Ibuprofen
Tablet, syrup or gel
Quick Summary
Ibuprofen reduces pain, fever and swelling by blocking chemicals called prostaglandins. It's useful for pain with inflammation, such as sprains and period pain.
Medical Uses
How it's taken
Take it with or after food to protect your stomach, for the shortest time needed.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Stomach upset
Indigestion, heartburn or nausea.
Headache and dizziness
Sometimes.
Stomach bleeding
Rare but serious, especially with long use.
Interactions
Blood thinners and aspirin
Increase bleeding risk.
Blood pressure medicines
Ibuprofen can reduce their effect and harm the kidneys.
Other NSAIDs
Don't take two NSAIDs together.
Critical Warnings
Don't use in dengue
Black Box Warning: It can increase bleeding risk. Use paracetamol instead unless a doctor advises otherwise.
Stomach, kidney and heart problems
Ask your doctor before use if you have ulcers, kidney disease, heart disease or asthma worsened by NSAIDs.
Pregnancy
Avoid in later pregnancy unless your doctor advises it.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Ibuprofen: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Ibuprofen for adults: painkiller that also treats inflammation(opens in a new tab) · NHS