) checkY
  • Key:HEFNNWSXXWATRW-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  (verify)

Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter painkiller and anti-inflammatory medication. It is considered an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Ibuprofen is used to decrease pain from various conditions such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and dysmenorrhea symptoms such as cramps. It is also used to reduce fever.

Ibuprofen is commonly used to decrease inflammation, including that which is present in arthritis.

It is also used to relieve minor aches and pain caused by the flu, the common cold, and similar ailments.

In 1961, pharmacologist Stewart Adams and chemist John Nicholson, while working for the British pharmacy chain Boots UK Limited, discovered the therapeutic effects of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid, and patented it as ibuprofen. It was launched in the UK as a prescription medication in 1969.

In 1983, ibuprofen was approved as an over-the-counter medication in the UK, and in 1985 it became available in the United States (as patent names Advil and Motrin).

The Boots patent of ibuprofen expired in 1985, after which it was marketed worldwide as a generic drug.

The usual adult dosage of ibuorofen is 200 mg to 800 mg, three times per day. In general, one should not exceed four doses (or 3200 mg) per day of ibuprofen. The medication is taken by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water.

When ibuprofen is used by children, the dose is based on the child's weight. It is generally recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

If stomach upsets happen while taking the medication, then it can be taken with food, milk, or an antacid.

Ibuprofen is considered a medication to be taken only "as needed" (not on a regular schedule).

The dosage is based on the medical condition it is supposed to treat, and response to treatment.

In adults, milder aches and pains generally are treated with 400 or 800 mg of ibuprofen, three or four times a day (with a maximum of 1200 mg to 2400 mg per day). Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in adults is usually treated with a higher dose of ibuprofen, 800 mg, three or four times a day (with a maximum of 2400 mg to 3200 mg per day).

Ibuprofen can have mild side effects to severe adverse effects, depending on use, with mild stomach discomfort being common. With increased use, the risk of serious conditions (like bleeding, heart risks, and kidney issues) increase.

To reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, use the lowest effective dose of the medication, and not for longer than necessary.

There are quite a few common prescription medications that interact with ibuprofen; as a result, ibuprofen should not be taken with them. Those who use the prescription medication ketorolac (Toradol) should not take ibuprofen due to a high risk of side effects.

If a condition persists or worsens, or in case of a serious medical problem, see a doctor. If a non-prescription product is being used to treat fever or pain, a doctor should be consulted right away if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, or if pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days.

References

  1. ↑ Davanzo, R; Bua, J; Paloni, G; Facchina, G (November 2014). "Breastfeeding and migraine drugs". European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (Review). 70 (11): 1313–24. doi:10.1007/s00228-014-1748-0. PMID 25217187. S2CID 17144030.
  2. 1 2 3 Davies, NM (February 1998). "Clinical pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen. The first 30 years". Clinical Pharmacokinetics. 34 (2): 101–54. doi:10.2165/00003088-199834020-00002. PMID 9515184. S2CID 1186212.
  3. ↑ "ibuprofen". Archived from the original on 13 January 2015. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  4. ↑ Grosser, T; Ricciotti, E; FitzGerald, GA (August 2017). "The Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs". Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (Review). 38 (8): 733–48. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2017.05.008. PMC 5676556. PMID 28651847.
  5. ↑ "Brufen Tablets And Syrup" (PDF). Therapeutic Goods Administration. 31 July 2012. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
  6. ↑ Bradley, John D.; Brandt, Kenneth D.; Katz, Barry P.; Kalasinski, Lorrie A.; Ryan, Sarah I. (1991-07-11). "Comparison of an Antiinflammatory Dose of Ibuprofen, an Analgesic Dose of Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen in the Treatment of Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee". New England Journal of Medicine. 325 (2): 87–91. doi:10.1056/NEJM199107113250203. ISSN 0028-4793.
  7. ↑ "Pharma Ibuprofen Origins". www.lgcstandards.com. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
  8. ↑ Connelly, Dawn (2017-07-27). "A brief history of ibuprofen". The Pharmaceutical Journal. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
  9. 1 2 "How much ibuprofen is too much? Dosage, side effects, and more". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2019-05-15. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
  10. ↑ de Martino, Maurizio; Chiarugi, Alberto; Boner, Attilio; Montini, Giovanni; De' Angelis, Gianluigi L. (2017-08). "Working Towards an Appropriate Use of Ibuprofen in Children: An Evidence-Based Appraisal". Drugs. 77 (12): 1295–1311. doi:10.1007/s40265-017-0751-z. ISSN 1179-1950. PMC 5529476. PMID 28597358. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. 1 2 "Ibuprofen (oral route) - Side effects & dosage". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2026-08-02.