Health Library

Ibuprofen (By mouth)

Ibuprofen (eye-bue-PROE-fen)

Treats pain and fever. This medicine is an NSAID.

Brand Name(s):

Advil, Advil Children's, Advil Liqui-Gels, Advil Migraine, Children's Motrin, Concentrated Motrin Infants' Drops, Foster&Thrive Ibuprofen, Genpril, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Children's Ibuprofen, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Ibuprofen Junior Strength, Good Neighbor Tab-Profen, I-Prin, IBU, IBU-200, Ibu

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Suspension, Tablet, Chewable Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Prescription ibuprofen should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.
• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
• Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
• Oral liquid: Shake well just before using. Measure with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Chewable tablet: Chew completely before you swallow it. Then drink some water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
• For Children: Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure how much medicine to give a child. The dose is usually based on weight, not age. Never give more medicine than directed.
• For Adults: Do not take more than 6 pills in 1 day (24 hours) unless your doctor tells you to.
• Missed dose: If you take this medicine on a regular basis and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicine can affect how ibuprofen works. Tell your doctor if you are also using lithium, methotrexate, a blood thinner (such as warfarin), a steroid medicine (such as hydrocortisone, prednisolone, prednisone), a diuretic (water pill), or an ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine.
• Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diclofenac, naproxen, or celecoxib.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, lupus or a similar connective tissue disease, or a history of ulcers or other digestion problems. Tell your doctor if you smoke or have heart or blood circulation problems, including high blood pressure, heart failure (CHF), or bleeding problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Bleeding and ulcers in the stomach or intestines
  • Higher risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Vision problems
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse, pain lasts more than 10 days, or fever lasts more than 3 days.
• This medicine might contain sugar or phenylalanine (aspartame).
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, severe headache, trouble seeing or talking, pain in your lower leg
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, neck pain, stiff neck
• Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, bloody or black, tarry stools
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain
• Trouble seeing, blind spots, change in how you see colors
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, gas, mild upset stomach
• Dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024