Brufen; Advil; Nurofen (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
Common tablet strengths include 200 mg and 400 mg; formulations and strengths vary by market.
Prescription classification
Both Rx and OTC strengths exist (verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used for short-term relief of pain, fever and inflammation. Common uses include headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches and selected joint conditions.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Avoid in people with a previous serious reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another NSAID, active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, and around coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Additional restrictions depend on the product label.
Important precautions
May cause stomach ulceration or bleeding and can increase cardiovascular and kidney risks. Use the lowest effective amount for the shortest necessary period. Do not combine with another NSAID unless a clinician directs it. Pregnancy requires special review, particularly from around 20 weeks onward.
Common side effects
Possible effects include indigestion, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dizziness and fluid retention.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Urgent concerns include black stools or vomiting blood, chest pain, sudden weakness, severe allergic reaction, markedly reduced urine or severe skin reactions.
Important interactions
Important interactions may include anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, some antidepressants, blood-pressure medicines, diuretics, lithium and methotrexate. A complete medication review is recommended.
Allergy considerations
Do not use after a serious allergic or asthma-type reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another NSAID. Check inactive ingredients where relevant.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Do not self-treat with ibuprofen during pregnancy. Use around or after 20 weeks only if specifically directed by a qualified clinician; later-pregnancy risks are especially important.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Professional guidance is appropriate for repeated use, high doses or an infant with medical concerns. Follow the specific product labeling.
Children and older adults
Use age- and weight-appropriate products for children. Avoid giving it to a dehydrated child without professional advice; older adults have increased gastrointestinal, kidney and cardiovascular risks.
Storage
Keep tightly closed in the original packaging at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and out of children’s reach. Follow the product label.
Missed dose
For occasional use, follow the package directions. For a scheduled prescription, follow the prescriber’s instructions; do not double a dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Suspected overdose may cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, bleeding, kidney injury or other serious effects. Seek urgent medical advice.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
References
National Library of Medicine — National Library of Medicinesource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
RxNorm (National Library of Medicine) — RxNorm (National Library of Medicine)source(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
Brufen; Advil; Nurofen (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
Common tablet strengths include 200 mg and 400 mg; formulations and strengths vary by market.
Prescription classification
Both Rx and OTC strengths exist (verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used for short-term relief of pain, fever and inflammation. Common uses include headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches and selected joint conditions.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Avoid in people with a previous serious reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another NSAID, active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, and around coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Additional restrictions depend on the product label.
Important precautions
May cause stomach ulceration or bleeding and can increase cardiovascular and kidney risks. Use the lowest effective amount for the shortest necessary period. Do not combine with another NSAID unless a clinician directs it. Pregnancy requires special review, particularly from around 20 weeks onward.
Common side effects
Possible effects include indigestion, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dizziness and fluid retention.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Urgent concerns include black stools or vomiting blood, chest pain, sudden weakness, severe allergic reaction, markedly reduced urine or severe skin reactions.
Important interactions
Important interactions may include anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, some antidepressants, blood-pressure medicines, diuretics, lithium and methotrexate. A complete medication review is recommended.
Allergy considerations
Do not use after a serious allergic or asthma-type reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another NSAID. Check inactive ingredients where relevant.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Do not self-treat with ibuprofen during pregnancy. Use around or after 20 weeks only if specifically directed by a qualified clinician; later-pregnancy risks are especially important.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Professional guidance is appropriate for repeated use, high doses or an infant with medical concerns. Follow the specific product labeling.
Children and older adults
Use age- and weight-appropriate products for children. Avoid giving it to a dehydrated child without professional advice; older adults have increased gastrointestinal, kidney and cardiovascular risks.
Storage
Keep tightly closed in the original packaging at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and out of children’s reach. Follow the product label.
Missed dose
For occasional use, follow the package directions. For a scheduled prescription, follow the prescriber’s instructions; do not double a dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Suspected overdose may cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, bleeding, kidney injury or other serious effects. Seek urgent medical advice.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
References
National Library of Medicine — National Library of Medicinesource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
RxNorm (National Library of Medicine) — RxNorm (National Library of Medicine)source(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
