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Ibuprofen
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Ibuprofen effectively fights pain of various kinds. It is a broad-spectrum drug. It can eliminate not only pain syndromes, but also inflammatory processes in the body. Today, such manifestations are quite common. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to fight the unpleasant consequences of any disease.
Indications Ibuprofen
Indications for use of Ibuprofen are extensive. Thus, the drug helps to eliminate rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout.
Ibuprofen is widely used in the treatment of neurological disorders. The drug is used for myalgia, bursitis of varying complexity and radiculitis. It can eliminate inflammation of soft tissues and the musculoskeletal system.
As part of complex therapy, Ibuprofen is used to combat adnexitis and proctitis. The drug has a similar effect in diseases of the ENT organs. As an auxiliary component, it is used for headaches and toothaches. It is advisable to use the drug after consulting with your doctor. After all, it can be prescribed as an independent drug or as an auxiliary medication. The huge advantage of this drug is that it not only eliminates pain syndromes, but also inflammatory processes. Ibuprofen has proven itself as a positive "helper" in the fight against poor health.
Release form
The release form can vary from 10 to 100 tablets in one package. Basically, these are 100 capsules of 200 mg. All tablets are covered with a special shell, which makes them easier to swallow. The shade can change from light pink to pink. The tablet is round, biconvex, two layers are visible on the cross-section. This is the main core, which has a white shade, and the shell itself, the color of which varies from light pink to pink.
The following are used as auxiliary components: potato starch 38 mg, magnesium stearate 2 mg, colloidal silicon dioxide (aerosil) 3.35 mg, vanillin 1.5 mcg, beeswax 20 mcg, edible gelatin 320 mcg, azorubin dye 8.5 mcg, magnesium hydroxycarbonate 39.57 mg, flour.
As mentioned above, the package can contain from 10 to 100 tablets. In the standard, these are 10, 20 and 100 capsules. Accordingly, 1, 2 or 5 blisters. Everything is in a cardboard package. There is no other form of release. A person chooses the number of tablets based on their own needs. Ibuprofen is a really powerful remedy that has a powerful effect almost immediately after use.
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It can have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. That is why it is widely used in many areas of medicine.
The product can non-selectively block COX1 and COX2. The mechanism of action is to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins. They are mediators of pain, inflammation and hyperthermic reaction. They are found in almost all tissues and organs. Due to its rich composition, the product is able to block negative processes and alleviate a person's condition.
The positive effect is achieved through the interaction of all the substances contained in one tablet. Relief occurs almost immediately after taking it. But much depends on the person's condition and the problem that needs to be eliminated. In general, Ibuprofen has a powerful effect on pain mediators and actively blocks them.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics Ibuprofen – absorption is high and fast. The drug is almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood plasma is achieved 1-2 hours after administration. The connection with proteins does not exceed 90%. The half-life is 2 hours.
The drug slowly penetrates into the joint cavity and is retained in the synovial tissue. This process is characterized by an increased concentration of the drug, several times more than in blood plasma. After absorption, almost 60% of the pharmacologically inactive R-form is gradually transformed into the active S-form. Metabolism occurs.
The drug is completely excreted by the kidneys. No more than 1% is excreted unchanged. To a lesser extent, this applies to excretion with bile. The drug does not remain in the body for a long time. It performs its main function and is actively excreted from it. There is no need to worry about the effect on any organs, but the risk of negative consequences always remains. Ibuprofen should be taken with caution.
Dosing and administration
The method of application and dosage depend on the person's condition and the problem that needs to be eliminated. Thus, for rheumatoid arthritis, 800 mg of the drug (4 tablets) should be taken 3 times a day. This is quite enough for a person to feel relief.
For osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, the drug is used at 400-600 mg (2-3 tablets) 3-4 times a day. For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 30-40 mg per kg of a person's weight is enough. But in this case, the drug is used once a day.
For soft tissue injuries, sprains, usually 600 mg (3 tablets) are prescribed 2-3 times a day. If a person is bothered by pain, it is enough to take the medicine 400 mg (2 tablets) 3 times a day. The maximum daily dose should not be more than 12 tablets per day. Naturally, the dosage is selected by the attending physician, depending on the problem that the person has. Therefore, self-medication is highly discouraged. Ibuprofen has a large list of possible side effects on the human body.
Use Ibuprofen during pregnancy
The use of Ibuprofen during pregnancy is prohibited. This drug can affect not only the mother's body, but also the developing fetus. Therefore, it is not worth using. Naturally, there are cases when it is impossible to do without medication. Such a decision is made exclusively by the attending physician. It is always necessary to draw a parallel between the positive effect for the mother, with the negative effect on the baby's body. The drug can be taken only if the first criterion is significantly higher than the latter.
In the first trimester, any medication should be used under the supervision of a physician. In general, the use of drugs is prohibited during this period. There is a high risk of harm to the developing organism. Pathologies and even miscarriage are possible. All this indicates that self-medication can cause irreparable harm. Ibuprofen during pregnancy and breastfeeding is used exclusively under the supervision of a specialist.
Contraindications
Contraindications for the use of Ibuprofen are quite extensive. Thus, the drug should never be used if a person has hypersensitivity to its main components. This can lead to the development of a serious allergic reaction.
The drug should not be used for erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase. It can cause serious harm to the body. People with hematopoiesis disorders should also refuse the drug.
People with ulcerative colitis and optic nerve diseases are at particular risk. In case of severe renal or hepatic dysfunction, it is imperative to refuse the medication. Naturally, children under 6 years of age are strictly prohibited from taking the medication. This is a strong medication that can not only be beneficial, but also cause serious harm. Everyone else can use Ibuprofen, but you should not do this without consulting a specialist. The risk of harming the body on your own is always high.
Side effects Ibuprofen
Side effects of Ibuprofen manifest themselves in many organs and systems. So, mainly these are nausea, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, headache, insomnia and allergic reactions. This is a "standard" set of negative reactions from the body. But there are other, extremely interesting cases.
The following deviations may be observed from the gastrointestinal tract: NSAID gastropathy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, nausea, vomiting, heartburn. In some cases, all this is complicated by perforation and bleeding. Irritation or dryness in the oral cavity, unpleasant pain sensations are possible.
In the sensory organs, hearing impairment, ringing or noise in the ears, damage to the optic nerve, scotoma, conjunctival edema, and allergic genesis may be observed.
The central and peripheral nervous system responds to the effects of the drug with headache, insomnia, nervousness, psychomotor agitation, aseptic meningitis, drowsiness and depression.
Cardiovascular system: tachycardia, increased blood pressure, heart failure. Urinary system: allergic nephritis, polyuria, cystitis and acute renal failure.
Allergic reactions are also possible. They are manifested by the presence of skin rash, itching, anaphylactoid reactions, anaphylactic shock, fever, eosinophilia, allergic rhinitis.
Hematopoietic organs: anemia, agranupolycystosis and leukopenia. Increased sweating is possible. The risk of developing ulcers of the gastrointestinal mucosa is high. If side effects occur, stop using Ibuprofen.
Overdose
Overdose during medication intake is not excluded. It occurs mainly due to exceeding the permissible dose of use. Many people, trying to eliminate unpleasant pain syndrome or speed up treatment, take the medication in an increased dosage. All this leads to the manifestation of negative effects on the part of the body.
So, there may be abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, slow reaction, headache, depression, tinnitus, acute renal failure, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and even complete respiratory arrest. The negative consequences are quite impressive. This once again emphasizes the fact that self-treatment with Ibuprofen can cause serious harm to the body.
To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is worth resorting to a number of necessary actions. First, the person's stomach is washed. But this is relevant only in the first hour after taking the drug. Then activated carbon is prescribed, with the calculation of one tablet per kilogram of weight. Such an effect can significantly reduce absorption. Alkaline drinks, forced diuresis and symptomatic therapy will be useful.
Interactions with other drugs
Interactions Ibuprofen with other drugs is carried out with special caution. Thus, the drug should not be taken together with acetylsalicylic acid and other NSAIDs. The drug can reduce the anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effect of the acid. This can lead to an increase in the incidence of acute coronary insufficiency in patients who receive low doses of acetylsalicylic acid as an antiplatelet agent.
When used with anticoagulant and thrombolytic drugs, there is a risk of bleeding. Concomitant use with serotonin reuptake inhibitors increases the likelihood of serious gastrointestinal bleeding.
Gold preparations enhance the effect of Ibuprofen on the synthesis of prostaglandins in the kidneys, which is manifested by an increase in nephrotoxicity. Medicines that block tubular secretion can reduce the excretion and increase the plasma concentration of the main drug.
Microsomal oxidation inhibitors significantly reduce the risk of hepatotoxic action. The hypotensive activity of vasodilators, natriuretic and diuretic activity of furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are reduced. The concentration of digoxin, lithium preparations, and methotrexate in the blood increases. Caffeine enhances the analgesic effect of Ibuprofen.
Storage conditions
Storage conditions of Ibuprofen include several basic rules. Particular attention has always been paid to storage, accounting and dispensing of medications. Correct maintenance of Ibuprofen is based on rational organization of storage, regular accounting of expiration dates.
It is important to always maintain the optimum temperature. In this case, it should not exceed 25 degrees. Air humidity and protection from light play a significant role. The medicine should not be exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity. This will lead to the medicine being spoiled.
It is important to understand that violation of storage rules can not only reduce the effectiveness of actions, but also harm the human body. Long-term storage of the drug is not always acceptable. Thus, over time, its pharmacological activity changes. Naturally, children should not be allowed to use the medicine under any circumstances. It can be taken starting from the age of 6, and then, at a special low dose. Self-use can lead to serious negative reactions from the body. Therefore, Ibuprofen should be stored away from unwanted influences and children's curiosity.
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Shelf life
The shelf life of the medicine is 3 years. It should not be used after the specified time. The fact is that over time, the pharmacological effects begin to actively change. At best, this will not give any result, at worst, it will cause serious harm to the body.
Storage of the drug plays a huge role. It is desirable that it be a warm, dry place, without direct sunlight. Naturally, humidity and high temperatures are prohibited. Do not allow children near the medicine, they can harm themselves.
You should also pay attention to the external characteristics of the drug. The color, smell and taste should not change. If such changes occur, the drug can no longer be used. Most likely, the basic storage rules were violated, and the medicine became unusable. Ibuprofen must be stored in the original packaging. Do not put it in the refrigerator, this drug does not require special conditions.
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Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ibuprofen" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.