Ibuprofen

Also known as: Advil / Motrin (brands), NSAID (propionic acid class)

Other

In plain English

Ibuprofen is a common anti-inflammatory pain and fever reducer. It helps with aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, headaches, and fever. It works well for short-term use, but taking it often, at high doses, or long-term raises the risk of stomach ulcers/bleeding, kidney problems, and heart events, so it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.

The science

Ibuprofen is a nonselective NSAID that inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis to produce analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is FDA-approved for pain, fever, dysmenorrhea, and inflammatory/rheumatic disorders; the OTC daily limit is generally 1200 mg, with higher prescription dosing for arthritis.

References

• Ngo VTH & Bajaj T, Ibuprofen, StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) 2023
• Ngo VTH & Bajaj T, NSAIDs, StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) 2023