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Ibuprofen

Brand names: Advil, Motrin

Ibuprofen is an NSAID that relieves pain, lowers fever, and reduces swelling.

Brand namesAdvil, Motrin
Type of medicineNSAID (pain reliever)
Prescription?Both prescription and over the counter
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It blocks chemicals called prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling.

What it's used for

  • Headache, toothache, back pain, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches
  • Fever
  • Arthritis pain and swelling

How to take it

  • Take it with food or milk to protect your stomach.
  • Use the lowest dose that helps, for the shortest time.
  • Follow the label. Don't use over-the-counter ibuprofen for pain longer than 10 days or fever longer than 3 days unless a provider says to.
  • For children, dose by weight using the device that comes with the product.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Upset stomach or heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
Call 911Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, or slurred speech
Call 911Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Call 911Swelling of the face or throat, wheezing, or a blistering rash
Call your provider todayBlack, tarry, or bloody stools
Call your provider todayPeeing much less, or swelling in the legs

Warnings

  • NSAIDs raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, and of stomach bleeding.
  • Ask a provider first if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or are over 60.
  • Don't use right before or after heart bypass surgery.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Blood thinners, steroids, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • Don't combine with other NSAIDs like naproxen or aspirin for pain.
  • It can weaken blood pressure medicines and raise lithium and methotrexate levels.
  • Alcohol raises the risk of stomach bleeding.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid ibuprofen at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless your provider says to; it can harm the baby's kidneys and heart. Ask before using it at any point in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.